for some reason my truck still runs like crap when it's cold. no matter how long i let it idle it doesn't run better until i drive it for 4-5 minutes. it cuts out/boggs down and wants to die most of the time, but after it is driven for a bit it runs "ok" still kinda boggs at high rpm. i have replaced plugs wires cap rotor pcv fuel filter air filter crank case filter and mulitple seafoam treatments and nothing is working. any ideas?

 

I would check the timing first and then look closely at the choke system on the carb.

 

i was also thinking something with the choke... would this 2bbl holly have a choke thermostat? i don't know anything about carbs but i'm slowly learning. i know it would be cheaper to buy a rebuild kit and tear into it but would it pay off to buy a rebuilt oem 2bbl due to the lack of experience?

will get the timing looked at.

 

I am not positive and others on here could probably answer your question but vacuum diagram chokes were popular in the 80s. Look to see if you have a vacuum line or a wire leading to your choke.

 

i talked to a mechanic today about the timing and he said unless it has been changed it would still be at the factory setting because it wouldn't change on it's own. i know there is a couple of vacuum lines on the carb, one of which goes up to the air cleaner bowl. won't be able to look closely until tomorrow but i'll let ya know what i find, but like i said i need to read carburetors for dummies or something

 

actually the timing changes as the timing chain stretches.

 

i would imagine after 100k miles it has stretched a bit... this is my dd so its not pratical for me to pull the engine and rebuild, so i'm in the process of finding a nice donor (cheap) it's just gonna take some time to save for the rebuild. ya'll have any experiences with summit's rebuild kits? its all summit brand stuff so i wasn't sure on quality. i have never rebuilt a v8 before just a couple 2 and 4 stroke engines, but i've heard with basic knowledge and a good book or two it can mostly be done with basic hand tools..?

 

i guess that kinda puts the lift on hold until tax time

 

i don't think you should need to rebuild your engine unless it was burning oil or worn out. i think your carb probably just needs to be tuned up. you could try sticking a screw driver in the carb to hold the choke open and see if it runs better.

 

she's burning a bit of oil and power is an issue. it started smoking on start up, now smoking all the time. i may just be looking at heads, i'm going to try the compression test this weekend and i'm gonna mess with the carb