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In this Discussion
- Oldcar_Mechanic August 2008
- phil40_1 August 2008
- rich cummings July 2008
- theListener July 2008
65 Merc Montclair - Carb Question
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I just purchased a 65' Merc Montclair from some guy whose mother-n-law owned. Anyways, it has a 390 engine with 69k miles on it. This is my first classic car and I really don't know what I am talking about sometimes so I'll need a little bit of help.
After starting it up and driving it home without any issues, I tried to start it up again (an hour later) to take the kids around the block and it stalled on me. In fact, it will not run idle anymore. This was not happening yesterday when I drove it home for the first time.
I am assuming it is the carburetor that is giving me problems but I am not sure if it needs to be rebuilt, or a new purchase, or just adjusted.
Thank You. -
take a look at your choke -- sounds like its stuck closed
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What is the condition of the fuel?
You may have had a piece of dirt get into the idle circuit and plug it up. If you have acces to compressed air, you can remove the mixture screws, blow air into the holes and then re-install the mixture screws. Re-adjust them and start the car to see if it idles.
Ron -
Thanks for the help. I'll try those recommendations.
Now this may sound like a dumb question but, how do I check the condition of the fuel? I just filled it up two days ago with new fuel, but I am guessing you are refering to maybe a dirty gas tank - and that could cause some debris to lodge itself into a fuel circuit?
Just until I get things worked out with the carb, I adjusted the idle screw and that is getting me by for now.
Thanks again. -
if you have a fuel filter its purrty had for dirt to get into the carb--
lots of reasons no idle--
bad plugs-- low compression-- timing- carb adjust- tight valve lash- vac leak- bad coil- point set-- --
theres a lot to look at and less to change-- just jumping around just cost money--
how long has this car been sitting befor you bought it ??? -
The owner would drive it probably only a few times per year. I don't think it was sitting without being started for any one time, but I can dbl check with the previous owner.
I just calculated my MPG. The guy that sold this car to me either didn't know about the gas mileage, or just plain lied about it. He said originally said the Merc got 12 MPG and this Merc is putting up 4 MPG.
That is totally unacceptable. I would think it fine for 10-12 MPG, but 4? No way. I want to keep the car so would a 'tune up' for the 390 be the best thing to do?
Also, i'm getting some nasty black smoke comming from the tail pipe when I start her up. -
black smoke -- stuck choke --
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I'm assuming that it is a 390 with a ford built 2 barrel carb?? If it is i would first suggest checking to make sure that the choke is opening up when the engine warms up. But from what you describe, it sounds more like a blown power valve. You can either replace the power valve or maybe better yet take to someone you trust to rebuild the carb. To check the valve you will have to carefully remove the carb and set it on the edge of a bench or clamp it GENTLY in a vise, top side up. The valve is under a cover on the bottom of the fuel bowl, remove the four screws holding the cover on and carefully pry off the cover. If there is any fuel in the cover, the valve is BAD. If it is a 4 barrel carb then this procedure does NOT apply.
Hope this helps, Phil. -
WOW, three weeks later and not even ONE person has anything to add to this post, not even the original poster. Does anyone know if he ever found out what was the matter with the junker or not?? This forum sucks, and i guess i'm the only one here with balls enough to say so, i'm done with this crappy site, so you ladies can have it.
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Now that's a pretty poor attitude.
Many times new people come on here and post a question and never come back. Maybe it's due to the lack of answer, maybe it's that they just don't like the answers. Far to many want the quick fix that tells them to turn screw A, 1 turn clockwise and it's fixed.
I have come across many good people on this site that are very knowledgable even if they do not respond to every question out there. This is not a hobby for slander to others just because they are not participating the way you want them to.
I'm sorry to see you go as you may be one to help add good information, but with that attitude I don't thing you will last on to many boards because of your impatience.
Ron
