Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

Motorcraft 2100 issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 12:09 AM
  #1  
countrydriven's Avatar
countrydriven
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Motorcraft 2100 issues

Alright I am pretty sure my issues are carb related. Got the truck out of a field after sitting for awhile. Changed the fuel filter, sprayed starting fluid down carb, and she started right up! With this said gas leaked out of the accelerator pump and she wouldn't idle so I rebuilt the carb. This helped alot but I'm still having some issues.

1. Still wont idle below 850-900 rpm (my guess)

2. Still requires starting fluid to start sometimes (even when warm) this is could in part be due to the fact of my manual choke not working too well unless I get under the hood and motivate it

3. Runs great when not idleing...down the road doesnt really skip a beat, only when rpms get down below 1000

4. Fuel no longer leaks

5. Shoots fire out of top when initially starting sometimes (flooding? Bowl adjustment?)

I've read to buy a vaccum gauge...might do this if i can't get it tuned in w/o one. This whole carb deal has a certain learning curve to it for me (I'm 19 and my truck is a 71). With that said I've been working on cars for as long as I've been driving. When I get home tomorrow I'll try to adjust the idle mixture screws 1 1/2 turns out and go from there. Thanks for any input yall have hope to get this thing inspected tommorow!


 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 12:11 AM
  #2  
countrydriven's Avatar
countrydriven
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Video of er:
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 02:40 AM
  #3  
JEFFFAFA's Avatar
JEFFFAFA
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Welcome to FTE and the Bumpside Kingdom!
Might be a vacuum leak. Or leaks. You said sitting in a field for a while. I would replace everything rubber related under the hood as your 19 year old wallet lets you. Old rubber hose is like your 98 year old Great Grandma.
All kidding aside,pull the spark plugs (a complete tune up with new parts would be a good idea here) and "read" them to see if the engine it running too lean or too rich to cause your problem. Then report back young man.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 03:49 AM
  #4  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Welcome to FTE

A lot of times, people think the carburetor is the problem, when it really isn't. The old saying goes "90 per cent of carburetor problems are ignition related." And that's probably about right.

I had a fire-hose Holley 500 CFM on my truck and it was a little bit too much carb and took me a while to jet down about 5 sizes. Plugs at first looked like somebody spray painted them black.

Recently bought a remanufactured 2100 similar to what the truck shipped with OEM and it runs better than ever and just as much power. There are a LOT of good videos and websites on the 2100 carb, and free-to-download factory manuals. Very popular with off-road folks and such. It is a good efficient design with the annular discharge boosters and considered one of the best carburetors ever designed.

One problem area with these, an engine backfiring through the carb can blow out the power valve. This is usually caused by improper timing (ignition!) or possibly crossed plug wires etc.

Also found that setting the _float height_ during rebuild is only half of it. The _fuel height_ in the bowl itself is actually what counts and needs to be checked. On my application the bench float height setting ended up being way too high.

The spec calls for a warmed up engine, idle for two minutes. Shut engine off. Remove air horn and gasket. Measure 29/64ths from the machined top of the carburetor down to the fuel level. A US .25c Quarter happens to be damn close to 29/64ths, so it's handy to use as a gauge for this purpose. Try not to burn down the neighborhood, or set yourself on fire. Keep an extinguisher in your truck at all times. These are simple carbs and there is a lot of latitude but have to get things in the ballpark.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 04:59 AM
  #5  
GaryKip's Avatar
GaryKip
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
Welcome to the forum. As mentioned above, replace the rubber parts, do the tune-up, use a timing light and a vacuum gauge.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 07:22 AM
  #6  
Brian1971f100's Avatar
Brian1971f100
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 1
From: Barre Mass
How old is the gas in the tank? Does the fuel smell odd?
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 09:27 AM
  #7  
countrydriven's Avatar
countrydriven
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JEFFFAFA
Welcome to FTE and the Bumpside Kingdom!
Might be a vacuum leak. Or leaks. You said sitting in a field for a while. I would replace everything rubber related under the hood as your 19 year old wallet lets you. Old rubber hose is like your 98 year old Great Grandma.
All kidding aside,pull the spark plugs (a complete tune up with new parts would be a good idea here) and "read" them to see if the engine it running too lean or too rich to cause your problem. Then report back young man.
Forgot to mention that I did in fact replace all the spark plugs! None had oil on the tips, although one was loose (fouling maybe?). The tips were kind of a dark grey color. I have little money to spend, but need to spend it effectively for now. kinda spent most of it buying the truck . When I get more this summer I'm gunna yank the motor out, seal it up (has terrible exhaust leak which is the main reason I'm pulling the motor), and install new rubber and other general maintenance items to get this rig reliable. I also installed new points, condensor, and cap/rotor. Idling improved a bit but not much. I still need to figure out how to gap the point, I pretty much just tightened it down snug to the rotor in the middle...
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 09:50 AM
  #8  
countrydriven's Avatar
countrydriven
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tedster9
Welcome to FTE

A lot of times, people think the carb is the problem, when it really isn't. The old saying went "90 per cent of carburetor problems are ignition related." And that's probably about right.

