1978 F150

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Aug 27, 2011 | 11:05 PM

TNLuke

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1978 F150

I have a 1978 F150 w/ a 351. It's been sitting for a few years. I put fresh fuel in it and a new battery & it cranks up but dies shortly.

I saw fire come from carb. one time when I started it. It has a funny noise like a hissing sound when i give it gas and it dies after a few seconds. I'm putting on new spark plugs tomorrow. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Aug 28, 2011 | 06:35 AM

60DRB

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From: East L.A.

The carb may be too gunked up to work properly. Fuel pump/filter/system the same. Did you change all the fluids? With the plugs you'll want new wires, distributor cap & rotor. I don't know if the '78 still had points or not. If it started even briefly the coil should be OK. Hissing... might be one or more vacuum lines leaking, or a gasket somewhere dried out and split.

That's what pops into my my without looking at the truck in person. You'll probably get better answers at the correct forum.

Aug 28, 2011 | 09:08 PM

pidaster

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From: Arkansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNLuke

I have a 1978 F150 w/ a 351. It's been sitting for a few years. I put fresh fuel in it and a new battery & it cranks up but dies shortly.

Start with posting in the correct forum.
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

You need to do several things if it's been sitting up for a few years. The tank needs to be completely drained and the fuel lines need to be blown/flushed out. Replace your filters, add fresh fuel, and try again.
As previously stated, you could have a vacuum line that is leaking or a bad gasket. You could also have a clogged fuel line or a cracked fuel line that is sucking in air.

Aug 28, 2011 | 09:20 PM

TNLuke

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Thanks for the info! We got the plugs changed & are now in the process of rebuilding the carbuerator. Is there a good way to check the vac lines for a leak when I get the carb back on? Thanks again!

Aug 28, 2011 | 10:30 PM

tbear853

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From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNLuke

Thanks for the info! We got the plugs changed & are now in the process of rebuilding the carbuerator. Is there a good way to check the vac lines for a leak when I get the carb back on? Thanks again!

Look at them first, feel the ends where they are slipped up on fittings, if hard or you feel a crack, good bet. Shouldn't be all that many. Good ones to check are big line from power booster to tree on intake, each smaller kline, and the large one from PCV valve to fitting either on carb or intake.

There is a great bunch of guys on the 73-79 forum who can help you along and whom may never see your posts here. I hit both as I have a '77 and a '07.

Good Luck!