Hi I need help figuring out my truck’s fuel system issue. I have a 1988 w250 with a 360 carbureted. I just bought this truck and it is having problems staying alive when I shift it into gear. When it is in neutral, the truck idles fine and can rev with no problems. When I shift to second gear, it will run fine. shift to third, it will run fine up to about 30 mph or so and then it will start bogging down and surging in spurts. It will surge if I do not let off the pedal. But if I lay off the throttle it will idle at normal. I want to add that this will happen in 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th gears. Just mostly in 3rd is when it happens. So when under load, it hesitates and dies, Boggs down and almost shuts off and can’t go above around 40 mph because it will bog down if I throttle any more. I appreciate any and all help! I am new here and trying to learn everything I can! Thank you!

 

Float not adjusted right in the carb? Insufficient fuel flow? Choke not opening?

 

Thank you! I will start there!!
I noticed that a smaller fuel line that ran with the main fuel line from the gas tank to the engine, was cut and ended right under the fuel filter. Is this a fuel return line? Could that be the issue?

 

Maybe.... Questions though, was the truck converted to carb? Or is it still throttle body injection???

 

I know it is carbureted right now but the thing is, dash gauges don’t work except the speedometer and odometer/trip. The guy I bought it from, told me that the carburetor was on it when he got it. He rigged up gauges inside of the cab that read oil pressure and temp. He had voltage gauge there too but not hooked up. I read that if someone tried to switch to a carburetor from a TBI system, it could cause dash issues. Do you have insight on this? Thank you so much!!!

 

On the older trucks, gauges and such worked the same way they did before computers were a thing. Basically, direct read from the sensors. Sounds like someone hacked up the harness, and things are either not hooked up properly, or at all.... I think most of the gauges were electrical.... so, checking to see if the sensors and wiring is still there would be a first step. Can you post a pic of the Carb?

 

Right side from front

Left side from front

Back

Carb resting

Carb held open

Carb held open

 

You can see the small fuel line that is cut here and another line that is plugged. I have not traced the one that is plugged to see where it comes from.


Fuel filter that guy has on truck.

 

I’m not sure what this is or where it goes

 

That's a carb alright.... not alotta fuel in the filter there though..... Did someone put an LA motor in there??? I didn't think the magnums had the provision for the mechanical fuel pump.