I got a 1977 Ford F-250 with a 400 block.And suicide gas tank.
1. I can turn truck on and it idles just fine. But when i put it into gear the engine boggs down and turns off. Anyone know why that is?
I changed all the basic stuff like cap and rotor . plugs and wires.
2. Does anyone know if it is full time or part time.
3. Why does my tranny shift late? Could the tranny be on the way out?
4. Is it worth fixing this truck and making it look good?
sorry

 

We're gonna need a lot more details, be more specific about your symptoms.

 

Sounds like maybe a carburetor problem?

 

i start the tuck in park or neutral it idles fine but when i try to put it into gear the truck says ouch and turns off.can it be a vacume problem?

 

As Montana_Highboy said, you need to be as specific as possible. Give us as much information as you possibly can. For example:

What all have you checked since this problem started?

Have you checked for vacuum leaks?

Have you checked your fluid level in the tranny?

Have you checked your idle speed in neutral?

Is the transmission making any rumbling, grinding, or shrieking noises when you shift into D or R?

Stuff like that.

Oh, and welcome to FTE!

 

I can get my truck to idle fine in Neutral at 800 RPM, but put it in gear and it dies.

Why?

Because the idle for my particualr engine combo and torque convertor I need at least 1000-1100 RPM is neutral to have the truck idle 850 in gear.

Sounds like to me the idle is set way too low. The specs for automatic transmissions are always with the truck in Gear. Specs are usually 650, but I personally feel 750 is better. So crank the idle screw up to get the truck to idle in gear and then adjust accordingly.

Also, ignition timing has an effect on what is occurring as well. Set it to 12 BTDC with the vacuum advance disconnected. Then reconnect and adjust the idle.

The worse problem is if you have a vacuum leak, but that can be addressed if the above do not work.

Josh

 

does it slow start to die or once you hit a gear it is instantaneous

If it starts to die try giving a lil gas then its vacumm or gas issues

if it dies really fast then it could also be the converter is locked up

 

Idle speed or vacuum leak.

 

If not both, I know bringing my 77 back from 20 + year rest in a barn everything, is seized, dry rotted, or soon to be going bad. I just got to the point of just replacing everything that is bolted to it, and I hope to be on the road here in a month or so.

That included a carb rebuild, and ALL new hoses. Nothing like starting out fresh, its just hard on the wallet at times.

 

i know!!! im going through the same thing. i changed radiator, alternator, put a filter in after the gas tank to clean gas b4 engine. new belts. soon new power booster. I think thats wats wrong with the truck...is it possible?

 

Yes, it's very possible that a failing brake booster can cause a vacuum leak that would stall the engine under a load. You need to check for vacuum leaks with a spray can. Otherwise, how can you tell you need a new booster?

My point is, you're telling us that you are replacing the booster, but you're also asking us if a booster can cause a problem by failing in pretty much the only way it can fail (leaking). That tells me you don't know if the booster is failing. If you don't know if the booster is failing, then why are you replacing it? Do you see my point? That's why I'm telling you to check for vacuum leaks.

 

Yeah bro, follow fmc400, he will guide you through and get you up and running. When I say I am replacing everything, it is ONLY because something has failed.

BUT, it is starting to become about everything bolted to the motor needs replacing. The guys at Napa say they are selling me a new truck piece by piece.

The problem with throwing parts at it and really not know what the issue is, is you could mask the problem and not have it fixed anyhow, but think you have.

Or you could spend lots of hard earned money on parts you don't need and would have performed well for you for years to come.

Lastly, you will learn how to diagnose future problems easier and faster, which will save you time and money!!

As I said, hang in there listen to fmc400, he knows what he is doing and don't get distracted, and it will be an ejoyable learning experience.

PS: Got any pictures? I/we all love truck ****!

 

Guess he don't need any help after all???

 

i love truck **** too, talk about addictions lol