I finally got the opportunity to try and start my 351 since I installed the Edelbrock intake and the new Holley carb. It sounded like it wanted to start, and it did stumble over a few times, but never would catch. So, I get out, walk back around and look under the hood. The steel fuel line into the carb is pissing out fuel like crazy. It's an older one, so I figure it's just not seating well. Disappointing, yes, but not the end of the world. The fuel line can be replaced right? Well, technically yes, if any of the lame ass auto parts stores around here carried them. I guess Summit will be getting some more money from me.
Nothings ever easy
- Thread starter TBP
- Start date
concreteman
New Member
Years ago my wife complained that the 69 was running rough so I went to work on it, tried everything, checked plugs, points, timing,etc. Her brother knew the car better then me so I managed to get it running and we jumped in and baby'd it over to his place, he works on it for an hour and we still can't figure out what is wrong, frustrated he leans onto the motor andplaces his hand on top of the coil, engine smooths right out, damn coil wire had backed off just enough that it was only getting part of the connection from the distributor. 
OK. Now I am stumped. Found a fuel line today, and replaced the malfunctioning one. However, the engine still won't turn over. It tries, and even sputters a little bit, but just won't catch and run. I checked all electrical connections. Double checked the firing order, and everything looks right. Fuel is getting to the carb. Any thoughts?
6Stang7
New Member
pull a plug out, connect it to it's wire, ground it on the motor, and look at the spark itself. if that is good, then we have the fuel issue here. if fuel is getting to the carb, next question is what type of carb, and when was it rebuilt/cleaned last?
6Stang7 said:
First off, thanks for the response.
I will test the spark plug tomorrow. I just took a shower, and I want to stay clean for a few hours.
The carb is a brand new, holley 750, w/vacuum secondaries. I purchased it from Summit about 1 month ago.
6Stang7
New Member
ok, then i'm guessing spark. i'd test every plug to make suer you are having a good, strong spark on each one.
There is just so much room to get to the spark plugs on this thing.
69 Rustang
Member
Did you pull the distributor or any of the plug wires when you swapped the manifold? Could the distributor be off time or the wires be mis-wired? Just some other thoughts--if you have spark and fuel--it may not run if the firing order is wrong or timing is far enough out.
69 Rustang said:
The distributor was not pulled. The plug wires were removed, so I could get the valve covers off and replace the gaskets. I followed the firing order diagram, checked it multiple times. I suppose the timing could still be off, I just don't know what would have caused it.
mustangman70 said:possible idle set too low
Good point it is a new carb. I guess I shouldn't jump to conclusions about a vacuum leak.
On edit, I am fairly positive it's a vacuum leak. The loud whistling sound kind of gives it away. I just can't seem to find it.
65fastback2+2
New Member
it was sounding to me like the dizzy was 180 off....theres not to many vacuum leak possibilities on those cars.
65fastback2+2
New Member
s-code said:
when i did my roller 5.0 conversion i had it 180 off. it would get like 2 hits on 2 cylinders but would just keep turning over and never start.
If you suspect a vac leak you can shoot some carb cleaner around the carb spacer and if the engine changes rpm, you have a vac leak. I'd check that first. It is the easiest and you won't lose any skin off your knuckles. I thought I had a nice tight carb. Sprayed on each side...one side, no change, other side and the engine sped up. I pulled the carb - wrong gaskets were on it. $2.50 later my car ran like it had just rolled off the line at Ford.
