Bronco dies after idling in park

[bronco73destin]

Bronco started up fine. I had it idle in the garage and after about 8-10 min it just died. Then i tried to crank it back up and had a hard time. Took a few tries for it to start up again. What could the problem be? I have put a new coil on and adjusted the idle ***** speed and replace the fuel pump line. Not sure what would make it just die like that. Please help

 

[bronco73destin]

I turned to bronco off and then tried to restart the bronco and it would not start up. Finally engine turned over but would die after only a few seconds on. Then i noticed this knocking sound from the engine. What could be the problem and how do i fix it?

 

[astronot]

When you got it restarted, how did it act? Smooth idle? Did it stall again?

It sounds like it's possibly fuel related. If you have a fuel filter in line, you could check that. Or you may have a marginal fuel pump.

 

[astronot]

Well, that definitely does NOT sound like a fuel problem.

I'll let someone more experienced guide you on this one.

 

[bronco73destin]

it stalls out again when i restart it. Seems to be running fine if i drive down road to store but when try to come home it has issues. Almost like it gets to hot and just quits working

 

[astronot]

You have another post indicating a knocking sound in the engine. Is this the same Bronco?

If it is, does it knock when it's running or after it dies?

 

[bronco73destin]

it knocks after it dies

 

[Rons beast]

Hey 73,

Knocking is the result of internal cylinder temps being too high. Either from a lean fuel mixture. Timing being too far advanced, or engine temp.

(cooling) being too high. From what you are describing it sounds most likely that your carb is too lean. BUT!!! before you mess with the carb, do some checks.

First check the timing and set it to the correct setting for your truck. If the timing was pretty far off that could be your problem.

If not, is the truck running hot? Do you know the actual coolent temp? Is it 190 or under? If it is, you are ok there.

The next thing is checking that you are getting proper fuel. That opens a bunch of other questions.

What kind of fuel pump are you running?

Have you changed the fuel filter lately?

Is any part of the fuel line near a heat source, causing percolation?

Can you safely disconnect the fuel line at the carb, and check for a good stream of fuel collected in a bottle or can.

If you have a new filter, and good fuel delivery, your carb float/s may be in need of adjustment.

You may have partial clogs in the idle, or off idle, or power circuits.

Check the float level, and set it correctly. Then turn the idlescrews all the way in and then back them out about 1 1/2 turns. Start the engine and connect a vaccuum gauge. Slowly turn the idle screws out a 1/4 turn at a time untill you get the highest vaccum reading. Then turn them back in 1/8 turn. That should get you a correct idle mixture.

If your problem persists, you may need a carb rebuild.

Good Luck

 

[Bully Bob]

Ditto Rons suggestions..,

In my experience, on both your posts, it sounds like a bad or slipped timing chain. You can test by turning the crank back-n-forth with a wrench while watching the rotor in the dizzy (cap off). There should only be slight play.

Also, if it jumped a tooth, the timing will be way off (as seen by reading with a timing light)

 

[bronco73destin]

73 bronco started up fine. Was driving great, then i came to a red light after 5-10 miles and it started to sputter then died at the light. I tried to restart engine and it had a hard time. Held up traffic for a second but finally got it started. When i went to hit the execrator wasnt really doing anything. I had the pedal to the metal and was maybe going 5 miles an hour. I got her pulled over to a parking lot and sat there for about 5 min. I opened up the choke a little bit and it started up and did fine after that about another 10 miles to my destination. Upon returning home a few hours later it did the exact same thing. What could the problem be? It was really annoying how was running great then just quit and embarrassing that i was holding up traffic while everyone was honking. Please someone help me!!!

Oh, when i lifted the hood after dying there was what i assume to be gas? under the carb where the throttle cable was. Not sure if i described that correctly. I can take a picture of that location if that will be more beneficial.

Summer is approaching and want her to run great during these amazing months

 

[Rons beast]

Hey 73,

"I opened up the choke a little bit and it started up and did fine after ...."

If you had been driving 5-10 miles the choke should have been fully open.

Sounds like your choke needs adjusted. You may have other problems.

Is this the same truck that knocks, then stalls?

 

[Bully Bob]

Ron..., ya, it's the same rig.

And he may still have the choke set too tight.

Destin, this latest discription sounds like a sticking float &/or a dirty needle & seat. (causing the carb to flood over) A flooding carb will stall the eng.

This is a bit dangerous at best. Fuel float'n around on the intake is a risk for fire.

Pics are always a BIG help. And, if this "wet intake" happens again.., the carb likely needs attention.

 

[bronco73destin]

I will post pic in the next day or two. What do i need to do to the carb to fix this issue. Very new to car work so please describe for dummies. How do i fix a sticky float and/or a dirty needle?

 

[Bully Bob]

I'm merging your posts (you'll notice) as they're pretty much the same issue.

"Very new to car work so please describe for dummies"

There are no dumb questions.., however, this is the reason we always suggest buying a manual on your rig. As to carb work.., go to library & read some books on general carb repair. :-B

Carbs aren't hard but a 'lil scary at first. There's a lot on little parts.

It would take two/three pages of typing on this site to walk you thru it. [-X

You need to fill-in your info pages (as you see mine left & below). That way we always know what we're working on. You can update at any time & add any mods or changes as you go.

At this time, we don't know what carb you have...?

 

[bronco73destin]

Finally had a chance to post some pictures of the carb. In the second picture where i am pointing it seems to be leaking gas there. Very strong gassy smell when lift up hood. Also when wife came home from work and bronco had been sitting there for over 6 hours she said the garage smelled like gas. The third picture there is a gasket looking thing that has come out. Is this a concern? The 4th pic is of the engine cold for 2-3 days now. The flap is not closed. I have adjusted this a million times while engine is cold but always seems to return to this position over night. And when driving and the engine dies the flap will be closed so tight with no gap in site. I see that a lot of people have 4 barrel carbs on there broncos. Is this something i should upgrade to since having all these issues with this?

 

[Bully Bob]

Great pics..! The eng. compartment looks pretty clean.

"Very strong gassy smell when lift up hood. Also when wife came home from work and bronco had been sitting there for over 6 hours she said the garage smelled like gas"

This is normal.., in that it takes very little gas to stink up a garage. However, You want to be sure this wet spot is the only leak. Insp. the tank, the line to the valve & the valve, the pump, filter connections, etc. Especially if you have a gas water-heater in the garage.

That is a good stock carb & it looks very clean. Which makes me suspicious that someone rebuilt it & got something wrong. Again maybe the needle & seat or the float is sticking causing flooding.

The gasket out of place on the choke is no biggie except maybe a little vac. leak. BUT.., what you describe sounds like the choke spring was put together backwards., if that's possible.

You can get a new choke unit pretty cheap at auto parts or boneyard. They're quite simple. You could de-activate the choke as a test.

Going to 4 brl is expensive & has it's own issues.

Note: That copper line supplies heat fr. the exhaust manifold to the choke spring. That heat is what opens the choke flap, as eng. warms up.

You're doing fine.., you WILL solve this soon. >< <'>

 

[Rons beast]

Hey 73,

I see in your pics that it's a Holley remanu. carb. You can carefully take the cover off the choke, and get the gasket back in place, and attach the choke spring properly. The float is probably out of adjustment too.

here is a suggestion;

Write down the model number and anyother info on your carb. Go to the Holley Carb site. There they have a tech section and give axcess to a large amount of their instructions and tech info...685pages!!!.

You will probably find the info for the adjustments you need.

Good Luck

 

[Bully Bob]

Ron., although the two (Ford & Holly) 2 barrels look alike.., the Holly has a removable float bowl on the front.., and, the fuel inlet is on the side.

I believe that's the stock Motocraft Ford 2 brl. carb.

(I have 1 of ea. in my carb. drawer.)

Note: Holly did build/supply Ford with carbs. back in the day. I think Carter did as well. >< <'>

 

[bronco73destin]

I adjusted the choke once again this morning so the flap was closed. It ran great for about 7-8 minutes. I had it just idle in the garage and after 7-8 min the engine turned off. Went to try to restart it and was having a hard time to restart. What gives?

Off subject but i also have notice this black oily substance come out of the tail pipes. especially when the engine is reved up. Here is what i am talking about. 1st one of ground. 2nd one of paper towel of the stuff i wiped off ground. What is this about? Is this a concern? Makes the garage a mess too. Please help!!