Engine dying

[Takoda]

1985 2.8. Replaced intake gasket to hopefully fix a vacuum leak. Not sure if it was fixed because truck still runs the same, maybe worse. Everytime i put the truck in gear it wants to die. I feel like ive tried everything. Some help would be great.

 

[pentode]

Someone who knows those engines better than me will want more detailed info. Have you tried spraying something flammable (brake cleaner, carb cleaner) around the intake little by little to see if the idle changes? Obviously taking all the common sense precautions to not create a fireball.

 

[Takoda]

Someone who knows those engines better than me will want more detailed info. Have you tried spraying something flammable (brake cleaner, carb cleaner) around the intake little by little to see if the idle changes? Obviously taking all the common sense precautions to not create a fireball.

Yes sprayed brake cleaner around every possible vacuum leak. And if its sprayed in the carb it dies rather than pick up in idle.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

More details are needed.
Is the truck fully warmed up? It needs to run at least 5 minutes and 10 to 15 would be better (depending on weather). This is to take the choke out of the equation.
Have you used a vacuum guage on it? What reading do you get?
Can you rev the engine without problem while in park?

 

[Takoda]

More details are needed.
Is the truck fully warmed up? It needs to run at least 5 minutes and 10 to 15 would be better (depending on weather). This is to take the choke out of the equation.
Have you used a vacuum guage on it? What reading do you get?
Can you rev the engine without problem while in park?

Yes truck was warm. Vacuum gauge was bouncing between 17 and 18

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Remove the air filter and make sure choke is open all the way. I doubt this is the problem but...

Has the carb been rebuilt recently?

I'm actually not familiar with this year carb. I think it is when some computer controls started to be integrated, and I have no experience. My experience is with much older, 1977 to be exact.

 

[Takoda]

Remove the air filter and make sure choke is open all the way. I doubt this is the problem but...

Has the carb been rebuilt recently?

I'm actually not familiar with this year carb. I think it is when some computer controls started to be integrated, and I have no experience. My experience is with much older, 1977 to be exact.

Yes choke is open all the way. And yes they started computer crap in this year.

 

[Hoosierman]

When you say "put the truck in gear" do you mean any gear? One thing you can try is giving it a little throttle as you shift it into gear, see if the engine stays running as you feather the gas pedal a little and report back. Another thing to consider is your idle setting may be out of spec, do you know what your idle rpms are?



Also a very good trick I've learned from seasoned mechanics is that a very good way of finding any vacuum leak is to blow smoke into a vacuum line. That is how I found my carb base was leaking last year it wasn't very noticeable, it took a second set of eyes to see it.

 

[Takoda]

When you say "put the truck in gear" do you mean any gear? One thing you can try is giving it a little throttle as you shift it into gear, see if the engine stays running as you feather the gas pedal a little and report back. Another thing to consider is your idle setting may be out of spec, do you know what your idle rpms are?



Also a very good trick I've learned from seasoned mechanics is that a very good way of finding any vacuum leak is to blow smoke into a vacuum line. That is how I found my carb base was leaking last year it wasn't very noticeable, it took a second set of eyes to see it.

Yes any gear. It can stay running if I feather the throttle, but on the other hand its terrible gas mileage and I definitely feel like its low on power. And not sure what the rpms are i dont have an external tach, so ive been just going by sound. And have tried the smoke before and it seemed to come straight out the top of the carb.