Sluggish 351

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Mar 30, 2005 | 02:07 PM

Val

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From: Alexandria USA

Sluggish 351

A friend has an '84 Bronco w/351 and automatic that doesn't have enough umph to get out of its own tracks, especially on hills at cruising speed. He's had it checked over and tuned and still nothing. I suggested the possibility of a clogged Cat converter, but he had it checked at Midas and they claim it is good.

Any one had similar problems?

Any solutions?

TIA,

Earle

Mar 30, 2005 | 02:44 PM

ditcher2

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Here's a thought Earle, those years (late 70's - mid 80's) they often put very high gears in them trying to squeeze out some MPG out of those carbureted smog motors.

How long has he had the truck?

Mar 30, 2005 | 03:09 PM

mako5972

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From: Ocala, Florida

The stock engines from the late '70's through the '80's were emasculated. They really were not performance orientated to say the least.

Mar 30, 2005 | 06:21 PM

Val

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From: Alexandria USA

I know it isn't a hot rod, but I would think it should be able to maintain normal speed on the Interstate. It bogs down on gently rolling hills and when he pulls his boat, forget it, he's lucky to get over 45.

Mar 30, 2005 | 06:30 PM

Val

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From: Alexandria USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ditcher2

Here's a thought Earle, those years (late 70's - mid 80's) they often put very high gears in them trying to squeeze out some MPG out of those carbureted smog motors.

How long has he had the truck?

He's had it about 2 yrs.

Mar 30, 2005 | 08:26 PM

f100guy

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From: shepherd

check timing advance maybe and check the plugs, change the fuel filter to be sure. you sure the tranny is holding up fine.

Mar 30, 2005 | 09:41 PM

Drac

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From: Boyne Mich

How Many miles are on it? Does it burn any oil? Kinda getting at, is it worn out? You should have its compression checked - should be at least 125 psi up to 175 psi. I agree they were really weak in those years, But it should go down the road.

I once had a 81 302 f-150 that would never shift down, in fact when at a stop sign it would take off really sluggish in 3rd gear. I shifted it manually for alot of years.