I have a 1984 F150/302/ automatic, when I cold start the engine after pumping twice, it will start right up, then run out of gas? have to restart again and again, Then keep the gas feathered in like a manual choke unit? should I suspect the choke? or do you think gas is leaking from the carb bowl? I do not smell gas at all.. after a few min. it runs fine, restarts fine when warm. I was told to buy a new carb? and if that is a recomendation here, what do you all think about a Barry Grant 525 4 barrel to replace the twin? thanks, for your help, vic P.S. she only has 36,400 miles, really! have already replace a lot of dry rotted hoses and belts...what a find!

 

I would normally want to say the choke needs attention, perhaps it's sticking or needs to be
adjusted for your environment.

Being a 1984 I suspect you have one of those feedback carbs; does your carburetor have a
bunch of wires & electronic solenoids on it?

 

only had the truck just over a week, ahven't looked at it yet, did have the cleaner, breather replaced with rad hoses at the shop. but i haven't looked yet. just had some stuff done to pass inspection. new tires too. 26+years old! I will look and see soon, thanks, vic

 

It sounds like the choke to me. As ctubutis said, see if it is opening like it should when
it warms up. The choke may be adjustable, but many were not during this era. You can
pretty easily defeat the not adjustable feature and make it where you can adjust for
your truck and climate.

 

my 84 f150 has the 351 in it and the same issue. She also already has a 4 barrel, if my novice mechanical skills figure it out, will post solution

 

You guy's were right on the money again, it was the choke adjustment, and a linkage was stuck. had that taken care of, and now she starts up easy, goes to fast idle, and if you want you could drive immediately. I also found that a tiny little spring in the ignition switch was causing the key not to return to the run position after starting? I guess the old spring just didn't have the push needed to do the job...I bought a NOS switch on e bay for 5.00, and had it put in, Happy happy happy!!! I was thinking of junking the carb, but now she down shifts nice when you put it to the floor. I don't know what I'd gain with a new carb? so I think I'll leave it stock. Now she looks good and runs even better! Thanks Guy's for All the help!, vic