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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by 77&79F250
You know that having that elec fuel pump, that far from the source, is the worst thing to do to it. Why not just run a mechanical?
Remember I know nothing lol. That was gonna be one of my questions. It has a toggle switch inside for the fuel pump. Seemed odd to me. What should I have my mechanic do?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 11:30 AM
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Go get a Chilton or Haynes manual for your truck. Most auto parts stored also carry them. Time to start learning about your truck.
Amazon Amazon

Tasks at hand for you to do.
1. As your mech to figure out WHY the PO (previous owner) installed that elec fuel pump. Is the mech one stil there? And if you can, ask him to SHOW you what he is looking at/for.

He should be looking at the dvr side front part of the motor (where the mechnicial fuel pump gets mounted) for 1. it to be there or 2. for it removed. And if removed there should be a block off plate in its place.

? for ya. Do you alwasy have to turn the toggle switch and therefore the elec pump on to start and or drive the truck? Or just when it is was recently driven or when it acts hard to start?

Might be time to get him to install a NEW quality mechanicial fuel pump. Most of the time a elec pump should be mounted WAY closer to the fuel tank. Like right on the cross member in front of the tank. Basic elec pumps work hard to pull fuel, but work way easier to push fuel. So the pump should be closer to the fuel source to prevent burning it up internally.

 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 11:36 AM
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And for ya..Owners manual free download.....again. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Y...J_jpVdqy9XQf6A

Turning the headlight switch **** should brighten and dim your instrument panel (dash) lights. When you have the headlight **** pulled out in the 1st or 2nd position. Turn it far enough (past the click) and the interior light (dome) light should come on (when the doors are closed). Should alwasy come on when you open the doors. NO way to make that NOT happen, like new vehicle's. Unless you remove the bulb.

 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 77&79F250
Go get a Chilton or Haynes manual for your truck. Most auto parts stored also carry them. Time to start learning about your truck. https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Pickups-Bronco-1973-1979-Six-cylinder/dp/0856967882/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?crid=QHZBFVG902TY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ 9.v3yQ8vDE-uFLD7VgJFbAGaTCiw_ntclDpIYdosNXztisuX52yLfdPAbVsPY KqtQoabTZdCkgTHqC-wmeFYM0JWIiW-96K2B5t71nF3O71AmSpKxASuK1u61H1lF0DjRDXs_eniaZL9T6 YGFr202N7CywOk8WKUXJIiHjVy8_pfCfFd5XL2SyyW9udHNk WWfSmUkjnnZ7itoFezOCgXcBoCCcYPQQwcawQpboGkVZg.6Y1k gi3FZAvsoihJcilBpO7lj4h2hkWsruJVCoLRMp0&dib_tag=se &keywords=chilton+manual+for+79+ford+truck&qid=177 6011075&sprefix=chilton+manual+for+79+ford+truck%2 Caps%2C132&sr=8-19-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&psc=1

Tasks at hand for you to do.
1. As your mech to figure out WHY the PO (previous owner) installed that elec fuel pump. Is the mech one stil there? And if you can, ask him to SHOW you what he is looking at/for.

He should be looking at the dvr side front part of the motor (where the mechnicial fuel pump gets mounted) for 1. it to be there or 2. for it removed. And if removed there should be a block off plate in its place.

? for ya. Do you alwasy have to turn the toggle switch and therefore the elec pump on to start and or drive the truck? Or just when it is was recently driven or when it acts hard to start?

Might be time to get him to install a NEW quality mechanicial fuel pump. Most of the time a elec pump should be mounted WAY closer to the fuel tank. Like right on the cross member in front of the tank. Basic elec pumps work hard to pull fuel, but work way easier to push fuel. So the pump should be closer to the fuel source to prevent burning it up internally.
Thanks a bunch!! They never mentioned fuel pump in our conversations but left a note next to the switch to turn on prior to starting. I’ll confirm in a bit by turning it off while running.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 11:43 AM
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Before you do, that go look at the dvr side front part of the motor for a mech pump. If it is not there any more, and you turn off the switch the truck should die quickly. And that might make the truck hard to start next time.


