390 hard start

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Dec 14, 2002 | 07:32 PM

kelsey

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Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 28

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From: Oregon City USA

390 hard start

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 14-Dec-02 AT 08:37 PM (EST)]I have a 76 f250 with a 390. After driving around for a while, highway or stop and go, the motor won't want to fire back up without a lot of cranking. I have heard that the FE's, when timed correctly, have this problem. I also tried to get a vacuum reading off my vacuum advance and there was nothing? Is this true? What could my problem be?

Thanks
Joel

Dec 14, 2002 | 08:43 PM

Mike W

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,157

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From: Central Kali

390 hard start

My 390 starts right away. It was hard to start when cold until I put an electric choke on it. You won't see any vacuum on the advance port until you drive it. I would start by going over the ignition system.

Dec 15, 2002 | 11:03 AM

Lionsfn

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 6

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From: Overton USA

390 hard start

I have a 76 Ford F150 with a 390 and had the same problem.I found out that the carb was getting dry and the float bowl was lacking fuel.Check your fuel line pressure ,open the top of your carb and see how much fuel is in your bowl.You might be surprised. Lionsfn

Dec 15, 2002 | 12:11 PM

73Custom

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Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

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From: SD

390 hard start

My 390 used to do the same thing. I found that if I held the pedal to the floor while cranking, it would start faster. Which indicated it was flooding, the heat from the engine boils the gas in the carb causing it to go into the engine - this is known as purculation. I got a plastic (metal one will make it worse) 1 inch spacer between carb and intake. This kept the carb alot cooler and no more trouble. Definitely worth the $15...

Marty