400 Not Performing
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Pense, Sask, Canada
400 Not Performing
I got a 400, I got it as is, with a list of engine mods. It has Flat tops(10:1), RV cam, Balanced, edelbrock performer intake, Edelbrock 1406 carb. Problem is I got NO tork, off the line it won't even rotate the tires!! Once the RPM hit about 3500 it will pull hard too about 5500, but Its tough to keep a big block spinning that fast. Would this likely be the wrong cam selection by the engine builder? Has anyone tried the cam featured in that "Hot Rod" 400 build a few years back? Also when the engine is hot, it is very hard to start, has flooding symptons, I popped the carb top off and the fuel was bubbling in the bowls, and you could not hang on to the carb(too Hot), would and insulating carb spacer help this hard start when hot? Thanks for any info guys.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Pense, Sask, Canada
400 Not Performing
Currently just stock manifolds, 2 1/2 exhaust with bottles. Unsure on the valley pan, intake was installed when I got the truck. What would the valley pan do?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
400 Not Performing
How do the plugs look? Is it getting enough gas off the primaries? How is manifold vacuum looking? Major vacuum leak somewhere? Wayne is right on, ignition timing sure sounds like a big thing to look at also. Is it on manifold or ported? Are the weights/springs OK? Cam timing could be a suspect also, but down on the list.
The valley pan keeps hot oil off the bottom of the intake and is the intake gasket. It will be visible as a sheet metal tab at either end on the parting line between the block and the intake. If this was installed with RTV between the intake and head you will have all kinds of leaks. Permatex brush tack is the only way to go. The VP comes with some rubber gaskets for the ends. I always have problems with these leaking oil and staying in place and so now throw them out and run a large bead of RTV Black Permatex (as GM does).
The valley pan keeps hot oil off the bottom of the intake and is the intake gasket. It will be visible as a sheet metal tab at either end on the parting line between the block and the intake. If this was installed with RTV between the intake and head you will have all kinds of leaks. Permatex brush tack is the only way to go. The VP comes with some rubber gaskets for the ends. I always have problems with these leaking oil and staying in place and so now throw them out and run a large bead of RTV Black Permatex (as GM does).
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Pense, Sask, Canada
400 Not Performing
Dist. is on the left port of the carb, timed it by ear, cause by the marks on the damper, it won't even run! Checked for leaks using the spray can method, couldn't find none. Weights/springs?? I the dist? All the advance stuff moves fine. Yeah it has the valley pan.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
400 Not Performing
Well I guess first off, I'd find TDC with a stick or something in the #1 hole and see if either I needed to restab the distributor and/or get a new harmonic balancer. At least after that you'll know where you are really at.
I take it this is a fresh install and has never been right?
Have you checked to see if the valves are adjusted ok and are not leaking? (low probabilty based on symptoms, but possible, I guess)
Once you are confident in the pumping ability (tight intake, valves are working and timed properly, exaust is free), and the ignition is hitting near about where the book says) you are only left with bad A/F entering the engine....
there is nothing about this engine specs you have mentioned that would inherently make is a POS.
GL, curious to know what you find.
I take it this is a fresh install and has never been right?
Have you checked to see if the valves are adjusted ok and are not leaking? (low probabilty based on symptoms, but possible, I guess)
Once you are confident in the pumping ability (tight intake, valves are working and timed properly, exaust is free), and the ignition is hitting near about where the book says) you are only left with bad A/F entering the engine....
there is nothing about this engine specs you have mentioned that would inherently make is a POS.
GL, curious to know what you find.
Last edited by Ecuri; Aug 26, 2003 at 08:52 PM.
Trending Topics
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 2
From: Boise, Idaho
400 Not Performing
Did you degree the cam? Stock 400's had timing gears that retarded the cam. It would pull hard at high RPMs but was a dog down low. You may have to pull the front covers off and check the camshaft timing.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
78 f150 400
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Mar 10, 2017 12:06 PM
ben73058
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
73
Jul 29, 2014 09:23 AM
BuiltFordTough100
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Jun 1, 2012 01:43 PM
OrangeBeast78
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
6
Jul 11, 2011 03:20 PM
jmm
Fuel Injection, Carburetion & Fuel System
2
Jan 14, 2008 04:15 AM