Numerous problems
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From: Under my Ford
Numerous problems
Ok got a 1975 Ford F-100 truck that Grandpa owned since new after he passed away last year. I need to keep this truck around forever!! It's 2wd 300ci 4.9L 3 on the tree . Now I've read a bunch of threads on these trucks but I need to know where to start. I drove this truck and camper almost 1000 miles home and barely made it up half the mountains I needed to go through. I don't know the mileage on this truck and I'm wondering if putting on Headman Headers, Offy DP Intake, and a Holly 390cfm would be a good idea? Currently I'm having problems starting the truck, the only way to start it after sitting for a week is pour gas in the carb, and then it runs smooth from there. Please post any helpful info regarding this truck and engine.
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Replaced parts
I've already replace spark plugs (Bosch platinum), Accel wires, air filter and both belts which made a big difference the way its running. I also need to replace the Radiator is there any good after market rad that I could install in this truck? As for fuel filter, I couldn't find one in this truck.
Last edited by malibu1967; May 17, 2005 at 02:03 PM.
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From: Lewistown, PA
Malibu, sounds like you have a nice ole truck there.
As for the engine, the 300 L6 is a great engine, but it does have a few problems. The first thing in the performance category is to get the engine to breathe better. The offy dual plane intake is a good choice. Next, you can get EFI exhaust manifolds off of 88-96 EFI 300's. They work almost as good as headers, but are cheaper and more durable. The Holley 390 4bbl. is popular with these engines.
If you don't like the three on tree (I don't) Hurst makes a 3 speed floor shifter.
It sounds like you timing may be off, bad ignition components, or the fast idle is wrong.
The 1bbl carbs like rebuilds, but IMHO are junk. Make sure the carb mounting studs are secure in the intake. They work loose over time.
There is an inline six forum on this site, check it out. Lots of guys over there know more than I do.
BTW: I have the same location as you, LOL
As for the engine, the 300 L6 is a great engine, but it does have a few problems. The first thing in the performance category is to get the engine to breathe better. The offy dual plane intake is a good choice. Next, you can get EFI exhaust manifolds off of 88-96 EFI 300's. They work almost as good as headers, but are cheaper and more durable. The Holley 390 4bbl. is popular with these engines.
If you don't like the three on tree (I don't) Hurst makes a 3 speed floor shifter.
It sounds like you timing may be off, bad ignition components, or the fast idle is wrong.
The 1bbl carbs like rebuilds, but IMHO are junk. Make sure the carb mounting studs are secure in the intake. They work loose over time.
There is an inline six forum on this site, check it out. Lots of guys over there know more than I do.
BTW: I have the same location as you, LOL
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From: Visalia, California
Wrong plugs?
Originally Posted by malibu1967
I've already replace spark plugs (Bosch platinum), Accel wires, air filter and both belts which made a big difference the way its running. I also need to replace the Radiator is there any good after market rad that I could install in this truck? As for fuel filter, I couldn't find one in this truck.
As for the fuel filter, look where the fuel line comes into the carb. That seems to be the common place for Ford to hide them.
Just a thought.
Jim
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From: Lewistown, PA
Originally Posted by quehele
If you have a stock ignition you might switch back to Autolites,
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From: waco
Malibu, I've never realy messed with a Ford 6, so I don't have a lot to offer as far as the engine. I do have a good friend with a 300 in a 67 model F100. He has the headers, Offy intake, holley 4 barrel, and a cam. That thing will FLY!
What I can offer you is a little radiator advice. I needed a radiator for mine also. I called all over town to places like pep boys and auto zone and they were pretty expensive something like 250 to 300. I finnaly called the local radiator repair shop and they ordered me a brand new radiator for $110, and that was for a big 3 row radiator to go in front of a 390. You don't have to necessarily go after market or spend a big bunch of money to get a good quality radiator.
Mike
What I can offer you is a little radiator advice. I needed a radiator for mine also. I called all over town to places like pep boys and auto zone and they were pretty expensive something like 250 to 300. I finnaly called the local radiator repair shop and they ordered me a brand new radiator for $110, and that was for a big 3 row radiator to go in front of a 390. You don't have to necessarily go after market or spend a big bunch of money to get a good quality radiator.
Mike
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WOW my truck started without pouring gas in the carb!!! Thanks for the tip quehele, my fuel filter was connected directly to the carb, screws right into it, and the filter came with a small rubber hose which I needed to replace since mine was cracked.
