Proper carb adjustments and engine timing

[alpinefr3ak]

So on my truck, 1969 f100 360 V8, I took out my motorcraft 2bbl and rebuilt it using a kit from NAPA. It is running better now but I'm having some issues getting it to start now.

I ran the adjustment needles out 1.5 turns each at first. But to get it to start I had to basically floor it and pump and let it turn over 10-15 times to get it to start then it stumbles a bit then runs fine.

So I ran the needles out more and tested it a few more times and right now they are 4 turns out each. It appears to be starting easier with less trouble. Is that normal? I've been told 1.5 turns is the normal amount they needed to be turned. Does this mean my fuel pressure is low or something?

I haven't replaced the inline fuel filter yet, but I do know before I rebuilt the carb the needles were turned out about 7-8 turns each, I assumed that was because the engine was way out of tune.


Also how many degrees is the engine timing supposed to be?

Thanks

[lee_ford]

Does this mean my fuel pressure is low or something?

On a Fuel injected engine the fuel pressure is an issue. On a Carb the pump is only used to keep the bowl full. There is no pressure used in feeding fuel to the motor.

Also how many degrees is the engine timing supposed to be?

I always advance it until the motor starts slowing down at idle. (The idle speed will increase as you advance the timing and then start to drop off.) Then back it up just a bit. Kill it and see if it starts easy. I adjust it back until it cranks smooth without the spark causing it to hesitate or stumble as it is cranked. For the record, I know there is a Factory timing setting, but this method has always worked best for me. Some of the "Factory settings" are for Grampa to be happy, not me.

... I do know before I rebuilt the carb the needles were turned out about 7-8 turns each, I assumed that was because the engine was way out of tune.

The needles would not have moved so the previous tuner had them at 7-8 turns for a reason. While 1.5 might be fine on most carbs, yours may have some quirk which needs the needle out that far on your carb. Even if you soaked the parts and cleaned it REALLY well, there may be a bur in the way or a bad casting. If 7-8 works fine then who cares.

BTW: My 69 with a 302 will start by just bumping the starter when it is warmed up.

[alpinefr3ak]

which direction is advancing it? When your looking at the front of the engine, is it clockwise or counterclockwise (the direction you turn the distributor)

[fordman]

here you go. the factory timing is 6btdc. but that can change with engine wear so thats not a perfect number.

[montana_hiboy]

which direction is advancing it? When your looking at the front of the engine, is it clockwise or counterclockwise (the direction you turn the distributor)

You turn the distributor clockwise to advance timing, i like to run as much initial advance as i can just this side of starter kickback, on a stock FE that's usually 10-12 degrees, if it's hard to start when engine is hot then back off a degree or two.

[alpinefr3ak]

Ok so how do I read that picture fordman?

It is hard to read what it's saying. It looks like

BTDC =Before top dead center?
30degrees
20 degrees
10 degrees
TC= Is that Top Center?
10 degrees
ATDC = After top dead center?

So I want the pointer/marker thing on the pulley to line up between TC and 10 degrees BTDC?

I hooked up a vacuum gauge and it's reading a pretty steady 20 on it, it seems to behave and act normal under throttle and whatnot. I adjusted the timing by sound (timing light is at the shop) and watching the vacuum gauge. I'll have to get the timing light next week and see how accurate I got it. I ended up turning out the needle valves 3 turns to get it to run OK. It is still kind of hard to start sometimes, I have to practically floor it for it to get going.

[alpinefr3ak]

UPDATE:
I checked the timing today, it was about 13 degrees advanced so I set it to about 8 degrees and it runs great now. The vacuum gauge was holding nice and steady.

I'm going to replace both of the fuel filters tomorrow and hopefully that will help as well.