engine dies when in gear

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Nov 8, 2002 | 11:08 AM

dkchristensen

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From: Port Orchard, WA-USA

engine dies when in gear

I am having some troubles with what I assume is an idle or vacuum problem. I don't know alot about carbs so bear with me. I have a 1972 F250 with a 390,2v motorcraft carb, I believe it's a 2100, and my truck is an automatic. I can get it to idle and run fine while in park or nuetral, but when I put it in gear it dies out. I have to rev the engine to keep it running. Could this be a vacuum problem? As I said I don't know much about vacuum and carb adjustments, so any tips and trouble shooting would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
DKChristensen

Nov 8, 2002 | 12:54 PM

teschwab

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From: nc

engine dies when in gear

when did this problem start? has it been running ok until recently, have you just purchased the truck. have you removed or added any parts.

Nov 8, 2002 | 02:25 PM

dkchristensen

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From: Port Orchard, WA-USA

engine dies when in gear

Problem started last week. Had some problems with the main gas tank, which has rarely been used. Had to take out the reserve tank to fix a brake line. While I was using the main tank it would run fine then act like it wasn't getting any gas at all. I finished the brake line repair and went back to the aux tank, I'm going to remove the main tank from behind the seat so I'm not too worried about that problem. After going back to the aux tank it seemed to run fine for a couple of days then the above problem happened.

Thanks for your reply.
DKChristensen

Nov 8, 2002 | 02:50 PM

teschwab

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From: nc

engine dies when in gear

first i would consider looking at the fuel filter and consider changing it. i don't think you have a vacuum leak problem since it ran ok prior to the fuel tank deal. if it acts like it running out of gas then i would make sure that the gas cap is correct for the application. vented vs non vented. when it stalls out is this only during a cold start or does it do only when its warm.

Nov 8, 2002 | 04:54 PM

dkchristensen

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From: Port Orchard, WA-USA

engine dies when in gear

The fuel filter should be good. I replaced it when I had the troubles with the main gas tank. When the engine is cold it seems to be fine. Only when it warms do I have the problem of it dying while in in gear. Also, if I do get it run while in gear it seems to be starved of gas or flooded engine cuts out then dies completely.

Thanks again,
DKChristensen

Nov 8, 2002 | 06:59 PM

Bullitt390

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engine dies when in gear

Are you sure the choke is pulling off when the engine warms?

Or the idle passages could have gotten clogged. Just back the screws out, spray some carb cleaner in there and reinstall the screws.

Josh

Nov 8, 2002 | 08:22 PM

dkchristensen

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From: Port Orchard, WA-USA

engine dies when in gear

Josh,
I'm pretty sure the choke going off, the flapper is open when warmed up. The idle mixture screw may be plugged as you think. The right side screw has no effect on the idle at all. I'll give them a shot of carb cleaner in the morning.

Thanks for the input