400m Hard starting
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: South of Butler PA
400m Hard starting
Recently I put together a 400m, first time, had some issues but other than that went ok. It starts incredibly great cold (first rev), warms up runs fine, then starts like crap. It hesitates and lopes like the timing is way off while starting (but runs just fine) I installed the distributor and set everything accordingly. 0dtc, pointing at #1 on compression(plug wires are correct)...and the adjustment in the dizzy should take up the rest of the slack right?
I point my timing gun at the marks and they are not even close to where they should be. I turn the dist to bring them up and the truck stalls out. To me it seems like its a tooth over, so i move it a tooth over, now the timing marks line up but the truck runs like trash. It took the valve cover off and the #1 valves are closed at TDC on compression.
So bascially im asking is would my issue be in the timing chain? why would the truck run still run so nicely if the timing chain is off? This project is kicking my *** but im determined to get it right. Thanks
I point my timing gun at the marks and they are not even close to where they should be. I turn the dist to bring them up and the truck stalls out. To me it seems like its a tooth over, so i move it a tooth over, now the timing marks line up but the truck runs like trash. It took the valve cover off and the #1 valves are closed at TDC on compression.
So bascially im asking is would my issue be in the timing chain? why would the truck run still run so nicely if the timing chain is off? This project is kicking my *** but im determined to get it right. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 280
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
Do you have an electric or manual choke? Either way, is the flap all the way open when it's hot? It doesn't really sound like anything major though. Just double check the small stuff and maybe retard/ advanced the timing a couple degrees to see if the symptoms change...
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
Suggest you get the timing sorted out first. As I understand the situation, the truck runs OK with the timing way off with a light and runs poorly when timed at 10 degrees advance with a light. Sometimes the factory dampers can slip so the timing marks are not lined up. Also, it would be worth double checking the plug you are using for timing vs Ford firing order (Ford firing order is numbered different than Chevy or Dodge).
The best starting point is to find true TDC on #1. Buy or make a positive stop tool which screws into the spark plug hole. It should be set to block the piston before it reaches TDC. Roll the engine over by hand one way until it hits the stop and mark the damper. Roll the opposite way until it hits the stop. Half way in between is TDC. You would then figure your initial advance setting from the true TDC.
If the damper has slipped, its time for a different one.
The best starting point is to find true TDC on #1. Buy or make a positive stop tool which screws into the spark plug hole. It should be set to block the piston before it reaches TDC. Roll the engine over by hand one way until it hits the stop and mark the damper. Roll the opposite way until it hits the stop. Half way in between is TDC. You would then figure your initial advance setting from the true TDC.
If the damper has slipped, its time for a different one.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
I would look at a rich condition rather than the timing. With the easy cold start and good warm up it sounds like the timing is in the ballpark. The timing doesn't change with engine temperature. An engine's fuel needs do. Rich when cold, leaner when warm. That is the purpose of the choke.
An overly rich mixture will give you the symptoms you describe.
The suggestion to check the choke flap would be a great place to start (no pun intended).
As mentioned in a previous post, finding and confirming TDC is a good idea. You will know where your timing is then.
Hope this helps.
Roger Carter
An overly rich mixture will give you the symptoms you describe.
The suggestion to check the choke flap would be a great place to start (no pun intended).
As mentioned in a previous post, finding and confirming TDC is a good idea. You will know where your timing is then.
Hope this helps.
Roger Carter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
In regards to the engine family, in the late 70's the side of the valve cover said (351m400). It could be a 351 cid engine or a 400 cid engine and it would specify on the valve cover. I've had both, liked the 351 better.
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