Hello,

I've recently been doing some service work on my 1965 F100 (352 V8 - cooling system, belts, wiring, etc.). Yesterday, I changed out the fuel filter, spark plugs and wires. After doing that, the truck wouldn't fire up immediately. I let it sit for a while and got it running but the idle was very rough and after time it would stall out. I put the old plugs back in to see it that was the problem (not the case), I put the old wires back in to see if that worked (nope), put the old fuel filter back in (nothing). It seems like fuel isn't getting to carburetor properly. Do I need to prime something? Put gas directly into the carb? I gapped the new plugs to .035 (as I was told that's the proper amount), could that be an issue? Perhaps I missed something with the fuel pump when putting in the new filter?

Any thoughts/comments/suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks.

 

is the fuel filter part of the fuel pump or inline somewhere? If it's part of the pump the gasket could have gotten twisted out of place or is just not sealing correctly so the pump sucks air.

 

When not sure (?), I remove #1 spark plug; place finger in the opening, turn the engine over until compression forces the finger out of the opening. I then immediate stop and check location/position of the distributor rotor to the cylinder, should be on, or close to #1 cylinder; if not, either rotate distributor until rotor is on, or near #1, or lift distributor slightly until able to rotate shaft to position rotor to desired location, #1 cylinder. I then check the location of the timing marks, should be on, or close to TDC. I close the idle mixture needle then back the needle out approx. 1 to 1 1/2 turns. I use this procedure as a starting point, once the engine is running I then 'fine tune'. I adjust the timing on the 64 390 between 10-12 degree's before TDC. Occasionally I use a vacuum gauge, possibly diagnose issues with the engine, once I adjust the timing vacuum should be in the 18-22 range?

Anyhow, posting response to thread probly takes longer then the 3-5 minutes for this quick check?

 

The fuel filter hangs down from the pump in it's own canister. I tightened it using a new gasket a few times so I don't think it's that (thanks for the idea, though). I'll try to figure out how to do the spark plug/distributor idea. Still a novice with this so I'll need some luck as it seems a bit in-depth!

Thanks again.

 

Disconnect the fuel line from the carb and run a hose into a container and crank the engine. This will enable you to make certain that the fuel pump is pumping. I don't remember what the rate should be. Hopefully someone will chime in. A remote starter works well for this and a fire extinguisher is cheap insurance.

 

jvettoretti, Did you replace each plug wire one at a time or pulled them all and started replacing them like you recalled they were??


John

 

The fuel filter canister threads onto the pump, it is not a separate part.

Here's a pic of a similar fuel pump:

 

Thanks, all. I'll try disconnecting the fuel line from the carb/turn the engine to see that the pump is working properly. I removed/replaced one wire at a time not to confuse myself in putting them back on in the incorrect location. Also, apologies for the confusion on where the filter is - yes, it is part of the pump and threads on (as depicted - thanks).

Thanks again for all the advice, will let you know if I still can't figure it out!