Sputtering truck

Do you mean sorta dieseling?

The Medic

Yes. That's exactly what it does.

There maybe other possibilities

Vacuum related for instance.

The biggest thing that I have seen, that sorta makes it sound like it just don't want die........is IDLE SPEED IS TOO HIGH!

Generally you are not technically in the idle circuit anymore, you actually "on your mains" (drawing fuel from the venturi's)

Can you idle it down?

If you are sorta carb dumb, not "Only" idle adjustment is possibly the problem, it could be your Choke's high idle system, out of adjustment, sticking, binding and not allowing the throttle place to close to the "proper idle position" (which should be barely cracked open)

Do you know what to check?

Have a Dwell/ Tach meter to check idle speed?

Just ask!....Even though Imma Jeep CJ kinda guy, I can possible assist you with this.

If you been-a-messin' with screws, I need to know (pics may help me know what you got)

A repair manual can/ in the future....help you perform repair tasks.

One of these is a cool, compact, most all tuning stuff you'll need as a DIYer, it's all in one box....less than $40 at Harbor Freight

If nothing else, send back good news!

Your Turn

The Medic

I am car dumb...i'm a carpenter. I haven't turned any screws, but the truck idles like a Harley when it is still and it shakes hard.

96,000 Miles Accurate? Or something you just slung out there?

Everyday Driver?

This been an ongoing issue for a while?

Any other history that may help?

Just by ear, does it idle really high?

Has the timing been checked?

Before we even think about adjusting the carburetor.....................!!!

When was the last time the following items were replaced...I hope I don't leave any out, if so, I will update!

Spark Plugs

Spark Plug Wires

Distributor Cap

Rotor Button

Fuel Filter

Air Filter

PCV Valve & it's filter

Seriously, ever considered getting a Repair Manual?

Are your vacuum lines serviceable and connected....Or are you scared to be under the hood, because It resembles Indiana Jones', "The Serpent Pit of Doom"............But really, are we talking mega neglect, or it's kept up somewhat?

The Medic

This isn't my truck but it has the same motor. Inline 6?

The whole engine was replaced 20,000 miles ago. 96,000 miles is what the odometer says. I bought it from the original owner and he kept it up well. I took it to the mechanic and he said it was fine. By ear, when it idles, it sounds like a Harley and shakes like one too, but it's perfectly fine when I give it gas.

Mechanic was scared of it too?

The Medic

HA! I think he just wanted free money. There is a big pleated hose thing that goes from the radiator to the engine and it is broken. Would that affect it?

Radiator or front-end of your vehicle?

This thing, remind you of the pleated thing in you pic? Goes to a similar place?

If so, that's just the fresh air to your carb!

I sorta get the feeling that you are not going to be able to do any kinda tuning by yourself.

Do you have any buddies that can assist you, that might know their way around an engine?

Another factor you must consider is: When the engine was installed, was it "As Is" or was scheduled maintenance performed then?

All of the items I mentioned above, would have been performed by me, if history was unknown....same with all fluids, I always go thru the motions of a 100% tune-up of any vehicle, that I acquire....I trust no one else's Maintenance or Lack of maintenance program.

A regular ole tune-up "may" solve your problems.

That is your "Beginning" to attempt to fix your issues.

The Medic

It is the fresh air. I have done all the fluids. I don't wanna blow it up, so I think I will take it to a Ford mechanic and get it checked now. I appreciate all your help.

Sorry I couldn't help you out.

The Medic