Carb for a FE390
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2016
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Carb for a FE390
Hello, I have a rebuilt DF19 (Advanced Auto Parts) FE 390 engine, with edelbrock streetmaster 390 intake, and headers. I had a Edelbrock 1406 carb installed. Ever since then, will run fine, until the engine gets warm. You might go 15 miles, then it starts to spit, sputter, and finally just dies. Wait about, 15-20 mins, it cranks up, and the same process over and over.
So, it appears that when the choke is open, there is just has too much fuel being supplied. I also found the #2 plug wet with fuel and fouling out.
I was told the 1406 was too much for a FE390, and maybe a Holley 450cfm would be best.
Is there a recommended Carb for an FE390?
Thank you
So, it appears that when the choke is open, there is just has too much fuel being supplied. I also found the #2 plug wet with fuel and fouling out.
I was told the 1406 was too much for a FE390, and maybe a Holley 450cfm would be best.
Is there a recommended Carb for an FE390?
Thank you
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
Also, while I'm thinking of it... one of my trucks had a similar issue at first. It wasn't the carb at all but rust getting sucked up from the tank and clogging the fuel filter. I took the filter off, let it dry overnight, and the next day I could pour the rust out of it.
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Thanks for you reply. Honestly, I am no expert. I have to just take the advice from what I hear. I've been waiting to get the truck in the shop, so someone can look at it.
But, as I try to understand the issue, and carbs.
I could be totally off-base; but, the Edlerbrock 1406 has a mechanical secondary, while the Holley 600 has a vacuum secondary. If that is true, and the 1406 has a mechanical secondary, that might mean it has a dual accelerator pump. If that is also true, maybe the dual accelerator pump is too much for it !?
To you your second point. Oddly, when I bought the truck, I replaced the sending unit. The sending unit was totally rusted out. But, the guy I bought the truck from, had a fuel filter coming off the tank, and also one by the carb. I removed the one from the tank. Seemed to be overkill. That was the same time, I had the carb replaced.
If you have two fuel filters, I wonder if that would compromise the fuel pressure !? Maybe there is too much fuel pressure?
But, as I try to understand the issue, and carbs.
I could be totally off-base; but, the Edlerbrock 1406 has a mechanical secondary, while the Holley 600 has a vacuum secondary. If that is true, and the 1406 has a mechanical secondary, that might mean it has a dual accelerator pump. If that is also true, maybe the dual accelerator pump is too much for it !?
To you your second point. Oddly, when I bought the truck, I replaced the sending unit. The sending unit was totally rusted out. But, the guy I bought the truck from, had a fuel filter coming off the tank, and also one by the carb. I removed the one from the tank. Seemed to be overkill. That was the same time, I had the carb replaced.
If you have two fuel filters, I wonder if that would compromise the fuel pressure !? Maybe there is too much fuel pressure?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 12
If your sending unit was rusted out chances are the bottom of your tank is full of rust and it is getting sucked up into the lines. You could run the line from the fuel pump straight to a gas can to see if that clears up the issue. Your pump might also be full of rust from the tank. If rust is the issue I'd recommend a new tank, new fuel lines, and rebuild the carburetor. Maybe a new fuel pump.
Whether it is rust or not, I'd pop the top of the carburetor off, check the float, and check for signs of rust getting into the carb. One little piece could stop the flow of fuel.
Check out Mike's Carburetor parts for a diagram of your carb. He probably has a youtube video of how to rebuild it as well.
Whether it is rust or not, I'd pop the top of the carburetor off, check the float, and check for signs of rust getting into the carb. One little piece could stop the flow of fuel.
Check out Mike's Carburetor parts for a diagram of your carb. He probably has a youtube video of how to rebuild it as well.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 403
Likes: 8
From: Pensacola, FL
I have a factory 360, 77K miles, leaks all over, Performer 390 Intake and a 1406 carb. It was doing the same thing you described and I adjusted my timing to about 10 degrees and now it runs great! I have points in the distributor and no other upgrades. 1406 is a great carb and there a ton of videos on Youtube on how to adjust them so they work great! I also had to replace my fuel pump because it was sucking crud from the rubber lines deteriorating. Keep your fuel clean and it will be happy!
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: South dakota
I have a Edelbrock 1406 on my 390 and it runs awesome! I also installed a edelbrock performer intake with a mild RV cam. Runs starts better than ever. My gas milage even went up from the stock 2150 motorcraft carb.
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Hello, thank you for your comments. I am starting to see a common theme here. I have a edlerbrock Streetmaster 390 intake. It has a single plane. I noticed, some of you have a edlerbrock performer intake, which has a dual plane. I wonder if that could be the issue.
thank you
thank you
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Northern Virginia.
Start simple,
as stated above, most seem the fuel is dirty causing your problem.
check the tank for crud and rust in it. the sending unit could be fine but the in tank filter could be covered in bad stuff like rust.
check all rubber hoses if they are ROCK hard they should be replaced from tank to carb.
might as well get a new filter.
if all this checks out good THEN report back with results so we can help you move on to the next possible cause.
if you don't go step for step then your just guessing especially if your not taking action.
as stated above, most seem the fuel is dirty causing your problem.
check the tank for crud and rust in it. the sending unit could be fine but the in tank filter could be covered in bad stuff like rust.
check all rubber hoses if they are ROCK hard they should be replaced from tank to carb.
might as well get a new filter.
if all this checks out good THEN report back with results so we can help you move on to the next possible cause.
if you don't go step for step then your just guessing especially if your not taking action.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2016
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Hello, I wanted to update everyone. Thank you for your comments.
It appears, there were two issues. 1) the previous owner put in a really tiny 1/4 fuel line. so, replaced that with a 5/16 fuel line. 2) The timing was jacked. it was set at 24 degrees, when it should have been 6-8 degrees.
The engine now rocks !!
It appears, there were two issues. 1) the previous owner put in a really tiny 1/4 fuel line. so, replaced that with a 5/16 fuel line. 2) The timing was jacked. it was set at 24 degrees, when it should have been 6-8 degrees.
The engine now rocks !!
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 117
From: starship enterprise
a 390 should be pretty happy with a 1406. REmember a 1406 is NOT mechanical. It is vacuum secondary. There isa weight that relies on air velocity to pull the plates open to allow secondary air flow. the traditional holley vacuum secondary system is adjustable and diaphragm operated, but the edelbrock is just a check weight that is overcome by air velocity. Whoever told you that those were a mechanical was full of it.