Notices

Idle mixture?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 11, 2006 | 03:49 PM
  #1  
carova_kevin's Avatar
carova_kevin
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: carova beach(OBX)
Idle mixture?

My 1980 f-250 351m is not running good at all. It ran good untill one day it just started missing. It almost seems like the timing is off but the distribulor is tight and was just tuned in last month. I was thinking mable the mixture srews are out of adjustment. Its a holley 4bl. carb. Any suggestions? It also has been getting worse. It doesn't want to stay running.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2006 | 04:04 PM
  #2  
53fatfndr's Avatar
53fatfndr
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
If it has a miss and it started after you just got the tune-up, I would check for a loose spark plug wire, both on the distributor cap and the boots on the plugs. I would check those first. If that checks out ok, I would then start looking for vacuum leaks.
 

Last edited by 53fatfndr; Apr 11, 2006 at 04:06 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2006 | 04:10 PM
  #3  
carova_kevin's Avatar
carova_kevin
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: carova beach(OBX)
i did check the plugs, some were a little iffy, so i am going to relace plugs & wires tomarrow and see what happens.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2006 | 04:25 PM
  #4  
Ervin's Avatar
Ervin
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Ohio
If you have a vaccum guage it is easy to set your mixture. Hook up the guage and go for the highest vac you can get. But you should recheck your tune-up. Or did you get some bad gas? Erv
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 07:11 PM
  #5  
carova_kevin's Avatar
carova_kevin
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: carova beach(OBX)
Put new plugs and wires on anyway. No difference. Then started playing with mixture screws. The cork seals around scews were shot. Runs better than ever now. (I also rebuilt the carb)

Only problem is it pulls the most vaccum with scews all the way in. I don't know if that is normal, i would think not. it also doesn't want to shift on its own. What do you think would cause this? to run third gear i have to get cruzing down the road and shift to neutral then down to "D"(no overdrive trans). Used to shift fine before the carb problem. What do you think??
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 07:16 PM
  #6  
Ervin's Avatar
Ervin
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Ohio
Sounds like a vac line in the wrong place or your linkage got hooked up wrong. Did the kick-down rod get put back on right? Erv
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 07:39 PM
  #7  
53fatfndr's Avatar
53fatfndr
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
Originally Posted by carova_kevin
Put new plugs and wires on anyway. No difference. Then started playing with mixture screws. The cork seals around scews were shot. Runs better than ever now. (I also rebuilt the carb)

Only problem is it pulls the most vaccum with scews all the way in. I don't know if that is normal, i would think not. it also doesn't want to shift on its own. What do you think would cause this? to run third gear i have to get cruzing down the road and shift to neutral then down to "D"(no overdrive trans). Used to shift fine before the carb problem. What do you think??
If the tranny doesn't want to shift on its own then I'll bet you have a disconnected vacuum line, specifically your vacuum modulator isn't connected. This would cause a major vacuum leak and is probably the cause of your miss. There should be a vacuum line that is connected from the intake manifold and goes to the back of your transmission, your vacuum modulator. Check and make sure it is all hooked up. What trans is this, a C6? 3 speed or 4 speed? If it's a 351m, then I would assume it is the C6 which is a 3-speed auto.

Also, if the line is connected, check for cracks in the line, specifically the hoses on both ends. The vacuum line should be a solid steel line with a couple inches of rubber line on each end. These do crack on occasion and will cause the same problem as if the whole line has come off. Keep us posted
 

Last edited by 53fatfndr; Apr 12, 2006 at 07:42 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 08:37 PM
  #8  
carova_kevin's Avatar
carova_kevin
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: carova beach(OBX)
Problem solved!! I had the vac lines switched. Runs great. Thanks for the help.

kevin
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 09:39 PM
  #9  
53fatfndr's Avatar
53fatfndr
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
Glad you got it figured out
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:56 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE