Nobody has any ideas? 
Has anyone else had something like this happen?
Ok, more problems.
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Ok, more problems.
Hi,
Today when I went to start my truck, it ran fine, until I put it in drive. It died. I started it up again. This time it ran fine all the way out on the highway. It drove as good as it ever does, until I got to the intersection I was turning at. After I got on this road, I could smell a really strong exhaust smell. I didn't think much about it. Soon, it started sputtering, and loosing power. I stepped on the gas, and that didn't seem to help.
It kept getting worse and worse. Finally, it died and I had to coast to the side of the road. I tried to re-start it, but all it would do is turn over, slowly. I checked to see if it had thrown a belt or something, but everything was as it was before. Any ideas as to what is causing this?
Today when I went to start my truck, it ran fine, until I put it in drive. It died. I started it up again. This time it ran fine all the way out on the highway. It drove as good as it ever does, until I got to the intersection I was turning at. After I got on this road, I could smell a really strong exhaust smell. I didn't think much about it. Soon, it started sputtering, and loosing power. I stepped on the gas, and that didn't seem to help.
It kept getting worse and worse. Finally, it died and I had to coast to the side of the road. I tried to re-start it, but all it would do is turn over, slowly. I checked to see if it had thrown a belt or something, but everything was as it was before. Any ideas as to what is causing this?
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Yah,
The temp was normal, and it wasn't overheating. It just sputtered, and kept loosing power. I put the pedal to the floor and nothing happened.
I just replaced the fuel pump, the fuel filter looked brand new, so I didn't replace it (maybe I should anyway).
One thing I was wondering about was vapor lock. Is that a possible cause? But also why won't it restart? After I got it towed, it did start for a second (literaly), but then it died.
I need to get the truck running again so I can get it back to my place to start restoring it.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The temp was normal, and it wasn't overheating. It just sputtered, and kept loosing power. I put the pedal to the floor and nothing happened.
I just replaced the fuel pump, the fuel filter looked brand new, so I didn't replace it (maybe I should anyway).
One thing I was wondering about was vapor lock. Is that a possible cause? But also why won't it restart? After I got it towed, it did start for a second (literaly), but then it died.
I need to get the truck running again so I can get it back to my place to start restoring it.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Get a spark testor, they are cheap and easy to use. Next get a can of carb cleaner. These are the most basic shade tree mechanic tools that every old truck owner should have hidden away. You can give a boost of fuel down the carb with the spray, if it doesn't start you know its likely to be lack of spark. You can then pull a wire and connect the spark tester. (I usually use the 5-8 cyl with my hand threw the wing window to crank). If you have a jumper wire for the starter solenoid 1-4 will be best of course.
Try these two quick tricks and let us know of the outcome.
(I'm a amazon-o-holic)
This is the spark tester I like, although I have several different types (the shorter type will only work well with the coil wire, may not reach the connector in the spark plug wires)
Amazon.com: Mountain 8709 In Line Spark Tester: Automotive
This is handy for bumping the engine over in a professional manner.
Amazon.com: Actron CP7853 Remote Starter Switch: Automotive
Try these two quick tricks and let us know of the outcome.
(I'm a amazon-o-holic)
This is the spark tester I like, although I have several different types (the shorter type will only work well with the coil wire, may not reach the connector in the spark plug wires)
Amazon.com: Mountain 8709 In Line Spark Tester: Automotive
This is handy for bumping the engine over in a professional manner.
Amazon.com: Actron CP7853 Remote Starter Switch: Automotive
Post Fiend
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From: Lost
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there). Test the fuel pump's output pressure and flow rate.
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Thanks! I appreciate all the input. I will get a spark tester tomorrow. I hope it is just a fuel delivery problem. On these old trucks, there isn't much to the fuel system.
The one thing that still confuses me is, why would it just all of a sudden loose power? If it had a fuel or spark problem, it wouldn't just happen all of a sudden, unless the fuel filter is clogged.
Also, could this have happened because I increased the idle speed too much?
Yet another thing: I know this may sound stupid, but could I have run out of gas? When I bought the truck, I put about 10-12 gallons in the front tank. I have driven it about 40 miles on that fuel. What fuel economy would my truck be getting? Is is possible to use up 10-12 gallons in 40 miles?
Thanks (again)!
The one thing that still confuses me is, why would it just all of a sudden loose power? If it had a fuel or spark problem, it wouldn't just happen all of a sudden, unless the fuel filter is clogged.
Also, could this have happened because I increased the idle speed too much?
Yet another thing: I know this may sound stupid, but could I have run out of gas? When I bought the truck, I put about 10-12 gallons in the front tank. I have driven it about 40 miles on that fuel. What fuel economy would my truck be getting? Is is possible to use up 10-12 gallons in 40 miles?
Thanks (again)!
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
40 miles/10 gallons = 4MPG; pretty bad but not unheard of.
Maybe I missed it but I don't recall seeing the specifics of your truck? Year/engine
tranny/etc. I don't display any sigs nor avatars 9if your specifics are in there somewhere).
Do you have an electric fuel pump? They can burn out and stop working pretty
instantaneously.
Maybe I missed it but I don't recall seeing the specifics of your truck? Year/engine
tranny/etc. I don't display any sigs nor avatars 9if your specifics are in there somewhere).
Do you have an electric fuel pump? They can burn out and stop working pretty
instantaneously.
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No, I don't have an electric fuel pump.
My truck is a 1981 F100 with a 302, C6, and 9" rearend. It is bone stock with no mods yet.
I just need it to limp home, just 11 miles and then I can work on it.
My truck is a 1981 F100 with a 302, C6, and 9" rearend. It is bone stock with no mods yet.
I just need it to limp home, just 11 miles and then I can work on it.
Post Fiend
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From: Lost
Lift off the top of the air cleaner, look down into carb, and operate the throttle linkage. If you don't see 2 sprays of fuel while opening the throotle, you're not getting fuel to the carb. This could be from a bad fuel pump, plugged fuel filter, or simply no gas left in the tank. Get some fuel, add most to the tank, and dribble a little into the carb. See if it will start, or at least try to start. You may need to repeat the fuel dribble a couple times before the pump can start supplying the carb with fuel, if it simply ran out of fuel.
If you see the fuel spray, check for spark.
The 2 most common causes of the condition you described is not getting fuel, or not getting spark.
If it's getting fuel and spark, there could be another issue. But let's save that for after you've checked those 2 items.
If you see the fuel spray, check for spark.
The 2 most common causes of the condition you described is not getting fuel, or not getting spark.
If it's getting fuel and spark, there could be another issue. But let's save that for after you've checked those 2 items.