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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 03:30 PM
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79 4x4 question

ok, so i rescued this pretty decent 79 4x4, 351m/400 from going to the scrap yard and figured i could make a couple bucks on it.
the problem i am having is that when i try to start the truck it tries to run but spitts and sputters like its out of time. i have verified all the timing, this isnt the 1st ford project ive taken on so i know all the basics. i was hoping i am overlooking something simple. its getting spark, getting fuel, and is in time yet it barely runs and even while its doing that its spitting a little fuel out the carb like a spray. i have eliminated vacuum issues by temporarily doing some plugging off. kinda a little dumbfounded right now cause i know its probably something stupid but i figured id ask. thanks for the help guys!
 
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 04:43 PM
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possible carb issue.

Originally Posted by tex7569
ok, so i rescued this pretty decent 79 4x4, 351m/400 from going to the scrap yard and figured i could make a couple bucks on it.
the problem i am having is that when i try to start the truck it tries to run but spitts and sputters like its out of time. i have verified all the timing, this isnt the 1st ford project ive taken on so i know all the basics. i was hoping i am overlooking something simple. its getting spark, getting fuel, and is in time yet it barely runs and even while its doing that its spitting a little fuel out the carb like a spray. i have eliminated vacuum issues by temporarily doing some plugging off. kinda a little dumbfounded right now cause i know its probably something stupid but i figured id ask. thanks for the help guys!
If truck been setting awhile is the fuel in question?? also make sure float isn't stuck?
 
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 04:50 PM
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yeah, thinkin about a quick carb rebuild but just wanted to see if any of you thought that might be making the fuel spit back up while its trying to run? the fuel is good cause when i dropped the tank and put new sending unit in i put fresh fuel in.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 05:16 PM
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ignition and compression test!

Originally Posted by tex7569
yeah, thinkin about a quick carb rebuild but just wanted to see if any of you thought that might be making the fuel spit back up while its trying to run? the fuel is good cause when i dropped the tank and put new sending unit in i put fresh fuel in.
Need to do a compression test!! also make sure you ignition wires are in the correct spot. 1 3 7 2 6 5 4 8 firing order. Its amazing how the simple stuff can kick your butt. Keepin it simple for you the best we can.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 07:41 PM
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yeah, more than double checked timing issues cause thats what its acting like, gonna run a compression test tomorrow, what are these engines supposed to be running? theres no real indication of blown head gasket but at this point its worth a shot, when it does fire up it only runs at full throttle and runs low rpm real rough like, fuel spitts out the carb and i dont wanna push it too hard and light it up. would a compression leak force that fuel back up thru the intake??
 
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Old Feb 23, 2011 | 11:03 PM
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blowing back through carb?

Originally Posted by tex7569
yeah, more than double checked timing issues cause thats what its acting like, gonna run a compression test tomorrow, what are these engines supposed to be running? theres no real indication of blown head gasket but at this point its worth a shot, when it does fire up it only runs at full throttle and runs low rpm real rough like, fuel spitts out the carb and i dont wanna push it too hard and light it up. would a compression leak force that fuel back up thru the intake??
Its a intake valve staying open or burn't valve. Just ran into this about 2 weeks ago. A intake valve sucking up into head and spark plug wire in wrong spot. Compression should be around 120 psi to 135 in stock form. good luck.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 09:35 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by tex7569
ok, so i rescued this pretty decent 79 4x4, 351m/400 from going to the scrap yard and figured i could make a couple bucks on it........ i have verified all the timing, ........
When you say all the timing, do you mean you pulled the timing cover and checked the chain and gears?
If not then your compressions numbers may tell if it fell back a tooth. usually every time you crank the engine with the starter after that first jump in time they will fall back one more notch till they won't even start.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 09:39 AM
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Sounds like timing chain or valves to me.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2011 | 10:15 AM
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yeah sounds like one or the other.

compression test will tell alot. If a chain it will be some work to get fixed but definelty doable!!
 
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