Ford 8N having trouble starting -- many troubleshooting steps take -- suggestions?

[PorkChopsMmm]

Thanks guys. I know the wiring won't be too hard but I need to sit down and figure it out. Not sure which tab on the alternator is #1 or #2 -- need to look that up. I also need to order/buy a 12V wiring harness and bite the bullet and just replace the whole thing. There are splices and the wiring just looks old. If I have gone this far I might as well go all the way.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Found this. $5.68 -- but not sure how it would mount in the dash.

Auto Meter 3211 168 Replacement Bulb & Socket for 2" and 2-5/8" Gauge : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Soundguy]

it doesn't even need to mount in the dash if you don't want it to. it can stay under the dash, safely tucked away.

also radio shack sells panel mount lamps. they are low wattage red lense.. but I have found them to work with most vregs.


ps.. the gm alt will be marked 1 and 2

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Found out that the bolt wasn't stripped -- it was the threaded mounting hole on the carb. The longer stud allowed me to torque it down tight. No leaks or changes in RPM when spraying around the carb or manifold now -- but it is STILL stumbling. Not terrible, and I would say it sounds better, but still not 100%. Since she runs strong enough I am just going to leave it as-is for now. My only next steps are to get the alternator wired up so it is charging the battery. After that I may give her a quick paint job later this summer but I think I am done for now. I was really hoping this would have made it run perfectly.

 

[Soundguy]

stumbling at idle many times is too rich.

what do the plugs and tail pipe look like?

stumbling on acceleration is many times too lean.. or bad advance...

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Could be. I failed to mention that with the new stud in there I was able to turn down the main needle and I could lean it out. So I backed off on that and set the appropriate idle air. I will try to get a video next time I have the chance.

Exhaust was clear -- no black smoke or anything. Did not pull the plugs -- think I should?

 

[Soundguy]

i think there is some weird problem, back from the first posts when you said you can turn the main needle all the way in and it runs.

that's not right.

you are turingthe long 3" or so needle.. correct?

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Sorry, tried to clarify, the carb has the appropriate behavior now -- e.g. turning that 3" main needle closed *will* kill the engine. So it looks like that is working right. Still has the stumble, however.

 

[8N Ren]

I think this was already mentioned at least once but yes at least check your plugs. I always have a nice clean set ready to go. You can flood a hard starting 8N easily. Wipe em off, light up a propane torch and put the plug in the flame for a couple of seconds to burn off the crap you can't see that's left over from flooding, regap and install.Just something I read once, from a guy that knows his stuff .....hmm I think it was Soundguy.

 

[Soundguy]

Sorry, tried to clarify, the carb has the appropriate behavior now -- e.g. turning that 3" main needle closed *will* kill the engine. So it looks like that is working right. Still has the stumble, however.

ok.. now we are getting somewhere.

a gurgling stumble at idle is too rich.

a stumble or hesitation / pop on acceleration is too lean.. and possibly non working advance.