Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

1983 with 351 engine

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2014 | 07:38 PM
  #1  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
1983 with 351 engine

I just bought an '83 F150 with 351 that was used as a farm truck. It has set for a couple years and as you can guess the time in the elements has made a mess of the engine compartment. I have replaced the carburetor (which was rusted shut) with a holley replacement, but am wondering how to hook the vacuum lines back up. Much of the emissions equipment has been removed, can anyone post a picture of their engine compartment so I can get this guy back on the road?
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2014 | 07:55 PM
  #2  
slashfan7964's Avatar
slashfan7964
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
This the current engine in our truck, 85 F250, mild 351W, no emissions, Holley on top.





 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2014 | 08:04 PM
  #3  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Do you have some shots of the vacuum lines? I have the engine idling, but when I go to put it in gear, it will die. I'm guessing I have a line or two hooked up wrong.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2014 | 11:48 PM
  #4  
slashfan7964's Avatar
slashfan7964
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
Originally Posted by Twotall
Do you have some shots of the vacuum lines? I have the engine idling, but when I go to put it in gear, it will die. I'm guessing I have a line or two hooked up wrong.
The only hoses on it are the vacuum line off the dizzy, radiator, heater core, fuel, the line for power brakes and if anything a PCV in the back if its even hooked up which I think it is. No vacuum gauge is installed either.

Here is a diagram for vacuum lines on carbureted 85/86 351s.

 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 06:30 AM
  #5  
CountryBumkin's Avatar
CountryBumkin
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 5
From: Orlando area
Originally Posted by Twotall
Do you have some shots of the vacuum lines? I have the engine idling, but when I go to put it in gear, it will die. I'm guessing I have a line or two hooked up wrong.
Set the idle speed with the truck in gear.
There may be a dashpot on the carb (either vacuum and/or electric) which is used to increase idle speed when AC is on and also keeps throttle blades from closing too fast when you close throttle quickly to keep engine from stalling. Do you see anything like that at the base of the carb (front, throttle cable side)?

Example:Duralast/Dashpot (DP134) | AutoZone.com
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 06:46 AM
  #6  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

All you really need for vacuum is the PCV, to a big port at the base of the carburetor.
Brake booster, to a manifold port at the rear of the intake.
Distributor advance, to either ported vacuum on the carb or to a plastic thermal valve on the thermostat housing.

You may have vacuum for EGR, climate control dampers, charcoal canisters, stock air cleaner, etc..
But none of these are 'must have's' for the truck to run and stop.
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:48 AM
  #7  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
choke

I have the choke valve capped off right now, should that be routed to a solenoid?
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:53 AM
  #8  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

"choke valve"?
Are you talking about the heat stove/riser?

What "replacement Holley" do you have on your engine?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:55 AM
  #9  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
I'll take some pictures when I get off of work tonight, that might be more of a help then describing.
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:57 AM
  #10  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

If you have a vacuum routing diagram on the radiator support take a picture of that for us too
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 09:42 PM
  #11  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
I have the pictures, how do I upload them?
 

Last edited by Twotall; Aug 26, 2014 at 09:43 PM. Reason: Pictures didn't load
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 09:47 PM
  #12  
ctubutis's Avatar
ctubutis
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Club FTE Gold Member
User Gallery & Picture Display Help - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
 
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 09:58 PM
  #13  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Pictures


Thanks!

The vacuum diagram off the front.





here is how I have the hoses running to the breather, I show where the one running down in to the engine goes in a later photo.





drivers side view of compartment





I have those two vacuum ports capped off.





Breather removed from Carb.





all the lines from this view go to the drivers side. Most go to the brakes, some to the choke and front of the Carb after hitting an electronic component.
 

Last edited by Twotall; Aug 26, 2014 at 10:08 PM. Reason: wrong description.
Reply
Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:06 PM
  #14  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
More photos.

For some reason its not letting me post any more pictures from the truck. Below is the album with descriptions that I created.

1983 F150 initial vacuum setup. by Twotall | Ford-Trucks
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2014 | 02:11 PM
  #15  
Twotall's Avatar
Twotall
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
So I had an epiphany, the carburetor is an autoline rebuild. Link below and picture below.

Autoline Remanufactured Carburetor C8178A: You?ve found the best Carburetor at Advance Auto Parts





The choke on the left pictured was capped off, but when I hooked it up it made a huge difference in how the truck runs. I can now get the vehicle down the road, but it doesn't like to idle while in gear. Also, I think the spring hooked to the accelerator "control arm" is either stretched or I have something not set correctly because it doesn't pull the engine back down to an idle, but I can idle it manually.

Would the vacuum advance have anything to do with the vehicle almost stalling out when I put it in gear?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:26 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE