Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Wierd

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 01:19 PM
  #1  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Wierd

I got a new 2 barrel carb on my 351w. And ever since it lopes a lot at low rpm to the point I'm worried it will doe and it's independent of temperature. I've also lost the ability to kick it into or out of high idle. Honestly just hoping for a good guide on carb tune touch up if nothing else
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 01:36 PM
  #2  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Get it completely warmed up. That probably means driving it a few miles and then coming back home. Take the aircleaner off and get it started and idling again.

On the top of the carb there is a large metal door(called the choke). When it's completely warmed up, that door should be straight up and down. If it's not, you can loosen the 3 screws that hold the round black cap on the pass side of the carb, and grab the black cap and turn it. One way you turn it will make the door try to shut, the other way will make it open. Turn the cap till the door is straight up and down, then tighten the 3 screws back down. Then goose the throttle and see if the idle lowers down.

If the idle goes down after the choke adjustment, if it is idling too slow, the first thing I would do is adjust the idle mixture screws. These are two screws on the front of the carb, underneath the square part of the carb. Look under there to find them. They will be two screws with springs on them. With it idling slow, turn one screw in. If it speeds up good, go to the other screw and do the same. If the engine slows when you turn the screw in, then turn it out. Keep turning it out till the engine runs the fastest and smoothest. Then go to the other screw and do the same. Then go back to the first screw and turn it in till engine just starts to slow, then turn it out till it runs the fastest, then 1/4 turn more. Do the same with the 2nd screw.

After adjusting the mixture screws, the engine may be idling too fast or the same that it was, which I think you said was too slow. If the idle is too fast or too slow, there is a screw on the driver's side where the throttle is located. You should be able to turn that screw and adjust the idle speed.

There are several other things that can happen that might need to be addressed. If you need to write back in and we will tackle those if they come up.
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 01:57 PM
  #3  
FuzzFace2's Avatar
FuzzFace2
FTE Legend
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,124
From: Angier, NC
Club FTE Gold Member
I would say what Dave posted is good, did not rear ti fully, but before you get started and the motor heated up I would pull the air filter off and check the choke to make sure it is closed.
You will need to move the throttle for it to close.
If it dose not then I would adjust it so it dose.
Then do as Dave posted.
Dave ----
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 02:31 PM
  #4  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
I would say what Dave posted is good, did not rear ti fully, but before you get started and the motor heated up I would pull the air filter off and check the choke to make sure it is closed.
You will need to move the throttle for it to close.
If it dose not then I would adjust it so it dose.
Then do as Dave posted.
Dave ----
That's something i forgot as far as i can tell I can't intentionally drop the choke but tomorrow when I don't have work I'll look into it
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 02:31 PM
  #5  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
I would say what Dave posted is good, did not rear ti fully, but before you get started and the motor heated up I would pull the air filter off and check the choke to make sure it is closed.
You will need to move the throttle for it to close.
If it dose not then I would adjust it so it dose.
Then do as Dave posted.
Dave ----
Originally Posted by Franklin2
Get it completely warmed up. That probably means driving it a few miles and then coming back home. Take the aircleaner off and get it started and idling again.

On the top of the carb there is a large metal door(called the choke). When it's completely warmed up, that door should be straight up and down. If it's not, you can loosen the 3 screws that hold the round black cap on the pass side of the carb, and grab the black cap and turn it. One way you turn it will make the door try to shut, the other way will make it open. Turn the cap till the door is straight up and down, then tighten the 3 screws back down. Then goose the throttle and see if the idle lowers down.

If the idle goes down after the choke adjustment, if it is idling too slow, the first thing I would do is adjust the idle mixture screws. These are two screws on the front of the carb, underneath the square part of the carb. Look under there to find them. They will be two screws with springs on them. With it idling slow, turn one screw in. If it speeds up good, go to the other screw and do the same. If the engine slows when you turn the screw in, then turn it out. Keep turning it out till the engine runs the fastest and smoothest. Then go to the other screw and do the same. Then go back to the first screw and turn it in till engine just starts to slow, then turn it out till it runs the fastest, then 1/4 turn more. Do the same with the 2nd screw.

After adjusting the mixture screws, the engine may be idling too fast or the same that it was, which I think you said was too slow. If the idle is too fast or too slow, there is a screw on the driver's side where the throttle is located. You should be able to turn that screw and adjust the idle speed.

