Why does she die?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Why does she die?
So I pulled the heads on my 77 f-250 w 460. Suspected head gasket problem, turns out only intake gasket was bad. (Glad I did it anyway, clean piston heads, knowledge that my cylinders look great like a recent rebuild, new valve seals, cleaned valves, etc.)
So now she starts and purrs, no more steamy exhaust, pulls strong.
Has Holly rebuilt carb, new dist., new p.s. pump (thanks for the advice on the saginaw upgrade, guys). Replaced almost everything, painted parts Ford blue, the works.
But it still has the same old problem. It starts easy, runs fine, I'll drive down the road and it will die. I can shift to neutral, turn the key, fire it back up and continue on my merry way. Sometimes it will happen again, sometimes not.
So what's the deal? Any ideas about possible culprits? Thanks, All.
So now she starts and purrs, no more steamy exhaust, pulls strong.
Has Holly rebuilt carb, new dist., new p.s. pump (thanks for the advice on the saginaw upgrade, guys). Replaced almost everything, painted parts Ford blue, the works.
But it still has the same old problem. It starts easy, runs fine, I'll drive down the road and it will die. I can shift to neutral, turn the key, fire it back up and continue on my merry way. Sometimes it will happen again, sometimes not.
So what's the deal? Any ideas about possible culprits? Thanks, All.
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Happens when I'm cruisin. Carb is fresh, filter is fresh, didn't replace the pump cuz it was one of a few things that looked fresh when I started into it. Haven't tested the pressure it's delivering, but when it's disconnected from the carb it puts out a healthy lookin flow. Personally I'm suspecting something electrical, a short of some type. Make any sense?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: houston, tx
check the vent, you might be getting a vacume in your tank if you are, it can't get enough gas. and it will die and release the pressure thats why it will start rite back up. i'v had it happen to me. and it took me forever to finely figure it out
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: SD
Originally Posted by Tamalpais
It starts easy, runs fine, I'll drive down the road and it will die. I can shift to neutral, turn the key, fire it back up and continue on my merry way. Sometimes it will happen again, sometimes not.
So what's the deal? Any ideas about possible culprits? Thanks, All.
So what's the deal? Any ideas about possible culprits? Thanks, All.
When it dies and you restart it, does it take right off, or do you have to crank longer than a normal startup? If it were a fuel delivery problem, you would need to crank long enough to fill the carb with fuel. An electrical problem will start right back up. The most common electrical problems are faulty ignition module (box on fender) and faulty pickup coil in dist.
Marty
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As to the response about venting:
Which vent are you talking about, the gas cap? I put a new one on it but I couldn't say for sure if it's venting properly. Is there another vent I'm not aware of?
Which vent are you talking about, the gas cap? I put a new one on it but I couldn't say for sure if it's venting properly. Is there another vent I'm not aware of?
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From: Midwest
Had the same problem on a 77 f-150 with a 400. Adjusted and rebuilt carb a couple of times. Turned out to be the ignition module. It's always the little things that get overlooked.
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
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Yep, I would replace the module as well.
I think the vent he is talking about is the charcaol canister on the passenger side lower inner fender. That is where your vent tube from tank goes to.
I think the vent he is talking about is the charcaol canister on the passenger side lower inner fender. That is where your vent tube from tank goes to.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Bedford Hts, Oh
I have had the same problem. But, don't have the ignition module. I ended up heat shielding the fuel line, adding a cold air intake. Now, I just have to let it warm up, before I roll out on the highway. If I don't I freeze the carb. But, I have not had the feeling I should stay under 55, just in case...
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Use the stock OEM snorkel with a heated air intake to keep the carb from freezing up. The carb can freeze up anytime himidity and temp conditions are right.
You can get the ignition module(s) tested for free at most good parts stores.
You can get the ignition module(s) tested for free at most good parts stores.