Trying to make a long story brief;

1985 D150 w/ 318 2bbl A727: Ran great for years, but short trips within town to and from work etc. On the way home from an extended highway drive, the longest and hardest the truck had seen, the truck overheated real bad. I tried to let it cool down, limp it home, but it was very quickly steaming out the radiator and I had it towed up.

Found that the thermostat was rusted up very badly, and associated hoses were seized to housings and such. I replaced thermostat, housing, and hoses. While doing this, I also did a rebuild and clean on my Holley 2280.

After all of the servicing, it fired right up with no issues briefly (other than the carb needing further adjustment), but then fluid started rushing out of the top water inlet I'm guessing due to a slightly loose clamp. I shut it down right away and tightened the clamp. The truck then wouldn't start and sounded like it was turning very "heavy". I thought I had both overfilled the radiator (despite overflow being at min), and had low voltage on the battery. I drained some coolant and charged the battery, after which, it sounded as though I had lost spark.

I inspected my spark plugs and immediately found them to be fouled up with with debris and black gunk. I cleaned up the spark plugs with plans to buy new ones after the truck starts again. Now the truck will BARELY try to start after holding the ignition and gas pedal down. It never stays running after turning the key away from start.

If it's not immediately obvious, I'm still fairly green to auto mechanics but having a great time learning as I go. I've got both the Haynes and Chiltons but would like an expert point in the right direction here. Please bare with me as I'm sure there's a lot going on here, but I appreciate any and all help.

 

How old are the spark plugs? I would be tempted to just replace them. (standard copper plugs, brand on your choice.)

 

They're not terribly old, but they are some Champions. I'll pick up some fresh plugs and see how she does.

 

Is the choke staying closed?

 

It is opening slightly when turning the ignition, and slightly more when pressing the gas. I tried disengaging the choke and was still unable to start.

 

I suspect the plugs were just too fouled to clean up good enough. Swap 'em out, see if it helps.

 

are you sure got the carb back together correctly? you shouldn't have really fouled out the plugs with such a short run. i would even wonder if you may have had some plugs fail.