idle not maintained

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Jan 18, 2014 | 11:24 AM

intofire56

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idle not maintained

Hey...son has a 1963 F-100, "Y" block (I believe a 292 [exhaust comes toward front then back to rear)

Hard to start...Once warmed up....will not idle ( drives it by constantly throttling)

It has exhaust leak and has been running fine (noise) since purchased

Choked float blades seem to operate and position correctly (fully horizontal/vertical)

Was running hot (and dumping fluid out drain hose)...replaced radiator cap and the thermostat

Still idle issue after overheat issue fixed
, thought it was it

Any thoughts...I think he in for the long haul in repairs with this truck

We thought the idle needed to be adjusted..nope

Carburetor (gasket..)? Vacuum leak (don't see any vacuum lines) condenser changed when we got it (1st day breakdown) .. points?..timing (how would it get off)?

Thanks Rick

rlranch@att.net

Jan 18, 2014 | 02:39 PM

Tedster9

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From: Waterloo, Iowa

It's possible if not even likely, that the timing marks have slipped on the damper, this is a common problem with Y blocks. The result is the base timing will be way off, if someone in the past DID try to time it with a light. Improper timing can make for hard starting, among other things. Worth a look to at least eliminate this as suspect.

Probably the easiest solution with Y blocks that have original or suspect dampers is to use a vacuum gage to set timing, as well as the idle mixture.

Timing, Idle and idle mixture all interact with each other and a vacuum gage is invaluable when working with old iron, quick and easy and accurate.

Jan 28, 2014 | 08:31 PM

1964truckster

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sounds like timing is retarded....you'll need to find tdc and time it that way

Jan 29, 2014 | 08:29 AM

tinman52

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From: northwest MT

Sounds like you might need to do a tune up....at least timing, points and condenser.
The idle problem could also be carb related, likely a vacuum leak around worn throttle shafts or even float level. Does idle improve if you close the choke a bit?

Jan 29, 2014 | 08:38 AM

rogue40

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From: Sedro-Woolley, WA

There are a number of things that can contribute to the symptoms you mentioned.
First, and my suspicion, is that it is running very rich. This can cause rough idle and running hot. Does the exhaust smell "gassy"?
Second could be a vacuum leak. This could be around the base of the carburetor as well as and hoses. When it is fully warmed up, does it run better with the choke partially closed? You can usually find an exhaust leak by spraying carburetor cleaner around the base of the carb, while idling, ans listening for a drop in rpms.
Third could be a head gasket or burnt valve issue. You can get a fair assessment of this by doing a compression test.
Also, pull the spark plugs and compare their condition to a chart like this one,
MudInMyBlood Forums Spark Plug Color Chart
These as well as the previous suggestions should give you a good starting point.

Jan 30, 2014 | 10:40 PM

intofire56

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Thanks you so much for some direction..I will you posted...

However, now we have bigger fish to fry first: now the alarm won't open doors..The alarm activation light is not even blinking in the cab.. God I hope it's just the battery and no he had no door key...its a 24 yo were talking about!

Jan 30, 2014 | 11:35 PM

intofire56

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Thanks you so much for some direction..I will keep you posted...

However, now we have bigger fish to fry first: now the alarm won't open doors..The alarm activation light is not even blinking in the cab.. God I hope it's just the battery and no he had no door key...its a 24 yo were talking about!