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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

52 239 flathead

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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 12:48 PM
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52 239 flathead

My 52 starts OK, runs great until about 35-40 MPH then sputters (at a lower speed when going up a hill). I've replaced fuel filter and fuel pump.


Any ideas?
 
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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 01:06 PM
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Dirty fuel tank, dirt in the carb, not enough movement to the pump arm. Pull the line to the carb, run the line to a separate container and see how much fuel your pump is putting out. (CAUTION, HAVE FIRE BOTTLE ON HAND AND DO THIS OUTSIDE)
Also could be the plugs are fouled and fail to fire under heavy load. How long since a tune up, points, plugs, timing, etc?
 
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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 02:12 PM
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Thanks for the info. It is a new tank fuel filter etc but I'll take a look at the other things.

Rick
 
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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 02:39 PM
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This can also be caused by a coil that's heading south but not quite done for yet, or a bad condenser/points. Many "carb problems" are ignition problems. Check for proper vacuum advance operation too.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 02:41 PM
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THank You. I appreciate it.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2012 | 03:59 PM
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Check the resistor on the firewall. I was having same issue and thought it was vapor lock but when the resistor heated up truck would act like it wasnt getting fuel. Replaced resistor after fuel pump,carb rebuild and viola.
 
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Old Mar 27, 2012 | 09:15 AM
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I would also suggest checking the vacuum advance for a leak. If that is OK make sure that the distributor breaker plate moves when vacuum is applied. If it isn't moving and you can find someone with an old Sun distributor machine attached are the specs at various RPMs. This chart says late '50 and all '51 but I think it applies to '52 also. Maybe someone else on FTE can verify that.

Then of course you should check the vacuum while the engine is running. Attached is a handy chart which should help.
 
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