Hey guys, first post! So my dad and I just got this '71 ford F100 running, and it's fantastic. We think it's got about 220,000 on it, but we can't be sure because the odometer only goes up to 99,999. Anyway, it runs great. We replaced a few things when we got it going, but for the most part it's in great shape. Here's the problem though; the truck is extremely cold blooded.

It takes quite a while to warm up, and if it's not warm when you take off, you're not going anywhere. This was fine for about a week, just a quirky old truck. However, a few days ago, it started having a horrible time starting. One of the things we did when we first started working on it was get a new starter, so that's not the problem. This is where it's kind of weird.

When I first go to start it, it turns over instantly, and then starts to sputter down and die. From what I understand, this is fairly common for these old trucks. When I go to give it a little gas to keep it running, nothing happens. I can go pedal-to-the-metal, and it doesn't work at all. Same thing happens when it's choked.

After about 5 minutes of struggling, the truck will start and run great. I let it idle with the choke on for a few minutes, and then it takes off fine. Even once I park it for an hour or so, it'll start right up; this problem only occurs when the truck is pretty cold.

Any thoughts? I'm not really sure what to think, because I don't know a ton about cars. Any feedback would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance, and sorry for the essay :P

 

csifreak Welcome to FTE & the Bumpside forum

I'd say yours is a fuel related issue. Is it the stock 2 barrel carb? manual choke? Have you done anything to the carb.

One of our carb guys will be along shortly with better info.


John

 

We will need more specifics on the truck such as engine size and carb type. How long did the truck sit before you got it and got it running? What mods have been done to the motor? Did you rebuild the carb, and clean the tank, replace the hoses and ALL filters?
So many factors in these trucks so be sure to give as much info about the specs on the truck as well as what it's doing so we can give you the most informed responses.

 

It's got the small block 302 v8 with a Holly 500 2 barrel carburetor. I think I got it figured out now though. I couldn't get it to start earlier today, so I popped the hood to find gas running out of the carburetor. I figured that wasn't a good sign. My dad says he thinks the accelerator pump is shot, so we pulled the carburetor out and we're gonna clean it and fix it tomorrow.

 

Glad you found it.


John

 

Where is the gas pouring out of? Is it coming out of a gasket, the accelerator pump, or is it pumping up out of the float bowl vent? If it is coming out of the vent, you will want to check the float and the needle and seat.

 

Yep. Rebuld it. Holley 2 BBL's are easy to rebuild. The Holley 500 CFM "Super Duece" says list #4412 on the front of the choke air horn. Holley also makes a 350 CFM version which is list #7448. Let me know which you have and I'll give you any part numbers you need. Carb kit,float,etc.