• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

351C idling funny

  • Thread starter Thread starter automart
  • Start date Start date Aug 29, 2006

automart

Member
Jan 26, 2006
104
0
16
Nashville, TN
Aug 29, 2006
#1
  • Aug 29, 2006
  • #1
I've just started my engine (in the car) after sitting for 2 years. I have the MSD ignition. When it idles, it soundslike it has a small vacuum leak, a little popping and the engine is not running as smooth as it should. I have checked and double checked the timing, change carbs and gaskets, even squirted carb cleaner around the intake hoping to hear a change in the engine.

I have never used a MSD ignition, I really prefer the old fashion points adn condensor.

Any suggestions,

Thanks, Ronnie
 

Dano78

Founding Member
Nov 1, 1999
2,633
2
47
Vancouver, WA
Aug 29, 2006
#2
  • Aug 29, 2006
  • #2
My 1st suspect would be the 2 year old (or better) fuel you're attempting to burn.
If you have 1/2 a tank or less cut it with 5 or more gallons of premium fuel (or a 108+ octane fuel) and run it all out. Then change the fuel filter(s) and re-fill with the grade you normally run. or..... just drain the tank and put fresh stuff in. It's just harder to "leagally" dispose (not on your weeds like i do) of the old fuel that why 1st suggested cutting it with hi-grade stuff.
 

automart

Member
Jan 26, 2006
104
0
16
Nashville, TN
Aug 30, 2006
#3
  • Aug 30, 2006
  • #3
Nope, everything new, I did have the low octane (lawnmower gas) just to start it but quickly went to the 93, still happening. The motor has a small cam but still has the 11:1 stock compression. Could it still be the octane perhaps?

Thanks!
 

Dano78

Founding Member
Nov 1, 1999
2,633
2
47
Vancouver, WA
Aug 30, 2006
#4
  • Aug 30, 2006
  • #4
Yeah it could be. With 11:1 you have to run premium fuel at bare minium and actually probably toss some 108 additive in for good measure. But it all really depends on your altitude and how your engine is built. I've seen cast iron headded 11:1 engines run on 87 octane when i lived in Albuquerque, NM. Blew my mind, me originally being from a sea-level town seeing that.
Here our premium is 92 octane and there are a few places in Portland that'll sell 108 and 110 out of the pump. I buy 110 trick for my Tunnel Ram car in 5 gal cans and cut it with 92 octane pump stuff. Seems to do the trick and doesn't break my wallet nearly as bad.

I'd comb the engine for vacuum leaks too. Never know of you bumped a line off or if some rubber dried up and split causing a vac. leak.

Haven't really ran an MSD setup yet. I normally run those Pertronix units that replace points.... man, night and day difference. I also use Mallory Promaster coils with that pertronix unit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Engine 85 GT Excessive Idle
  • lutzkecj
  • Sep 18, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
341
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 21, 2026
86HO5.0
8
P
Fuel New Eldebrock 1406 problems 1985 GT 5.0
  • Paddyman
  • Oct 22, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
161
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 2, 2026
manicmechanic007
J
Engine Stalling
  • josh40tay
  • Oct 20, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
192
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 21, 2026
JD1964
G
Idle surging after warm up
  • GALLY3309
  • Jun 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
241
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 10, 2026
Noobz347
K
Resolved Weird sound coming from a freshly rebuilt 5.0L
  • karhoot
  • Jun 24, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
362
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 27, 2026
Mac131
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?