 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 11:48 AM
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 12:36 PM
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Seems to idle high even a few minutes after running.
To adjust lower. Is it the screw behind the spring?

 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 01:38 PM
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it's supposed to idle higher until the choke is off. after it's warm you can adjust the idle .

I would put a mechanical pump on and eliminate all the electric nonsense.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 01:45 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by 440 sixpack
it's supposed to idle higher until the choke is off. after it's warm you can adjust the idle .

I would put a mechanical pump on and eliminate all the electric nonsense.
Yep. I let it run a bit then gave her a bunch of small turns. Much better!
 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 01:48 PM
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After adjusting. Tried adding video.
 
Attached Files
File Type: mov
IMG_0202.mov (11.65 MB, 38 views)

Last edited by Zag78F150; Apr 12, 2026 at 02:33 PM.
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 03:26 PM
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Adjusting the idle on an Edelbrock 7150 (600 CFM) carburetor involves setting the idle speed (RPM) and optimizing the idle mixture (fuel/air ratio) to achieve a smooth, consistent idle. This should be done only after the engine is fully warmed up, the ignition timing is set correctly, and the air cleaner is installed.
1. Preliminary Setup
  • Warm up the engine: Ensure the choke is fully open.
  • Set Initial Settings: Gently turn both idle mixture screws clockwise until they lightly seat, then back them out 1.5 to 2 full turns as a starting point.
  • Check Timing: Verify ignition timing is correct.
  • Tools: A screwdriver, and ideally a tachometer and vacuum gauge.
2. Adjusting Idle Mixture (Front Screws)
The idle mixture screws are located on the front-facing base of the carburetor, one for the driver side and one for the passenger side.
  1. Start the engine and let it run at a normal idle (roughly 600-750 RPM).
  2. Adjust one side: Turn one screw clockwise (in) 1/8 to 1/4 turn, then wait for the engine to respond.
  3. Find the balance: Continue turning in (lean) until the idle slows down, then turn it counter-clockwise (out/rich) until it speeds up.
  4. Maximize Vacuum/RPM: The goal is to reach the highest RPM or maximum vacuum pressure with the leanest mixture.
  5. Repeat on the other side: Repeat this process for the other screw.
  6. Finalize: Once both are set, you may need to re-adjust the curb idle speed screw if the RPM is too high.
3. Adjusting Idle Speed (Curb Idle)
The curb idle screw dictates how fast the engine spins at idle.
  • Location: Passenger side of the carburetor, near the throttle linkage.
  • Adjustment: Turn the screw clockwise to increase idle RPM, counter-clockwise to decrease idle.
4. Fast Idle (Cold Start)
If the engine idles too fast or too slow while cold, adjust the fast idle screw, located on the passenger side near the choke mechanism.
  • Ensure the choke is engaging properly to actuate the fast idle cam.
    Key Tips
  • If the screws have no effect: The idle transfer slots might be exposed (carburetor is idling too high) or there is a vacuum leak.
  • Fuel Pressure: Ensure your fuel pressure is around 5-6 psi, as high pressure can cause the carb to flood.
  • Radical Camshafts: If the engine has a large cam, it may require a higher idle speed and richer mixture to stay running smoothly.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 07:06 PM
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Zero dieseling anytime today. Not sure why it did when it came off the truck but ran just fine today!
 
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Old Apr 13, 2026 | 05:48 PM
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Well we got her registered today and officially took her for a good drive this afternoon. Ran really well for the most part. Had one point where she was sputtering for about 5 seconds and then was fine again.
Temp gauge read kinda high compared to my 78 351m.
It makes me wanna get some aftermarket gauges.
What’s ya’ll thoughts on this radiator? Okay or kinda tired?


 
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Old Apr 13, 2026 | 06:19 PM
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Another thing I noticed. Dash lights only come on when I turn the **** to the dome side when I have it pulled out for headlights.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2026 | 08:24 PM
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look in the top of the radiator and see if you it looks like it has any build up. if it does you may want to have it rodded out. I'd much rather have it than a crappy looking Ronco aluminum one.

Probably a new switch would fix the dash lights. your dash light dimmer is built into it. or just leave them all the way up if they stay bright enough.
 
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