Performance Bog-Down
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
mattsbox99, Don't scare me like that! LOL! Just kiddin'. I don't think the timing chain has gone south, this is the 2nd time I've had this problem, but I didn't realize the 1st time just what I was dealing with & thought that by turning out the air mixture screws 2 full turns that everything was O.K. Obviously, it wasn't & got progressively, but slowly, worse again. This 2nd time, I turned out those same screws another 2 full turns & the truck seemed fine again but only for about a day & 1/2 (as opposed to about 6 months the 1st time). I think I simply ran outta leaner mixture turns on the settings.
And thanx, cartwright, will definitely do as you suggest. Finally got a temporary break in the weather so I'll start attacking this thing tomorrow while I've got the chance.
Question: I know I'll be finding out before long, but has anyone had this problem where the truck finally quit completely before doing the carb rebuild & if so, was it successful in solving the problem ? (Not looking forward to having to spring for $250 for a rebuilt if I can avoid it)
And thanx, cartwright, will definitely do as you suggest. Finally got a temporary break in the weather so I'll start attacking this thing tomorrow while I've got the chance.
Question: I know I'll be finding out before long, but has anyone had this problem where the truck finally quit completely before doing the carb rebuild & if so, was it successful in solving the problem ? (Not looking forward to having to spring for $250 for a rebuilt if I can avoid it)
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
I havent had one completely quit, but ive had em run so bad they might as well have. If your carb is wet around the base then it desperatley needs attention. When you rebuild it make sure you clean it out really good, and make sure the float isnt cracked. A couple of weeks ago my Holley 4V was so clogged with crud it was idleing on fuel dumping from the secondary bowl. Also while youre under the hood make sure you dont have any vacuum leaks, that will also make your carb act funky.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
What do you mean $250 for a rebuilt?
You need a $23.00 rebuild kit <I've done this a few times :d >, you can do the whole thing in about two hours from opening to closing the hood. And thats a beginner, I bet I could do mine in about 15 minutes.
You need a $23.00 rebuild kit <I've done this a few times :d >, you can do the whole thing in about two hours from opening to closing the hood. And thats a beginner, I bet I could do mine in about 15 minutes.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
LOL! Just popped in around the same time, mattsbox99. I meant that I hope the rebuild kit does the trick 'cause the parts guy gave me a ballpark quote of $250 for an off the shelf already rebuilt carb. I paid $28 for the rebuild kit yesterday.
And thanx for the advice on what to look out for, cartwright. The same parts guy told me that the seepage is probably due to the float problem & that the carb is probably dumping MAJOR fuel. Another bud here bought a '79 F150 a couple years ago, it hadn't been run very much before he got it, decided to clean the carb & he said that down by the floats it looked like freakin' coffee grinds inside there, LOL! So I'm sure he can easily relate to what you found in yours that time. Thanx again...
And thanx for the advice on what to look out for, cartwright. The same parts guy told me that the seepage is probably due to the float problem & that the carb is probably dumping MAJOR fuel. Another bud here bought a '79 F150 a couple years ago, it hadn't been run very much before he got it, decided to clean the carb & he said that down by the floats it looked like freakin' coffee grinds inside there, LOL! So I'm sure he can easily relate to what you found in yours that time. Thanx again...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
LOL!!! This guy runs a NAPA outlet, but he's good people & a gearhead all the way.
We've also got Checker's auto parts, chain outlets all over Arizona & my experience with those folks is that most of 'em actually know quite a bit & are always willing to offer sound advice. A real mindblower, huh ? LOL!
We've also got Checker's auto parts, chain outlets all over Arizona & my experience with those folks is that most of 'em actually know quite a bit & are always willing to offer sound advice. A real mindblower, huh ? LOL!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Just an up-date here & again, I thank everyone for their helpful advice.
Been busier than expected, but managed to change out the spark plugs & changed the oil & oil filter. cartwright, you were absolutely right on about that "fuel wash", normally when I drain the oil there's usually about 6 qts. This time there were at least 7 qts! We know what the extra qt. was, LOL!
Still busy, but next step will be pulling the carb & doing the rebuild. I figure that before the truck finally quit, it was probably getting close to 1 mile per gallon....LMAO!
Been busier than expected, but managed to change out the spark plugs & changed the oil & oil filter. cartwright, you were absolutely right on about that "fuel wash", normally when I drain the oil there's usually about 6 qts. This time there were at least 7 qts! We know what the extra qt. was, LOL!
Still busy, but next step will be pulling the carb & doing the rebuild. I figure that before the truck finally quit, it was probably getting close to 1 mile per gallon....LMAO!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
I have been in the same situation, my fuel pump went out, and started leaksing into the crankcase. I filled a 15 quart drain pan.
I figured it out when it pushed out my dipstick tube.
I figured it out when it pushed out my dipstick tube.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Good grief! OPEC must have been rakin' in the dough, LOL! Not laughing at your misfortune, believe me, I know how frustrating that kinda thing can be. But it sounds like that was something that happened in the past & you were able to get her back up to snuff.
This site is great! Good people, good advice, good attitudes...
This site is great! Good people, good advice, good attitudes...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Opec had me by the bearings.
I didn't know what was going one, its the fist time I have had good oil pressure, and I was kinda liking that, but it was pretty bad. It was leaking into the crankcase at 7 PSI, so it filled rather fast.
I didn't know what was going one, its the fist time I have had good oil pressure, and I was kinda liking that, but it was pretty bad. It was leaking into the crankcase at 7 PSI, so it filled rather fast.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
sounds like my trucks ran great when i got it but its keeps getting worse i think i might be getting 4 miles to the gallon and my top spend over a bump in the raod is 1st gear floard (about 15-12 miles an hour)
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Wolfforth, TX
Sounds like my 400M in my 59 F-100 did before and it was the carb. I put a kit in it but didnt last maybe 3 months. I finally broke down yesterday and bought a Holley 500cfm 2bbl and got it all goin. I noticed better gas mileage and a lot more power. I used to have to nail it to go but now all I need is a little bit of throttle and she breaks the tires loose even with 2.92 gears out back on 275-60-15s.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Wolfforth, TX
My first problem was the sticking float then the throttle shaft bushings wore down and almost got me killed in traffic yesterday because it died and people here in west texas drive worse when its rainin.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: Purdue
I had a similar problem w/ my 79 351 M. I think somthing had gotten into my carb and ****ed it up. ( I think someone at school hit it w/ a hammer or somthing cause my aircleaner stud was shattered and a lot of other stuff.....needless to say it ran like ****. I don't remember the black smoke but I was leaking so much oil onto the header at the time i wouldn't notice it anyway. But ya I finally talked my dad into buying a new carb (intricate lil parts and i don't get along so rebuild was a no no.) It ran like a champ after that. until some other stuff broke (trucks had a rough life). But anyways I was also gonna comment on the 250 dollar rebuild. That seems crazy. I got a brand new Carter AFB for my truck (6 or 700 cfm) for like 30 dollars more than that. (I like holly much better but money was an issue)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SoCalAngler
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jul 26, 2014 11:39 AM
quakerj
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Aug 31, 2013 08:06 AM
DavidMc70
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Aug 11, 2013 11:32 PM
Gogetinkdone
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Oct 13, 2012 05:11 PM
dz1
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
1
Sep 27, 2012 05:07 PM
