302 will start but not run (Idle) Help?!

[Matstng]

This may be slightly off topic as the motor is in a 77 Bronco but I figured it's a 302 so it may be able to slide.

History: It had been sitting 3-4 years so I drained the old gas and replaced with new and rebuilt the carb (Motorcraft 2V)

Here's what it does:
If I prime the carb with a couple pedal pumps it starts easily but dies immediately.
I've checked voltage to the coil which looks to be fine. 7V before start jumps to 12V when started
I've checked plug wire (#1) is getting a spark.
The carb is full so I'm assuming the mechanical pump is good.
I've not replaced any vacuum lines but I've looked them over for cracks and they look OK.

Oh, before I rebuild the carb it would idle for about 5 sec so I'm thinking I may have done something wrong with the rebuild.

Idea?

[Bob Taylor]

sounds like its running out of fuel , check pressure at the carb old gas = mung have you cleaned the lines and changed the filter? Put the key on the seat climb over the carb and see if fuel is squirting in if it is not you have found the problem!! Bob

[Matstng]

I've changed the filter and there seems to be pleany of pressure. The line was still under pressure after 2 hours of sitting.
Accelerator pump work great, I can almost keep it running if I continue to pump it.

I agree that it seems to be running out of fuel.... what can cause that within the carb? Idle circuit????

[Ray]

Is there another fuel filter some where in the line? Maybe back near or in the tank?

Ray

[FFR 5332]

Do you have fuel in your float bowls? I'm guessing your older carb doesn't have the little sight windows to check float levels, so take out one of the bottom screws holding the bowl on (primary side, put a rag under to catch the fuel) and see how much comes out. Your floats may out of adjustment, preventing enough fuel from getting into the bowls. Agree with the other in that it sounds fuel related, but check you ignition timing too. Double check for any vacuum leaks. Several time I've been stumped only to come back later and find something obvious. Keep us posted!

[h82crash]

He said his carb was full and the accelerator pump seems to be working as well. Sounds like the idle circuit in the carb is clogged. I know you said you rebuilt it, but sometimes the clogged little passageways are difficult to clear and take longer soakings in the dip.

[Matstng]

Bowl level was set to recommened level and I've emptied two bottles of carb cleaner into the idle circuit and used a piece of wire to help clean it.

Originally Posted by h82crash

He said his carb was full and the accelerator pump seems to be working as well. Sounds like the idle circuit in the carb is clogged. I know you said you rebuilt it, but sometimes the clogged little passageways are difficult to clear and take longer soakings in the dip.

Clogged idle is what I'm thinking is going on. I've had the carb off three times and each time cleaned, cleaned, and more clean with no change. One of the accelerator jets is still clogged and not squirting.

It's acting like it's running out of fuel or the igniton has been cut off. To eliminate the ignition though, I ran a hot wire direct from the battery and confirmed the wires are getting spark throughout the running.

[Matstng]

OK, I'm the first to admit when I've been a Knucklehead.
After taking it apart for the tenth time, I noticed a plastic washer was left from the old gasket and after removing it everything runs great.


I'll try to do better next time.