Hi everyone
My friend and I bought a running 1966 Ford Econoline because we couldn't resist its beauty and we want to take it surfing all over SoCal and beyond.
It's in a really good condition and runs quite smoothly, but we have a couple of problems:
In order of urgency:
1. Fumes. The air inside gets toxic from invisible engine fumes. I'm sure we can do better with insulation but is the engine supposed to spew toxic fumes out of anything other than the exhaust?
2. Say we hit a freeway ramp and we push on the gas all the way want to speed up as fast as possible, the van kind of stalls, almost like if no gas is going through, and we won't get the engine again combusting until we let it slow down and push on the gas again, but very delicately.
We are not mechanics and we are looking for a trustworthy one in Venice, CA.
Thank you in advance for any input or info about a knowledgeable mechanic.

 

Don't know how much I can help, I have not worked on a carb in over 20 years, but it sounds like the accelerator pump is bad. When you stomp on the gas it is supposed to shoot extra gas into the engine to compensate for the extra air suddenly being ingested. If it doesn't, then the engine falls flat on its face and stumbles because it is starved for fuel. As for the toxic fumes, it could be from a carb needing adjustment, or the timing is off. Since a carb rebuild would cure the accelerator pump issue, and get the carb back into spec, I would say that is the first priority. It may cure both problems you speak of. A good mechanic would be able to tell you more. Finding one with carburetor experience might be a problem though.

Jim

 

Good advice Jim. Check your exhaust system for leaks.

 

Didn't even think of that. Logical choice too.

Jim

 

Thanks guys. A friend of mine who's the main mechanic for a ski resort machinery also suggested the carburator but when he checked it out, he said it was clean.
But since the carb keeps coming back into the discussion, I will definitely get a second opinion. Just need to find the right person for the job.

 

Two main sources for nasty fumes would be:

Exhaust, already discussed. Does it make a lot of noise? Or is it well muffled?

Crankcase vent. This vehicle should have a PCV system. Often times, these are neglected. You should have a breather that takes air in the valve cover either through a screened breather cap/oil fill hole, and a pcv with a hose to the base of the carb or near the carb.

If you have no pcv, the crankcase fumes are just going to come out of your oil fill hole or any other opening in the valve cover/crank case.

 

Any fumes update?

 

Ed Little Auto Service, 4318 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City.

Engler Brothers Auto Parts on Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. The best dang auto parts store for older vehicles.

 

Check your rear door seals. As you drive down the road with a open window it creates a vacum inside sucking exhaust fumes. We had this same problem on Ford ambulances

 

Wow! Howdy Bill, long time no see