I have a 1983 f250 460 4bbl carb that wont start
It started one tine then stalled (cold) now it wont start again I checked to make sure fuel is getting into the intake (it is) I checked to make sure its getting spark (plugs and distibuitor) it is and air. with those three componet working the thing should start right?? or am I missing something it didnt back fire it just acted like a big 460 does when you first start it up. any help would be great

 

Pull some of the sparkplugs. If they are wet and smell like gas, then they are fouled and need to be replaced. You could also try drying them out, but that's a gamble.

 

that was the first thing I did but to no avail

 

If it is getting fuel, air, and spark, then yes, it SHOULD start. Since it didn't, it is likely that there is a problem with the amounts of these things and not whether or not the engine is getting them.

Have you checked the fuel filter to see if it is clogged? It does not have to be plugged solid to cause engine problems.

If the fuel filter is OK, how about the fuel pump? Is it putting out the pressure that it should?

Battery should be putting out 13 1/2 volts or so. Is it?

Does the engine turn over when you turn the key? If not or it turns over slowly, then look for a starter motor problem.

How about that distributor? Any chance that it came loose and the timing is WAY off because of that?

If you pull a spark plug wire and hold it near the plug tip, does it throw a 1/4" or better spark when the engine is cranking? It should if spark is being delivered.

Other than these things, all I can think of would be a massive vacuum leak somewhere in the induction system.

Sorry if these ideas seem too simple to be of any help but it's about all I can think of at the moment.

Ed

 

If the plugs look ok, and you are sure the engine is not flooded, then pump the gas pedal 3 or 4 times BEFORE you crank the engine, and then crank it over and see if it tries to start. If it does, then you are going to have to keep playing with the gas pedal till it warms up, or get the choke on the carb fixed.