Over the weekend, I went and took a look at the '73 camper special that is being advertised a few hours south of were I live. The truck is overall pretty clean and intack, but the he was unable to get the engine to run for more than about 30 seconds at a time. He has stated that it was running just fine (when he parked it several months ago). It does get spark and is getting gas through the carb, but just will not stay running.


I am thinking of picking it up and with the hopes that maybe the carb is just junked up or the fuel pickup screen in the tanks are clogged.


My questions to the more knowledgeable members would be what would be a few quick things to consider and try to get it running again?


My ultimate plans would be to go through and upgrade the ignition and but am concerned that I would be getting into something way too deep for my current skills and time frame.


Thanks in advance for any advice that you would like to throw my way.

 

B, I believe I used a coolant jug as a gas tank, removed the hose at the pump going to the tank and connected a new hose to the jug with new gas in it. Put some gas in something like a small water bottle to pour into the carb in small amounts.

I'm leaning on bad gas, this way you are using new gas, and with a few sips from the water bottle it should get to running from the big jug. Don't care what the seller sez it aint running til I see it running.


John

 

John, thanks for the reply. I agree, that it is not running until I see it running. My thinking is that if it is possibly something "relatively simple" that it may be worth picking up for cheap, but only if it would not take a great amount of time to get running again. This truck also originally came with AC (but compressor has been long since removed), but it appears that the condenser and other parts are still present (good idea for my location) and it would be easier than starting from scratch.


Again, thanks for your help and ideas, it is appreciated.

 

If it will run for 30 sec. and then die without any obvious mechanical sounds it is probably something simple. Get a rock bottom price and take a chance. That's what I'd do.

 

Agree with this thinking. I would also lean toward bad gas, it does not take long for this "gas" nowadays to cause carb problems. It sounds fuel related, pull the line at the carb and see if there is fuel coming out(into a container) when cranked over.

 

also check for spark AFTER it dies.

 

There is fuel making it to the carb, but not sure of the quality or consistent volume of the fuel. If the owner is willing to come down some on his price, I think that I may go ahead and risk the purchase.


Has anyone tried to recreate a factory installed AC system that has had a few parts removed? Just wondering if it is worth attempting or just easier to start over with an after market system...

 

york compressors and most of the other parts are still readily available, so i would redo it with original parts.

 

Personally I'd get a late model compressor and use 134R gas. The old yorks were good in their time but are overweight inefficient slugs now a day. Get a Sanden compressor or something out of a late model car and fab the brackets.

 

I concur.

John

 

69cj and jowilker, thank you for the input, that is probably a great idea concerning the newer Sanden compressor. I believe that I have read a couple of articles on this site (I'll do a search) talking about using the newer style and the required brackets.


I'm trying to negotiate with the seller now to work out a deal for a "non-running" f250, hopefully he will come down a little on the price...

 

It's summer, and the choke is stuck so it'd drowning itself in gas

Is the choke plate opening?

 

Agree on the Sanden. I did the conversion with my 65 Fairlane. If you are showing the truck go with the original, if you are using the truck use the Sanden.