Poor Starting

[microtraner]

Hi all, i have a 1972 ford f250 camper special with a 390fe engine with about 70,00 miles on a rebuild. recently, I can only start the truck with the help of a shot of starter fluid, after which it runs fine and will even start again if only turned off for a short time. Any clue where to start troubleshooting?

[HIO Silver]

I'd start with tuning the carb and verifying the choke settings and operation. Costs nothing but time and you get alot of information by evaluating if any adjustments affects the poor cold start condition.

Even better, do a $22 carb rebuild and tune it.

[microtraner]

Thanks HIOsilver, I will research rebuilding the carb. While on the subject, my transmission has a kickdown arm that comes up to the carb but is not connected to the throttle. Can this do the tranny any harm?

[HIO Silver]

Thanks HIOsilver, I will research rebuilding the carb. While on the subject, my transmission has a kickdown arm that comes up to the carb but is not connected to the throttle. Can this do the tranny any harm?

Well, a kickdown linkage is supposed all you to drop down a gear should throttle input require more power.Keep your foot out of it and it should be okay in the short term.

Why is it disconnected?

[Mancar1]

Welcome aboard from Gerber, Ca.
If u haven't already, u may want to post your ? in the engine section for more responses.

[fireguywtc]

from Texas!

[microtraner]

Thanks everyone. The linkage was not connected when i bought the truck and i recently became aware of it. I will repost in the engine section.

[Madman]

Welcome from Colorado!