I have an '84 F-350 with a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">460 </a>ci engine and 62k original miles that has been used in the past for trailer hauling. I am familiar with the basics as far as tuneups go, but can't do major engine work. My truck runs OK (although it does seem to lack power) with no load, but when I hook my trailer up, even with a light load, I seem to have little power and the engine sputters going uphill, no matter how slight. Any ideas on what the problem is?

 

Cats clogged? or maybe the timing is off. If the cats are fine it sounds kind of like you have a worn timing chain or the distributor is not set right. Have you checked the timing with a light?

 

Another thing to look at is a weak fuel pump. Eric

 

Sounds familiar. My 84 F250HD, Clyde S. Dale , has always seemed a little "weak in the poop" also. Changed filters, professionally rebuilt carb, new distributer, played with timing, low restriction exhaust, K&N w/hi-volume cold air ducting and a bunch of lesser stuff.

I've driven quite a few 460's since my first one in 1979 and have hauled a lot of bigger, higher, wider and heavier loads. Mine is low mileage like yours, just approaching 59,000 miles, and never has been very impressive. The 3.55's should be matched to my load, again experience with 3.08's has been better. Did a run from MN to CO and NM running against a 17-25 mph SW headwind with my mid-profile 24' fifth wheel and not only set new records for fuel consumption but for continuous high engine temperatures. The day we went thru McCook, NE it was 111* and we struggled along running 230-235* w/o being able to use the a/c. NOT good!

I've started a "re-hab" program. First thing is a new 4-core Heatbuster radiator, goes in this weekend. Also will be insulating fuel lines to lessen vapor-lock problems. Had the Holley 4160 tuned to pass the discontinued MN emmissions program when I first did it in 96. I think that will be next. Rebuilder said Holleys should be redone every few years. This time we won't worry about emissions.

I'm looking for suggestions also. Hopefully we can get some.

Roger

 

Roger,
Man, that all sounds familiar (except the overheating part), but I'm not pulling the kinds of loads you are. I'm going to try the suggestions given and see what happens. When (if?) I nail this thing down, I'll let you know. I replaced the carb and gave it a tune-up and still not doing any good. One of the replies said I need to check my "cats" -- do you know what they are? Am not familiar with the slang.
Larry B.

 

Catylitic converters. Your truck being a one ton didn't have any.

 

I have a 78 f 250 with a 460 that pulls like my dads 01 superduty disel. If your 460 is mostly stock it wont pull real hard. My suggestion is to build it up.

 

sckanaka ---

My '74 F-100 with the same year engine in it runs like a scalded dawg...unless the primary fuel filter gets clogged...then I can barely make it up hills (or down). I'd check that - you ought to be able to blow through it. Easy $3.00 fix.....