...against having this much fun. I thought my truck was running pretty good up until a few weeks ago, when I noticed something in the throttle was sticking. Every time I would stop for a light or sign, the engine was idling faster. Well, that can't be tolerated, so I sprayed some WD40 on the throttle rod (hooking the carb to the pedal) where it was mounted to the firewall, and also the mechanism on the carb. The spring seemed in good shape, so I left it alone.
Next time I try to start the truck, the starter button or something jams and so I pound on it with my thumb for a bit. Thought about unhooking the battery and decided that wouldn't be wise, anyway the button finally gave up. So I try again and the pickup starts and the engine takes off like a scared rabbit, so I shut it off again. Turns out when I was examining the throttle problem I pulled the gas pedal off the rod and forgot to reattach, so when I pushed down on the pedal during starting the rod end jammed into the floor seal. Gahhh... So I pull off the floor seal (has a rip in it now) and try again. Start up OK and drive a bit, throttle still sticking a bit but not as bad.
Later, coming back through Kansas City from vacation, I swing by and pick up a new starter button and floor seal. After I get home, I replace the button without much effort and then the floor seal. During the process, though, I find out the throttle rod has a "clunk" in it when the throttle is applied about halfway. Makes a very noticable sound and feel. In the process of debugging this, I also find out the oil pressure is very, very loose at its connection to the block. Hmm, and the screw won't go down any further. Figure the solution is to add a lock washer, but if I manage to get the screw off without losing it (the screw and my sanity), I have no idea how to get it started back in the hole.
OK, wrapping up the story now.... Go to Sears the next day and buy a "flexible pickup tool", very nice. And it does the job great, helping me put a flat washer and lock washer on the screw and back in place, with the wire now firmly in place. Start up the truck and drive it around a bit, still drives good except for the clunking throttle rod. Guess I'll have to get that fixed soon before it becomes a bigger problem.

 

I have often looked at owning older vehicles as similar to a game of chess; It makes a move, then I make a move, then it makes a move, etc... Its always a mechanical adventure, I believe in a way I thrive on it! As frustrating as it sometimes can be, I love the whole experience! I do not know what I would do if I could ever afford to fix it all up at once, but, heck, that aint ever going to happen!

 

There should be a law - banning new vehicles. Try doing what you just did with a modern vehicle.
Steps to troubleshooting a modern vehicle.
1. Open Hood
2. Stare at Engine Compartment
3. Scratch Your Head
4. Scratch Your Butt
5. Repeat Steps 3-4 Several Times
6. Close Hood
7. Get a Drink of Your Choice.

Caution: Repeating Steps 3 thru 5 in a rapid motion can cause a sore arm.

 

Step 6 Wake up next morning
Step 7 Call Dealership
Step 8 Call bank to secure loan
Step 9 Transfer funds to Dealership
Step 10 Make payments on truck and repair loan

Bubba

 

55Bubba, or drive and old Ford truck and save the money. Even when that old Ford engine is shot and burns oil, It'll still run! I now have a different engine, but the old 239 that was in my 54 gave the truck it's name "Old Smokey". Would stop at a light and it looked like the city had hired me to fog mosquito's. Maybe I shoulda kept the old engine and then west nile wouldn't have gotten a foot hold. Even with the different motor, most things can be fixed on the truck with basic tools.

 

Heck!!

Looking occupied with a jackstand or two and few wrenches, even when they fight back, resist and get the best of you, beats mowing the lawn any day!!!

 

my oldest daughter now asks what we have to fix first before she can get a ride somewere.
I don't find my 48 too bad just a little trouble once in a while ,
the best was when one of my starter brush springs burnt off
took a while to figure that one out

 

At least I can always come here for some grins... The thing is, when it's a nice day and the truck is running pretty good, I just have the biggest grin on my face the whole time. People asking me what year the truck is or if it's for sale... Sorta like golf I guess, when all the mulligans are worth the occasional terrific shot.

 

Quote from an OLD copy of Hot Rod, that I'll never forget: "You can fix almost anything on an older American car with a 1/2 x 9/16 combination wrench and a hammer." Gotta love it!