sp i figured out my stereo problems i think, but one more question... The van takes a solid 10 secs of cranking to start when its below zero celsius but always seems to start (84 b 150 5.2 318 2bbl) the plugs are new, wires look decent, new battery, timing adjusted, new air and fuel filters and new exhaust. What am i missing?? also shot a bunch of carb cleaner in and adjusted the idle. So what is left? does this sound like fuel system or vacuum problem?? the engine purrs once its warm but that takes longer than i have to wait. As i pull away it stumbles and bogs out, sometimes backfiring a bit but not to bad. Any direction appreciated, i am useless. Cheers rod

 

Just a thought, but have you checked the ignition coil? AutoZone will test it out for free. I had this very thing happen on my B2500 Ram Van. A new coil not only made starting super quick, but the engine purred better than any time I owned it.

 

Another thing may be the compression. Unfortunately there isnt much you can do about it. I have also found that using a lighter weight oil in the winter helps. Cold 10w30 is easier to crank than cold hd40. It burns through just as fast as it does in the summer so you need to check it more often. I joke that my 87 is either a hybrid, or a 2-cycle depending on the mood I'm in. Because it burns gas and oil. It just turned 190 on thanksgiving.

How often do coils go bad?

 

Try next time you go to start for the first time, press the gas pedal all the way to the floor and release and see if it starts faster.
not sure of your carb config but that should set the choke. If it works then you know the choke plate isn't closing for cold starts.
I could be way off.

 

It's definitely that the choke isn't adjusted/working correctly.

 

thanks a lot for the direction, i will check the choke as soon as it stops being so god damn cold out..... also noticed yesterday that there is a big belt squeal on the first start and then after if i punch the gas off the line it sqeals again could this be related?? and also even when its warm it takes a second to get power (stumbles) away from stops and if i gas it too hard it will stall?? thanks again rod

 

The big squeal on first start is usually the belt slipping on the alternator pulley because of the heavy electrical load applied during startup. It needs to be tighter or replaced.

The stumble could be the accelerator pump not working or not working good enough. With the engine off, look into the carb and operate the throttle, there should be a big squirt of gas. If there isn't that's the problem.

 

once again thanks for your thoughts, i only had a sec to check the choke today but i think that might be it. Went for a drive and it was a stall fest every time i stopped. Also noticed the voltmeter "surging" at idle could this be related to the load on the alternator or does it indicate something else??
cheers

 

Between the "surging" voltage and the squealing belt it sounds like your alternator could be on it's way out. If the bearings are worn, the armature wobble could cause both problems you're having.

First check out the belt, because if it's worn, not tight and slipping you won't get consistent voltage output, plus it's the cheap fix. Second, pull the belt off and spin the alternator by hand to see if it turns smoothly. Also grab the pulley and move it side to side, in and out, trying to feel for any loose play.

 

so the alternator could cause the stalling and hesitation too?? it does seem to be still charging the system because i crank out most of the battery just to get the thing going, but it charges back up even on short drives. will check belts tomorrow thanks again