There are several other things that can happen that might need to be addressed. If you need to write back in and we will tackle those if they come up.
Thanks a bunch I'll try tomorrow
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2022 | 08:18 PM
  #6  
BigBlue2's Avatar
BigBlue2
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,248
Originally Posted by triorez25
Thanks a bunch I'll try tomorrow
I agree with the two Daves. The only thing I'd add is if this is not a new carburetor or rebuilt and it's been run with ethanol fuel I would first turn in the idle screws gently till they seat there by reaming and cleaning the orafice. Count the number of turns in and then back them out the same number of turns. This one trick alone can solve many idling issues. But if it doesn't proceed as directed by the Daves.
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2022 | 03:53 PM
  #7  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by Franklin2
Get it completely warmed up. That probably means driving it a few miles and then coming back home. Take the aircleaner off and get it started and idling again.

On the top of the carb there is a large metal door(called the choke). When it's completely warmed up, that door should be straight up and down. If it's not, you can loosen the 3 screws that hold the round black cap on the pass side of the carb, and grab the black cap and turn it. One way you turn it will make the door try to shut, the other way will make it open. Turn the cap till the door is straight up and down, then tighten the 3 screws back down. Then goose the throttle and see if the idle lowers down.

If the idle goes down after the choke adjustment, if it is idling too slow, the first thing I would do is adjust the idle mixture screws. These are two screws on the front of the carb, underneath the square part of the carb. Look under there to find them. They will be two screws with springs on them. With it idling slow, turn one screw in. If it speeds up good, go to the other screw and do the same. If the engine slows when you turn the screw in, then turn it out. Keep turning it out till the engine runs the fastest and smoothest. Then go to the other screw and do the same. Then go back to the first screw and turn it in till engine just starts to slow, then turn it out till it runs the fastest, then 1/4 turn more. Do the same with the 2nd screw.

After adjusting the mixture screws, the engine may be idling too fast or the same that it was, which I think you said was too slow. If the idle is too fast or too slow, there is a screw on the driver's side where the throttle is located. You should be able to turn that screw and adjust the idle speed.

There are several other things that can happen that might need to be addressed. If you need to write back in and we will tackle those if they come up.
The choke does go up once it warms up but i was right i can't intentionally drop the choke and i can't change the idle via the throttle and it's still has somewhat random start times while warm
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2022 | 03:58 PM
  #8  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by triorez25
The choke does go up once it warms up but i was right i can't intentionally drop the choke and i can't change the idle via the throttle and it's still has somewhat random start times while warm
Additionally when i got the new carb on the return spring no longer had a spot to connect. so i kinda jurry rigged it because the throttle is really soft without it
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 31, 2022 | 04:42 PM
  #9  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,995
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by triorez25
The choke does go up once it warms up but i was right i can't intentionally drop the choke and i can't change the idle via the throttle and it's still has somewhat random start times while warm
If the choke door is closed when cold in the morning, and opens up straight when it's warmed up, don't mess with it. Why can't you adjust the idle mixture and the idle speed screws?
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2022 | 05:53 PM
  #10  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by Franklin2
If the choke door is closed when cold in the morning, and opens up straight when it's warmed up, don't mess with it. Why can't you adjust the idle mixture and the idle speed screws?
It completely blanked on me to do that
 
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2022 | 06:06 PM
  #11  
Hawkbox's Avatar
Hawkbox
Tuned
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 423
Likes: 45
From: Edmonton
Now that it's cold in the morning I need to spend some time on this too, but first fix my damned brakes.
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2022 | 10:58 PM
  #12  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by Franklin2
If the choke door is closed when cold in the morning, and opens up straight when it's warmed up, don't mess with it. Why can't you adjust the idle mixture and the idle speed screws?
Dropped the high idle since I can't get it out of that
 
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2022 | 10:58 PM
  #13  
triorez25's Avatar
triorez25
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 295
Likes: 7
From: Central Montana
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by Hawkbox
Now that it's cold in the morning I need to spend some time on this too, but first fix my damned brakes.
Fair enough
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
whisler
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
May 11, 2017 10:18 AM
pintoches
Fuel Injection, Carburetion & Fuel System
1
Oct 4, 2010 08:36 PM
imlowr2
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Dec 6, 2007 10:16 PM
87F150
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jun 22, 2000 05:45 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:27 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE