carbed fuel problem

[doylerl]

Ok, so many of you may remember me trying to get my '89 up and running again. Well, after tinkering around with it on my not so often "free" time, I have managed to solve that problem (I think anyway). Now, it appears that I am not getting fuel now. If I pump the pedal, it will fire up and run briefly, but it dies shortly after. It will not start back up until I pump it more. Now, I took the breather off and poured a little fuel into the carb, and it fires right up no problem. So, with the fact that if I pump it it starts and when I pour a little in it it starts makes me think somehow the arm on the cam is not actuating the pump. Is this even possible? I just put the pump on less than a year ago. I would not think it should be failing yet, but I don't know. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks

[bravekozak]

hose collapse

Check for a hose collapse between the hard line and the fuel filter.

[doylerl]

Check for a hose collapse between the hard line and the fuel filter.

BINGO! You got it... I replaced it with a longer one so it wouldn't be kinked, and it fired right up! It is however shaking violently between 1200-1800RPM. It is also popping when I tap the gas. Not so bad when I ease into it, but it still pops non-the less. I am kinda leaning towards old gas. It has been sitting for about 6 months with that 10% ethanol based crap in the tank. It is still very poochy and less responsive than I would like so I will have to wait to take it for a trip. I did drive it around the block. It felt so good being back in my first festy. Even if it did act like it was going to die when I went to take off. Brakes are probably stuck a little from sitting.... I will break them in again!

[bravekozak]

old gas

I always use super. No ethanol to absorb humidity from the air. Get rid of stock carb. Read drdan thread on new carb:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30959

Good luck.

[hofficergrover]

It pops like back firing? Are you sure the timing is all good at the disty?
Old gas would make it run crappy not start popping. My 88 has bad gas in it and just runs crappy and like surges going down the road. Never had popping unless it was out of time.

[doylerl]

It pops like back firing? Are you sure the timing is all good at the disty?
Old gas would make it run crappy not start popping. My 88 has bad gas in it and just runs crappy and like surges going down the road. Never had popping unless it was out of time.

Not exactly sure how much timing could have changed from installing the new disty. All the wires are in the correct order, and the new rotor only goes on one way. Are you talking about the slots on the disty that makes it to where you can turn it a little? Where should it be set at? I just eyeballed it to where the old one was. Anymore help or advice on this is much appreciated. Thanks

[91_festy_Gl]

Once you get good gas it it and it still does it, I would try advancing the distributor and see if that clears it up. How are the plugs?

[doylerl]

Once you get good gas it it and it still does it, I would try advancing the distributor and see if that clears it up.

By advancing you mean rotating where it bolts on?

[91_festy_Gl]

Ya, if I remember correctly, turning the distributor counter clockwise advances ignition timing and clockwise retards it. You want to advance alittle so your fuel mixture will burn better. Don't advance all the way because it will cause a lean running condition. Try it and see how she runs, if that dont work, you might start by replacing the plugs.

[hofficergrover]

By moving it where it bolts is the only adjustment you have, but can make a big difference in the way it runs. If it is to far advance or retard it will pop(backfiring) either through the carb(to advance) or exhaust(to retard). I would mess with that, but mark where it is now so you can reposition it to where it ran before. Then if no improve ment try newer gas imo.

[WmWatt]

Just clean and gap the pugs before trying new. I've had the same plugs for years.

[doylerl]

Ok, so I tried adjusting my timing by rotating the disty. It runs rough and wants to die if I retart it very much. By the way it has been described, I would say it is WAY too advanced. It is adjusted ALL the way to advance it appears. See the picture attached and see what you guys / gals think. If possible, could someone possibly take a picture of theirs to compare? Thanks

Just noticed in the pic you can see how much I tried to adjust it, which would kill it.

[worfdog]

Can't take a pic but mine is about middle way, a little on the advanced side.

[doylerl]

Also, are the vac. lines correct, or does it matter? Which is on top, the red or the blue?

[worfdog]

On mine the red is on the bottom.