Hello there,
I just acquired a 1955 Ford Fairlane, V8 272, fordomatic, sedan. My father-in-law had it stored away. Anyways, my question to all is this. I have rebuilt the carburetor,(with a holly two barrel repair kit) cleaned and adjusted points, got the motor running last weekend. When I push the lever for the throttle the engine acts to starve itself by sucking air. It idles great, it just seems to suck air, choke itself out, also it back fires when starved.

Any thoughts would be great.

Check float level, could be too high and shutting off fuel flow.

Check idle mixture.

To set idle mixture screws: 1.Get the engine up to temp 2.Shut the engine off 3.Install a vacuum gauge to a full manifold vacuum port 4.Turn the screws all the way in until lightly seated 5.Back them out 1 full turn and restart the engine making sure the choke is completely off 6.While at idle, back them out 1/8 turn at a time, alternating between the 2 or 4, until highest vacuum is achieved. Be sure you keep all 2 or 4 screws even. You can also do this adjustment without a vacuum gauge, the adjustment are the same except you will adjust to highest engine RPM at idle.

Are you getting a good accelerator pump shot? Does the engine continue to run if you advance the throttle slowly?

Yes sir, I am getting a good pump shot, and yes it does run if I slowly push the lever or accelerator to about the half way point then it chokes.

I will recheck the float, and adjust the screws thanks for the input. I'll get back soon.

Have you checked the distributor advance mechanism to make sure the timing is advancing as rpm picks up?Could be seized up from sitting or diaphragm has a vacuum leak.

  

I agree with Mark - check out the distributor, which is likely a "Load-O-Matic". Sure sign is a pair of springs visible on the point plate when the cap is removed.

This type of distributor doesn't have centrifugal (mechanical) advance with fly-weights. Instead it uses "venturi vacuum" - air flow down the throat of the carb - causes a proportional vacuum signal to be delivered to the "pot" on the distributor. The airflow provides the "speed sense" which gives the ignition more and more advance as the rpm rises. No vacuum signal - no advance - problems appear.

What sort of instruments can you get yoiur hands on? Need a timing light, vacuum guage - and if around, maybe a dwell tachometer.

this would be a 6 volt car correct? or has it been converted?

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I can get the instruments you mentioned. Also, it is a 6 volt and has not been converted.

To everyone that responded. Thank you so much.