[77fordf100]

I have 1977 ford f100 custom with a 351w. My engine will start up fine and will idle fine but when i put it in any gear it just shuts off. Also the engine will only idle with the hose off the pvc valve, when connected it will just turn off as well. Does anyone know what could be wrong?

[fast68]

timing may need more initial advance

is the engine running very rich ?

any smoke out the exhaust at idle mainly ??


check for vacuum leaks at carb base gaskets

and at intake gaskets

spray something aerosol flammable aroiund these gaskets while its running


see if it speeeds upany for a second

not much else can be recommended here without actually being there and seeing/hearing


do you know anyone who knows fords in your town ?

that would listen to yours for a minute ?

or a true mechanic?


good luck

[Irelands child]

If it still has an EGR, it may have corroded through allowing a massive air/vacuum leak.

If it's a new problem, then air/vacuum lines are suspect.

Mechanically - timing as in a timing chain/gear that has worn to the point of way out or even jumped a tooth or so.

Intake valve burned - a '77 351W had really mediocre heads at the best of times.

Carb - is it flooding and only additional air (oxygen) will keep the mixture at a burnable ratio.

You haven't given us much to go on, i.e., engine age (is it the OEM?), miles on it, compression check, vacuum readings, spark plug color, dist cap and rotor vintage(this is an early Duraspark ignition and not the best if OEM), dist shaft wobble.