302 Cold Starting Help

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Feb 18, 2015 | 09:40 PM

dcombs

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 32

Likes: 0

From: Denver

302 Cold Starting Help

Hi Guys,

I recently bought a 72' Bronco with a 302. It has the factory motorcraft 2100 carb. I'm having some problem when starting it cold - It fires right up but idles a little rough (pretty normal as it warms up) but when I hit the gas - nothing happens. I keep letting it idle for like 5 minutes and the gas pedal will start to get a response.

This doesn't happen when it's warm outside. When it's warm - say 40ish degree and warmer it just goes fine. I thought it was the automatic choke - I adjusted it but still doing the same thing. I'm confused why I'm getting no response from hitting the gas (or if I open the engine and pull the throttle cable) when the engine is cold...

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Danny

Feb 19, 2015 | 06:13 AM

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

Likes: 6

From: Raphine, Virginia

You are on the right track. Make sure your "fast idle" is working. When engine is cold, pressing the accelerator once to the floor should close the choke and set the fast idle cam. A stepped cam on the side of carb. As it warms the choke opens and releases the throttle from the fast idle cam. Engine should start and run smooth when adjusted properly, though at higher rpm until warm. Normal for it to take a few minutes for idle to drop and respond properly. Just a characteristic of a carbed engine. You can Google search for the procedure on adjusting.

Feb 19, 2015 | 05:27 PM

f5fordgirl

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 1,275

Likes: 134

Remove the air cleaner, look down in the carb, then move the throttle, if you don't see any gas squirt out of the two nozzels, the excelerator pump isn't working.