I have a '69 F-100 that I got a year ago. The truck has never run right, and has been sitting for a while since I have not had time to work on it. I would like to use the truck for work this winter and was hoping some of you might have some suggestions as to how to get it running. Here is what is wrong with it:

1. The truck will start and run fine until you stop and shut it off for a while. Then it will not start back up. It will crank but does not fire up. The truck has a stock two barrel carb with manual choke, and stock everything else too. When the air cleaner is removed it has quite a bit of fuel and oil in it. Also the plugs are fouled pretty badly. This is the biggest problem the truck has (not that it is insignificant!)

2. One head gasket is leaking for sure, and the other looks to be also. Can I fix this without pulling the engine? Also, could this be part of the above problem? I was planning on getting the gaskets fixed and is another reason the truck has been sitting.

3. The passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked. The replaceents I have found for it are pretty pricey. What would a good set of headers that are not too expensive be for this engine? Or, if you know of a place I may find a used manifold please let me know. I could not locate any around here.

I am also going to change the plugs, wires, rotor, points, cap, flush the cooling system, new belts and hoses and check the timing. The guy I got it fro had just put a new timing chain set in it. I am not sure if he timed the engine properly though. I have plans for the truck in the future and just want to get it running now. Thnaks for the help, Anthony

 

>1. The truck will start and run fine until you stop and shut
>it off for a while. Then it will not start back up. It
>will crank but does not fire up.
If the engine is cranking slow, it could be heat soak in the starter or weak battery or poor connection to the battery.
The carb could be boiling the fuel too.

>2. One head gasket is leaking for sure, and the other looks
>to be also. Can I fix this without pulling the engine?
Yes, just pull the covers, valve train, and heads. I'd look close at the cyl walls too just in case their worn.

>Also, could this be part of the above problem?
yes

>3. The passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked. The
>replaceents I have found for it are pretty pricey.
Should be a $25 item.

> What would a good set of headers that are not too expensive be
>for this engine?
plenty of choices, I've used Headmen and hookers. Just make sure that the headers match the ports properly. I had to oblong the bolt holes to get a proper match. With the heads off, place a sheet of wax paper over the exhaust ports and draw out the bolt holes and ports, then match them to the header. If the headers don't match up properly, you'll get leaks.

>I am also going to change the plugs, wires, rotor, points,
>cap, flush the cooling system, new belts and hoses and check
>the timing.

I'd look into the $60 pertronix ign upgrade and forget the points.

 

Depending on the mileage and condition of the engine, (oil consumption, compression). You may get away with replacing the head gaskets, (I don't think so). Prepare for a valve grind at the minimum, an engine overhaul at the max, then do a good tune up, and overhaul the carb.
William in Atlanta