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ok so i have a 72' ford with a 360 in it and im not to mechanically inclined and i dont have anyone at my house that can help so i came here haha, any ways i was wondering what was causing the problem that when i first start my truck and i have to first pump the pedal to get it started and second i have to apply constant preassure on my pedal to keep it from dying. is this just an old truck thing or is a problem with the carburator? sorry if this sounds stupid i just have no idea at all! the help is appreciated thanks!
Before you start your truck pump your gas pedal a couple of times this allows gas to enter the carb. As far as keeping your foot on the pedal after starting the truck well...that sounds like you need to look at adjusting your carb. How old is the carb? It may just need an adjustment or possibly a rebuild. Simple to do. I would look into joining one of the local chapters in your area and try to connect with some of the folks there. Someone will be willing to help you out. Worst case scenario find a reputable mechanic and have a tune up done on the truck.
Dunleavy, what jumps out at me is that you have a misadjusted choke. Pump the gas pedal a few times when it is cold and before starting the engine go out, pull the air cleaner, have a look. The choke plate on the top of the carburetor should be nearly closed. If not, you need to adjust. We can tell you how.
Does the truck run well when warm? Idle okay?
I have a '69 with a 360 and the owners manual says for cold starting do the following:
1. Depress gas pedal to the floor
2. Pull choke out all the way
3. Let off the gas pedal
4. Turn key to start
in about 5-7 seconds Vern fires up EVERY time using this technique.
Hope it helps you as well.
I have had a similar issue with which I learned to live with. Starting the truck required few pumps prior to ignition and slightly depressed gas while starting...if I released the gas, engine would stumble. As a solution now what I do is engage electric choke, start the engine with the pedal slightly pressed down and let it run 10 seconds or so. Then kill the engine, engage electric choke and start again without my foot on the gas. On second start it starts right up and purrs.
Dunleavy, do you have a manual or automatic choke?
If automatic, do you have a heat tube or an electric choke?
The guys are going in all directions here because we don't know what we are dealing with.