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Hey Guys,
I have a 78 F250 2 barrel on a 400ci. I picked up the truck tonight and on the way home it would go a couple of miles then start sputtering, backfiring then would die. I would slow down, get on the shoulder, place it in neutral and start her back up.
I did this for 32 miles home. Seems to act up more on hills or anything other than flat.
it prolly needs a rebuild, but i would first hook up a vacuum gauge and adjust the idle mixture screws to the highest vacuum. second i would spray around the base of the carb and check for any leaks. it sounds like you just bought. i would also check plugs/replace and check timing. replace fuel filters, normal stuff. thats my opinion.
First, check the fuel filter. Has the truck sat a long time? Possibility of crud and junk in the fuel tank if it has been sitting. The stock fuel filter is small and clogs quickly when there's a lot of junk in the tank.
Another suspicion would be the fuel pump, followed by hard and cracked neoprene fuel lines where they connect to the steel hard lines.
If all that checks out okay, pop the cover on the carb (simple to do) and see whats inside.
Another possibility is the ignition module, but your symptoms don't really quite fit a module failure.
it prolly needs a rebuild, but i would first hook up a vacuum gauge and adjust the idle mixture screws to the highest vacuum. second i would spray around the base of the carb and check for any leaks. it sounds like you just bought. i would also check plugs/replace and check timing. replace fuel filters, normal stuff. thats my opinion.
Thanks... BTW, I have the same paint job you have on your 150.
First, check the fuel filter. Has the truck sat a long time? Possibility of crud and junk in the fuel tank if it has been sitting. The stock fuel filter is small and clogs quickly when there's a lot of junk in the tank.
Another suspicion would be the fuel pump, followed by hard and cracked neoprene fuel lines where they connect to the steel hard lines.
If all that checks out okay, pop the cover on the carb (simple to do) and see whats inside.
Another possibility is the ignition module, but your symptoms don't really quite fit a module failure.
Another possibility is the ignition module, but your symptoms don't really quite fit a module failure.
The three step scenario of a failing DuraSpark ignition module:
1) Module overheats, engine dies. Module cools down, engine re-starts almost at once.
2) Module overheats, engine dies. Module cools down, engine re-starts in an hour...or so.
3) Sooner or later, usually sooner, the module overheats, BURNS OUT. Now the engine will not re-start.
Since the module fails when it overheats, removing it...taking it to an autoparts store to be tested usually doesn't work, unless the little darlin' has failed all together.
The modules used back then were crap. Ford techs called 'em NeverSpark.
If this 1978 was sold new in CA (the OP is in OR), it will have a "red" module, the worst piece of crap perpetrated on mankind.
These modules have a colored plastic square above where the wires feed out. The most common module used 1976/79 is blue...except on 1977/79 CA vehicles.
I've also had the Modules fail...where the engine will start and run as long as the key is held in the start position with starter still grinding...but as soon as you let go into the run position it dies. Generally, i've not had much trouble with the "Blue Grommet" Modules...but haven't messed with the other colors too much.