After having the pickup sit all winter it will run for a second if I pour gas into the carburetor. I want to change the fuel filter, it looks like it unscrews, there's three notches on the end, perhaps for a special wrench? I also note the choke plate is shut tight. Plenty of gas in the tank. Maybe the float is stuck at the bottom of the carburetor.

 

I would first check to see if you are getting fuel past the fuel pump. I then check to see if you have gas to to pump. I have had a full tank that was plugged up with the paper gasket from fuel additives. I have also had to replace worn out fuel pumps. I would change the filter now anyway.

 

Depending on year, etc., some chokes are supposed to be shut tight and others, not. Why not take a screwdriver [large enough to not fall in] and prop the choke plate slightly open. Give it a try and see if it starts.

 

How does the cap to the gas filter come off? It looks like it's been on there since Hector was a pup!

 

Are you able to take and post up a picture of the filter? It sounds like it might be an older design.

Otherwise, I've had my engine not start once because of the choke. I had really torn a lot of things in the engine apart trying to figure out what was wrong before I realized the choke was simply closed all the way and not letting any air in.

 

I'll try to get a picture.The choke plate is fully shut at the moment. I really only have time to work on this on the weekend.

 

That hose at the back of the valve cover [pointing straight up] needs to be connected to the air cleaner.

 

Thank you, please let me know if you spot anything else not right.

 

Success! I was able to get the metal filter cover off using a Lisle tool I bought for taking off hard to get to oil filters. Put the new filter in and she started right up. I noticed a small port on the right side of the carburetor and wondered what is supposed to be there.

 

Usually, that port supplies filtered make-up air, through a reddish [silicone?] vacuum hose, which is connected to the metal tube connected to the bottom of the exhaust manifold [near the #5 cylinder]. On the top of the intake manifold at the same spot, is another metal tube, normally covered with a fabric [asbestos?] sleeve, for insulation, and is connected to the choke heater housing. This system supplies hot air to the choke so the bimetallic metal spring will adjust the choke plate as the engine warms up.

Maybe this link will help explain how the choke works: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ent-101-a.html