1978 F150 poor performance
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
1978 F150 poor performance
My old truck just decided yesterday to start driving like crap! It stalls (mostly at stoplights, but also when simply driving down the road), and it cuts out when the accelerator is pushed. I'm assuming plugs, wires, distributor issue but the plugs and wires are brand new. It also has a new fuel filter. Fuel pump perhaps?
The auto choke on the carb is busted, and I've tried idling it higher but that only helps when in Park. When in gear, it runs very low and stalls. But while it is actually RUNNING, the motor sounds great and does not skip.
400ci, automatic, 4wd supercab, 1978.
I'm going to check these issues out when I get off work, but I'm wondering if those of you smarter than I have any bright ideas. Anything you have is appreciated!
The auto choke on the carb is busted, and I've tried idling it higher but that only helps when in Park. When in gear, it runs very low and stalls. But while it is actually RUNNING, the motor sounds great and does not skip.
400ci, automatic, 4wd supercab, 1978.
I'm going to check these issues out when I get off work, but I'm wondering if those of you smarter than I have any bright ideas. Anything you have is appreciated!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 990
Likes: 109
From: Dallas, OR
I think you are on the right track with fuel issues, but Carb issues is what comes to mind first to me. Float going bad or jet picked up a piece of crud and is partly blocked? Have you checked the vacuum line to the distributor? No advance might explain it too and easier than tearing into the carb.
Regular User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 15
From: Bathurst, New Brunswick
Check the accelerator pump on the carb. If the diaphragm is leaking that could cause at least some of the issues you are experiencing such as cutting out when the accelerator is pushed.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Thanks for the reply. I have checked that vacuum line and it has plenty of suction. I think I may need to get into the carb... UGH.
Any thoughts on the ease of installing a new carb? Since the choke is already busted, the float is basically non-functional, etc... would it be better to just replace it?
Any thoughts on the ease of installing a new carb? Since the choke is already busted, the float is basically non-functional, etc... would it be better to just replace it?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Okay thanks! Can you explain where the accelerator pump is at? I know next-to-nothing about carbs.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 990
Likes: 109
From: Dallas, OR
I'm a bad person to ask. I HATE working on carbs. Despite my obvious bias, I think the performance gain might be worth changing it for an aftermarket if you are still running factory. Far cheaper to rebuild though.
Last edited by wyrm73; Oct 26, 2015 at 10:35 AM. Reason: Missed a few words in there... must type slower...
Regular User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 15
From: Bathurst, New Brunswick
Front driver's side of carb. Four bolts to remove - be careful the spring doesn't get away when you remove the cover.
However, it sounds like you might be better off with a remanufactured carb - just replace the whole thing. But I am by no means an expert - listen to what the other guys here tell you.
Good luck.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I have a stock Motorcraft 2150. The accel pump is #2 in this image: http://grantorinosport.org/BubbaF250...accpump_01.jpg
.
.
Also - I've followed threads about vacuum diagrams (the lack thereof) and I'm also wondering if I have improperly connected vacuum hoses. I will try to get more edu-ma-cated
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh
If there was a big temperature change yesterday, which it is that time of year again, then your carb probably could use some tuning. But after reading some more of your problems, the other guys are right, except that I suggest rebuilding the 2150. There's no reason to buy a new one and if you've got a stock engine I don't see the benefit of "upgrading" to something that will require more parts and cost exponentially more money with little to no benefit. I just completed my first rebuild with little knowledge and its fairly easy.
I ordered the kit and a new brass float from Welcome to Mike's Carburetor Parts - Your Number 1 Carburetor Parts Store aka Mike's Carburetor. It came recommended from guys on here after some searching. It cost me about $70 after the new float and shipping, plus there are multiple 2150 kits and of course the one I needed was the most expensive. The first thing you'll need though is the carb's part# which can be really tough to find.
I ordered the kit and a new brass float from Welcome to Mike's Carburetor Parts - Your Number 1 Carburetor Parts Store aka Mike's Carburetor. It came recommended from guys on here after some searching. It cost me about $70 after the new float and shipping, plus there are multiple 2150 kits and of course the one I needed was the most expensive. The first thing you'll need though is the carb's part# which can be really tough to find.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
North42g
Fuel Injection, Carburetion & Fuel System
10
Aug 20, 2011 07:22 PM
8ITCOOL
Y-Block V8 (239, 272, 292, 312, 317, 341, 368)
13
Jun 3, 2004 09:43 AM
83F-250OWNER
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Mar 9, 2003 03:45 AM