Howdy all,

So, I went to pick up some bits and pieces for my truck (77 F250 351M, C6) today, and when i got to the parking lot, I smelled fuel, Hose clamp on the fuel line failed, after replacing the clamps and the hose, it ran fine to my next stop.

Pulling out of the parking lot, when i tried to accelerate to driving speed, the engine just lost idle, stumbled, then surged to try and catch up and then repeated over and over. until i made it home and shut it off.

In park, I can rev the engine from idle to as high as i wanted it to go with no problems, Once it's in gear, problem comes back.

I'm at a loss when it comes to major drivetrain stuff. One thing i noticed when i fixed the fuel line was that the plug on the distributor had fuel dripping on it, and it had caused the plastic to crumble away. Wrapped each exposed wire up in electrical tape and then wrapped the whole thing together to try and prevent a short on the way home.

If anyone can help me out, i'd appreciate it.

 

Check for a disconnected vacuum line, a dirty fuel filter, or trash in the carb.

 

I have a similar problem but mine revved out in park but like as you said - it was trying to catch up. Mine has just started spluttering and kangaroo hopping when have to go up steep hills from stop. It's an auto, but it sounds like its going to stall.
I've just replaced my distributor cap and dizzy which were both burnt out, and replaced the module that sits on the side of the distributor with an authentic Bosch.
Other than that it runs great, she just hates my steep drive way. Having it checked out this week and will post results. If you guys have any thoughts about what it might be I am all ears.

 

How steep is your driveway? you might have problems with a bad carb float, jets, fuel pickup, or fuel bowl, or a combination of the above.

 

Probs about 45 degrees. Just started doing it. It did it again on a lesser incline with lesser but similar symptoms.

 

Just a quick update, and not a good one. My truck shat itself this arvo. After finding the vacuum advance thingy hanging right off the distributor I then discovered that the timing is completely retarded and getting worse. I have tried to advance it via the plugs on the distributor but that only made it worse. Its just lost all power when in gear. I wonder if the carby is clogged up too.
Totally annoyed with this truck but more particularly with my lack of skills to figure this out plus the four day long weekend for Easter.
As Ned Kelly said, "Such is life".

 

Don't feel too bad I myself have finally adjusted my carb and timing somewhat it runs better but still drinks her fuel. Adjust your timing and fuel ratio. I knew mine was because of too much fuel. But try that and check plug gap. Pull the plugs and look at the chart it'll tell you several things.

 

Seems pretty strange to think the timing would retard that much while sitting. Dont move the plugs, as that will change the firing order. Loosen the hold down bolt and advance the timing, if needed. Timing lights are relatively inexpensive for what you need and really easy to use.

I would be more inclined to say you have a clogged fuel filter and carb jet. What kind of carb is on it? Do you have an inline filter before your carb?

 

I am wondering if the new module we installed on the distributor is faulty and this causing the timing problem. I think I will replace the old one to see what happens.

 

When you check timing make sure its in park warmed up and plug the hose off the distributor. The only reason I said to pull the plugs was to see what the sparkplug is telling you from the chart to help figure if your getting too much or little fuel. But I've done mine a few times for practice.... In which I found out one plug was so full of carbon there was no gap at all. So that being said pull one plug at a time if you do. Not saying its a must. But just a thought.

 

Firstly, jamusfam, sorry but it seems I have hijacked your thread: maybe you are getting good info from this like I am.
So, I replaced the new Bosch module with the old generic one and **** me the truck runs great! Took her for a 200 click spin to St Albans, NSW, and she ran like a wet dream. Just need to adjust the mix.
Thanks to everyone who contributed.