Weak Starting
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New User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
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Weak Starting
(1987 F150, 5.8L, 4BBL Edelbrock Performer Carb, Stock 4BBL intake)
My truck has been a weak starter for as long as I've owned it. For example, when I turn the engine over, the truck barely idles for the first few seconds, then idles correctly. Sometimes it sputters momentarily after the starter stops, then dies.
The starter is turning quickly and is getting plenty of juice.
I've considered that it may be my carb, but the problem was also occuring with the original holley. The carb is a 500cfm Edelbrock Performer with an electric choke.
The wires, plugs, rotor, cap, and coil were replaced about a year ago. The problem was occuring before and after these parts were replaced.
I'm thinking the problem is with timing. It's never been adjusted so long as I've owned it. I ordered a used timing light off ebay, but found the strobe is burnt out. I'm considering altering time by trial and error using the "adjust to ping and back it off a step" technique. If anyone has tried this before, please let me know of how it's done. I've never timed an engine that wasn't aircooled.
Also, if you have any hunches as to what else may be causing these weak starts, please let me know.
My truck has been a weak starter for as long as I've owned it. For example, when I turn the engine over, the truck barely idles for the first few seconds, then idles correctly. Sometimes it sputters momentarily after the starter stops, then dies.
The starter is turning quickly and is getting plenty of juice.
I've considered that it may be my carb, but the problem was also occuring with the original holley. The carb is a 500cfm Edelbrock Performer with an electric choke.
The wires, plugs, rotor, cap, and coil were replaced about a year ago. The problem was occuring before and after these parts were replaced.
I'm thinking the problem is with timing. It's never been adjusted so long as I've owned it. I ordered a used timing light off ebay, but found the strobe is burnt out. I'm considering altering time by trial and error using the "adjust to ping and back it off a step" technique. If anyone has tried this before, please let me know of how it's done. I've never timed an engine that wasn't aircooled.
Also, if you have any hunches as to what else may be causing these weak starts, please let me know.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Quad Cities, IA
Sounds like a choke problem to me too. Electric chokes that stop working (which happens a lot, even on newer carbs) will cause that type of problem. I got tired of fixing/replacing electric chokes a long time ago and always convert mine to a manual choke.
My truck does the exact same thing you describe (my '85 F-150, 351W 4bbl) if I don't set my choke properly when I try to start it. Especially on the colder days.
My truck does the exact same thing you describe (my '85 F-150, 351W 4bbl) if I don't set my choke properly when I try to start it. Especially on the colder days.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
Does this occur only on cold starts?? If so--is the choke plate closed completely??
Are the primary throttle plates slightly open before starting??
Doesnt this carburetor have a step up idle when the choke is closed?? Is the engine idling high enough for a cold idle??
Are the primary throttle plates slightly open before starting??
Doesnt this carburetor have a step up idle when the choke is closed?? Is the engine idling high enough for a cold idle??
