Hard starting when it's cold
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
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Hard starting when it's cold
I have a 74 F-250 with a 390, that is terrible to start when it gets cold. What could I do, if anything to fix this? When I do get it started sometimes it will make popping noises. Is this the engine backfireing in to the air filter? Would a new carb solve my problems? I am putting a block heater in my truck sometime this week so maybe that will help a little. Thanks for any help, jake
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Saratoga, NY
Is your choke working properly? How is your battery? If the engine is turning slow it will take it longer to start. I know after mine has sat for a week it will take about 10 pumps to get it started, but nomally 3 if I was to drive it every day. I think the block heater will help but I never had any experience with them, JC whitney used to sell a batter heater but nowadays they only sell the same old crap everybody else sells.
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Oregon
response
Off the top of my head I'ld have to recommend checking your choke operation as the previous post states, but definately would look closely for a vacuum leak from a bad carb base gskt or eroded vacuum lines/caps, and lastly an intake gskt leak. A lean condition caused by weak vacuum pull through the venturi would cause the intake popping during cold start, as the engine warms and vacuum increases, a leak would become less critical. Good luck with your rig.
A vacuum gauge could give you some valuable info to start with(i.e. valve condition, running vacuum, compression balance)
A vacuum gauge could give you some valuable info to start with(i.e. valve condition, running vacuum, compression balance)
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: okc
Originally Posted by Dirt Head
I have a 74 F-250 with a 390, that is terrible to start when it gets cold. What could I do, if anything to fix this? When I do get it started sometimes it will make popping noises. Is this the engine backfireing in to the air filter? Would a new carb solve my problems?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
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From: NE Texas
I don't remember exactly what year they started with electronic ignition. I think you have the first year. If NOT, a point ignition system has to be in top shape when Winter hits. Put in fresh points, adjust the dwell correctly and then set the timing. If the timing is a little retarded it will cause the popping that you describe. An ultra lean condition can also cause the popping. The engine is basically "starving for gas."
If it runs well once warmed up, then it very well could be your choke, a small vacuum leak or something in the carburetor causing a lean condition. Particularly the accelerator pump would be suspect. To check it, turn off the engine, remove the air filter and peer down the carburetor while snapping the throttle open. If you don't see a few streams of raw fuel being squirted, then the accelerator pump is not working properly.
Good luck,
If it runs well once warmed up, then it very well could be your choke, a small vacuum leak or something in the carburetor causing a lean condition. Particularly the accelerator pump would be suspect. To check it, turn off the engine, remove the air filter and peer down the carburetor while snapping the throttle open. If you don't see a few streams of raw fuel being squirted, then the accelerator pump is not working properly.
Good luck,
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Mine had the same problem, near inpossible to start when cold in the mornings but once warm she started right up for the rest of the day. Fiddled with everything, nothing helped. Then one day, on a fluke, was up on my little stepladder tinkering and lost my balance and fell forward. My hand landed on top of the carb to catch myself and she rocked a little. Double checked the carb rocking, the screws that hold the base to the body had come loose. So I pulled the carb off and tried to tighten the screws up, no luck. All of the holes were worn from the vibration of the screws and they wouldn't tighten up. Quick trip to the salvage yard, a little looking, found a like new, freshly wrecked early 70's T-bird with a 460. Yanked the carb, $20 bucks later, and on the way home. A quick cleaning, threw it on and TA-DA. Truck starts and runs like a champ. Hope this helps.