I had a fire-hose Holley 500 CFM on my truck and it was a little bit too big and took me a while to jet down about 5 sizes. Plugs at first looked like somebody spray painted them black.

Recently bought a remanufactured 2100 exactly like what the truck shipped with and it runs better than ever and just as much power. There are a lot of good videos and websites on the 2100 carb, and free download manuals. It is a very popular with off-road folks and such. It is a good efficient design with the annular discharge boosters and considered one of the best carburetors ever designed.

One problem area with these, an engine backfiring through the carb can blow out the power valve. This is usually caused by improper timing (ignition!) or possibly crossed plug wires etc.

Also found that setting the _float height_ during rebuild is only half of it. The _fuel height_ in the bowl itself is what counts and needs to be checked. On my application the bench float height setting ended up being way too high.

The spec calls for a warmed up engine, then let it idle for two minutes. Shut engine off. Remove air horn and gasket.

Measure 29/64ths from the machined top of the carburetor down to the fuel level. A US .25c Quarter happens to be damn close to 29/64ths, so it 's handy to use as a gauge for this purpose. Try not to burn down the neighborhood, or set yourself on fire. Keep an extinguisher in your truck and/or handy at all times. These are very simple carbs and there is a lot of latitude but have to get things in the ballpark.
I think I'm gunna spend my money on a timing light and vacuum gauge to get this sucker tuned. If the timing is causing my backfiring I definitely want to adjust that! I'll also make sure to check for misplaced spark plug wires. If my fuel level is too high (or low) do I bend the float accordingly? And is there a proper way to do this? Thanks for all the great info! I'm sure I'll get this truck running good soon enough
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

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

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 09:52 AM
  #9  
countrydriven's Avatar
countrydriven
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Brian1971f100
How old is the gas in the tank? Does the fuel smell odd?
I ran most of the old gas out prior to rebuilding the carb. I've filled the tank up twice now with fuel treatment to boot.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 02:25 PM
  #10  
rustywheel68's Avatar
rustywheel68
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 1
you don't say what kind of fuel treatment, but if its backfiring, i'd try some Marvel Mystery Oil. the valves may be sticky after sitting for so long.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 02:59 PM
  #11  
JEFFFAFA's Avatar
JEFFFAFA
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Originally Posted by countrydriven
Forgot to mention that I did in fact replace all the spark plugs! None had oil on the tips, although one was loose (fouling maybe?). The tips were kind of a dark grey color. I have little money to spend, but need to spend it effectively for now. kinda spent most of it buying the truck . When I get more this summer I'm gunna yank the motor out, seal it up (has terrible exhaust leak which is the main reason I'm pulling the motor), and install new rubber and other general maintenance items to get this rig reliable. I also installed new points, condensor, and cap/rotor. Idling improved a bit but not much. I still need to figure out how to gap the point, I pretty much just tightened it down snug to the rotor in the middle...
Well, 1st off you better get the gap on the points correct. A dwell meter is the best way (30 degrees dwell for a Ford V8. GM always listed 28-32 so if you get it 29-31 that's OK). Bump the engine around until the rubbing block on the points is at the top of one of the Dizzy's lobes. So the points are the most open. Set to .17 with a feeler gauge or a match book cover. Then tighten.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 03:28 PM
  #12  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Sounds like we got another smart one! Haha welcome!

Id also say it's ignition related. Set the points as described above, then set the timing to around 10* BTDC.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 07:05 PM
  #13  
orich's Avatar
orich
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
Aw that's a 70 ford truck, wrong grille & steering wheel to be a 71.

I can't add anything to the list or then to do a compression check so you'll know how bad the exh valves seats are leaking. Unleaded gas is not user friendly with these old trucks.

These old trucks get parked because they are in need of Harden exh. seat. For the normal fix of a barn find or a field find is a complete brake job hard & rubber lines will need replacing.. Possibly you'll need wheel bearing & drums.

These old classics are like a can of worms as you'll just keep finding something that needs replacing.

Most young guys can't afford to being these old trucks back to life after they've been sitting for a number of yrs..

Welcome to the Bumpside kingom.

Orich
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2016 | 07:20 PM
  #14  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Originally Posted by orich
Aw that's a 70 ford truck, wrong grille & steering wheel to be a 71.


These old classics are like a can of worms as you'll just keep finding something that needs replacing.

Most young guys can't afford to being these old trucks back to life after they've been sitting for a number of yrs..

Welcome to the Bumpside kingom.

Orich
Yep, it's a 70, unless things have been swapped.

Indeed a can of worms, one thing after another.

TELL ME ABOUT IT!!!!
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2016 | 03:51 AM
  #15  
GaryKip's Avatar
GaryKip
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 14
From: Lind, WA- Eastern WA
I can deal with worms, but not snakes. I hate snakes and gators.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:14 AM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic 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 | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE