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Hello folks. My first post of many questions to come. I tried to spend a good 12 hours searching for answers first. I bought a 1982 F100 with an inline six and was excited by the fact that the price was right and the inspection sticker was current. The previous owner started her up for me and the idle was racing which he said was unusual and we figured the throttle was sticking a bit. I had a two hour drive home up the Garden State Parkway and made it to my exit when some smoke started peeking out of the hood. Pulled over, popped the hood, and flames were on the passenger side of the engine under the carb. After putting them out with my shirt and lung power it looks like they melted some vacuum lines among
other things. I want to start breaking it down to rebuild the carb and replace all the rubber hoses, gaskets and such but this is my first time trying such a project. I want to dive in and figure out what happened but without the right schematics to replace all the little hoses running everywhere I'm weary. I haven't seen any positive reviews saying that the usual manuals (Chilton, Haynes, etc.) will help with the vacuum tubes. Thanks in advance!
fire spread from exhaust manifold up between carb and valve cover
My first thought was also a fuel related problem, but if you look closely at the last picture the fire wasn't anywhere near the fuel filter but behind the carburetor. If you zoom in on the last picture there is significant oil buildup around the back of the valve cover and the exhaust manifold is still wet with oil. I would bet the previous owner only did short trips and never warmed the truck up enough to burn off the leaking oil and the long freeway trip was enough to push it over the top.
Had the same thing happen on an old Oliver gas tractor once, it ran a feedwagon not really working and leaking oil from the valve gasket for years, then we drove it to the other farm and it was slightly smoking when we got there and on the idling down there was lots of smoke and when it stopped the smoke turned into flames! Which was especially exciting since the gas tank is above the motor on that tractor!
I think you are probably right twigsV10. Naturally I'm still going to replace all the fuel lines and move the fuel filter however there is a lot of surface oil under that hood. I'm hoping that leak isn't too serious of a problem. The PO did say he used the truck to go to craft shows and sell his furniture. That sounds like two weekends or so a month in the warm weather.
\ I want to dive in and figure out what happened but without the right schematics to replace all the little hoses running everywhere I'm weary. I haven't seen any positive reviews saying that the usual manuals (Chilton, Haynes, etc.) will help with the vacuum tubes. Thanks in advance!
\
Once you get it all cleaned up, folks here can help you get the vacuum lines, etc. sorted out fairly easily - especially with the help of pictures. Yours looks pretty complete, with EVAP, AIR, and EGR system components in place. The screw attachment for the air cleaner on top of the carburetor looks messed up.
Thanks Galendor. I saw that screw was missing. I'm looking forward to diving into it. Just need to finish up the honey-do list that was made for me first!
Well three quarters of the bolts that hold my valve cover on didn't need a wrench to loosen. Just my hands. The gasket was destroyed too. I think I may know why there was oil all over the exhaust manifold.
Hey Mikahon, welcome to FTE. Sorry I didn't catch this sooner - you and I have the same truck. I've been meaning for some time to do a photo series on the vacuum lines for this engine, and keep putting it off. I'll try to get to it soon. These trucks and engines are terrific. You won't break many land speed records, but they get the work done.
Old gaskets, bolts that work loose over time, heat, grease, gunk, mud, dust, spooge, muck... they all work against us and we end up with that tar caked on everything. Clean it well, replace all your gaskets, and change every fluid you can.
Recommended gaskets:
#PS13809R -Pushrod Cover Set
#OS34601R - Oil Pan (one piece gasket, requires grinding off the nubbins on top of the oil pan)
#FS8168 PT-2 - General Engine Gasket Set (includes 4-part oil pan gasket, which can be used for... hmmm, can't think of anything)
It's looking great WillyJoe.62! Thanks for the recommendations. I dug into it this weekend.
I'm doing like you said and gradually cleaning and replacing throughout the truck. I think I finally got the vacuum lines correct. Then I realized the fuel pump was shot. Naturally local stores didn't carry a replacement so I have to wait till tomorrow. I had dry lines before and after the pump. Fingers crossed!
Looks to Me like that aftermarket fuel filter either leaked at the filter body (maybe a crack) or at the hose/worm clamp connection causing fuel drip. Replace it with a glass type or sealed metal type filter. Also check the Carb base for any leaks. I have a 66 VW Type 1 and I know the feeling. Use the same glass tube type fuel filter as the VW's use.
Thanks WhatsAChevy?. I just ordered the filter and new lines, picking them up after work. The carb will be the next project to tackle. The fuel lines were old and gone. I'm sure the gaskets are in the same condition.
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