Carburetor issues
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Carburetor issues
I have an 83 f150 with 2 barrel Holley carb. It sat for 5 years. I just got it running again. New fuel pump, starter, accelerator pump diaphragm, fuel filter, etc. My problem is that my truck doesn't want to idle. Runs great with foot on gas. When I start it cold I have to keep pumping the gas to keep it running. If I just hold it in one spot it will slowly stall. I'm gonna pull the needle valve and make sure it's clean and not gummed up from sitting for so long. Vaccum lines are plugged except the one in the back of carburetor and little one in front. Need some advice. Haven't done a whole lot of mechanic work but am more than able to do it with the right advice. Thank you
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
If you want to try something with no mechanic work involved, go buy some Seafoam and pour it in the fuel tank. How much fuel do you have in the tank? The stronger mixture you can run of the Seafoam the better, though I would not run over 50%. What would probably work best would be to get a lawnmower gas can, mix the Seafoam with fuel in that, and then hook a long rubber hose to the inlet of the fuel pump and let it hang into the fuel can and suck the Seafoam/fuel into the carb.
I used to see this stuff on the shelf at the store and wonder what it was actually good for, never bought any. If you read the side of the can, apparently it is good for anything, which made me doubtful.
I have been working on some old generators at work that have been sitting for years, their carbs are all gummed up. I took them apart and cleaned them out, and they still didn't run exactly right. They keep this Seafoam on the shelf and someone there recommended I try it. I could not believe how good it works IF the engine is running and sucking it through the carb. It takes about 20 minutes of running, but it will get better and better, slowly but surely eating that stuff out of the carb.
I used to see this stuff on the shelf at the store and wonder what it was actually good for, never bought any. If you read the side of the can, apparently it is good for anything, which made me doubtful.
I have been working on some old generators at work that have been sitting for years, their carbs are all gummed up. I took them apart and cleaned them out, and they still didn't run exactly right. They keep this Seafoam on the shelf and someone there recommended I try it. I could not believe how good it works IF the engine is running and sucking it through the carb. It takes about 20 minutes of running, but it will get better and better, slowly but surely eating that stuff out of the carb.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
If you want to try something with no mechanic work involved, go buy some Seafoam and pour it in the fuel tank. How much fuel do you have in the tank? The stronger mixture you can run of the Seafoam the better, though I would not run over 50%. What would probably work best would be to get a lawnmower gas can, mix the Seafoam with fuel in that, and then hook a long rubber hose to the inlet of the fuel pump and let it hang into the fuel can and suck the Seafoam/fuel into the carb.
I used to see this stuff on the shelf at the store and wonder what it was actually good for, never bought any. If you read the side of the can, apparently it is good for anything, which made me doubtful.
I have been working on some old generators at work that have been sitting for years, their carbs are all gummed up. I took them apart and cleaned them out, and they still didn't run exactly right. They keep this Seafoam on the shelf and someone there recommended I try it. I could not believe how good it works IF the engine is running and sucking it through the carb. It takes about 20 minutes of running, but it will get better and better, slowly but surely eating that stuff out of the carb.
I used to see this stuff on the shelf at the store and wonder what it was actually good for, never bought any. If you read the side of the can, apparently it is good for anything, which made me doubtful.
I have been working on some old generators at work that have been sitting for years, their carbs are all gummed up. I took them apart and cleaned them out, and they still didn't run exactly right. They keep this Seafoam on the shelf and someone there recommended I try it. I could not believe how good it works IF the engine is running and sucking it through the carb. It takes about 20 minutes of running, but it will get better and better, slowly but surely eating that stuff out of the carb.
My dad had an old Toro shreader / chipper that sat with fuel in it for years and gummed up the carb.
I did the same and pulled it apart and cleaned it the best I could and put it back together.
It run but not vary good and having the SF on the shelf dumped in a lot more than it called for.
I run it while I chipped a yard full of sticks & leaves and by the 3rd tank, small tank, it was running like new.
After that I would not think twice on using it in anything.
Dave ----
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 237
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From: Pasco, WA
My F150 had a 15K crate motor in it that the PO had owned for 20 years. During that time he changed oil in it 2-3 times total. It had 2 bad rods and all the bearings were toast. Before I pulled it apart, I changed oil and added a can of seafoam then drove it about 10 miles and let it idle for a good 30 minutes. When I tore it apart the inside of the motor was danged near clean. I only had a minimal amount of scrubbing to do in the case and oil pan. Seafoam is good stuff.
Back to your issue. I always feel that a proper rebuild is better for a carb, and it's good to go through the settings and make sure your floats are set right. Choke settings very important too. A clean slate is me recommendation.
Back to your issue. I always feel that a proper rebuild is better for a carb, and it's good to go through the settings and make sure your floats are set right. Choke settings very important too. A clean slate is me recommendation.
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