Next I'll be looking around to find a radiator, will call the local shops and see what prices they will give me. As for the EFI exhaust manifolds off of 88-96 is there any modification I need to do since this is a carb motor? or is a direct bolt-on? And is getting one from a wreck yard a good idea or should I fork out the money and just buy a new one?
Next I'll be looking around to find a radiator, will call the local shops and see what prices they will give me. As for the EFI exhaust manifolds off of 88-96 is there any modification I need to do since this is a carb motor? or is a direct bolt-on? And is getting one from a wreck yard a good idea or should I fork out the money and just buy a new one?
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From: Shreveport, La.
These are JMO folks.
Bosch plats are only good for 4 wheeled sewing machines, try some Champions if you don't want Autolite. Or unless you're going to upgrade the ignition to electronic.
Before changing/modifying too much, why don't you see what you have first. Then work on what ever component is in the worst shape first.
Compression check would be a good first base. Before bolting on externals (easy to run into big $'s here) it is usually wise to know what's going on inside.
Then you can always check the front end components/linkages/etc. If they've not been replaced, you'll most likely need to especially before you go 'testing' the limits of the truck on a curve.
Brakes, brake lines, cylinders, anything rubber under the hood, etc.
Then you can move on to the body and paint.
This can be a multi month/year project if you really want to bring the truck back to its glory days shape. It's nice to know you have a history you're proud of and don't want the truck to go away. It can easily be an heirloom.
Check out Radiator.com, good products, decent prices.
Good luck and best wishes with the truck.
Bosch plats are only good for 4 wheeled sewing machines, try some Champions if you don't want Autolite. Or unless you're going to upgrade the ignition to electronic.
Before changing/modifying too much, why don't you see what you have first. Then work on what ever component is in the worst shape first.
Compression check would be a good first base. Before bolting on externals (easy to run into big $'s here) it is usually wise to know what's going on inside.
Then you can always check the front end components/linkages/etc. If they've not been replaced, you'll most likely need to especially before you go 'testing' the limits of the truck on a curve.
Brakes, brake lines, cylinders, anything rubber under the hood, etc.
Then you can move on to the body and paint.
This can be a multi month/year project if you really want to bring the truck back to its glory days shape. It's nice to know you have a history you're proud of and don't want the truck to go away. It can easily be an heirloom.
Check out Radiator.com, good products, decent prices.
Good luck and best wishes with the truck.
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From: Shreveport, La.
Originally Posted by 77300i6
This is JMO, but Champions are for lawn equipment.
I'll grant you that, especially with later model vehicles. If I had to pick one brand plug, I'd go with NGK. Just about anything but Bosch, too many times with bad results and failures.
For a '75 just make sure to go with a plug that's built like a meat and potato's plug, nothing fancy, nothing experimental, just bulk metal and ceramic.
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From: Visalia, California
Not a problem...
Originally Posted by malibu1967
WOW my truck started without pouring gas in the carb!!! Thanks for the tip quehele, my fuel filter was connected directly to the carb, screws right into it, and the filter came with a small rubber hose which I needed to replace since mine was cracked.
Jim
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Ever since I replace the Old Autolite sparkplugs with the Bosch platinum the engine has been Purrin like a kitten, it runs much smoother. Within the next few months I'm planning to replace the ignition system so it should work well together.
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From: Lewistown, PA
When I changed the autolites for motorcraft I noticed that autolites were a little bit shorter than the MC, which is probably why they didn't work for me.
I thought I had a real problem with my 300, because it seemed to be lacking power..a lot. I think about bad ignition components because I had just replace them. A friend of my bro-inlaw suggested I use MC, so I put them in. I picked up some power, throttle response, and mileage. So these are what worked for me.
I thought I had a real problem with my 300, because it seemed to be lacking power..a lot. I think about bad ignition components because I had just replace them. A friend of my bro-inlaw suggested I use MC, so I put them in. I picked up some power, throttle response, and mileage. So these are what worked for me.
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I agree with Ken that it's best to do a good evaluation and see where you're at before you start any major modifications. You'll most likely spend less money and be happier this way....I'm rebuilding my 73 with a 390 now....I ended up buying some things I didn't need and bought some things that I had to repurchase because I didn't buy the right stuff the first time. I got in too big of a hurry and didn't research properly first and it cost me time and money. With the help of this site and especially the FE engine forum I'm finally on the right track.