i have a 1983 ford f150 pickup truck if i try to start it it will try but wont if i put the gas on it starts but runs like crap and smoke comes out of the muffler what is up with it

 

From what little info...it sounds like a BAD vaccume leak.

 

it trys to run but will spit and sputter and puff smoke then it will die it acts like its only running on a couple of cylenders what vacuum lines should i check for leaks

 

Check ALL your vacuum lines for cracks, splits, holes etc. Better yet get enough vacuum hose from the local store with Tee's and other fittings and REPLACE all the vacuum hoses (gawd knows they are heat damaged after 19+ years). Other items you might check are PCV stuck OPEN, CHOKE Stuck Closed (black smoke), dirty plugs (oil fouled), carb loose on manifold (lean running).

Start with the basics. compression tests, Plugs, points (if you have them), timing, carb clean and adjust.

Larry

 

What color is the smoke? If it's black it is fuel.
Take the air cleaner off and have someone watch while you crank the truck. There's a good possibility that fuel will be coming out of the vents and going into the engine. This will make it so rich that it will barely run if at all. The cluprit is either a stuck float or excessive fuel pressure.

 

how can i slow down the fuel pressure going into it it runs with some of the vacuum hoses off but will smoke black smoke real bad i had it backfire today for some odd reason if i plug all the vacuum lines back in it stalls out and will not even try to start would a possible timing be the problem or would a blown gasket be another cause for concern help this is really frustrating to not know whats up with my truck

 

replace all vaccum lines, try adjusting your carb, spray the carb down while the truck is running with carb cleaner. maybe also a tune up.

if it backfires the timing is off

 

we checked the timing at i was not off we sprayed carb cleaner down it still no luck its still puffing out black smoke it runs with vaccum lines of if i put them back on it wont run at all

 

You might want to chk the carb mounting bolts they are bad for working loose. IF that doesn't help your probably going to have to rebuild it. The basic rebuild kit for it is real simple.

 

Hi, If your engine is pumping out black smoke you have A WAY OVER RICH condition. The reason it runs with the vacuum lines off is you are leaning out the rich condition. You have a CARB problem. Probably a chunk of dirt between the needle and seat inside the carb. Time to REBUILD of buy a rebilt.Check the plugs if they are black its too rich. Replacing the vacuum lines is a good idea but will make the condition worse if the carb is flooding as the system is now not leaking air into the engine to lean it out.

Bob /stractor

 

we figured it out the carb was shot on it and then the coil wire broke so we fixed that she runs good now thanks for the help everyone