Engine dies at idle - was running great

[caz]

My dad took my truck for a spin today. The engine was cold, I started it for him. He drove it to his house - about a half mile away.

Now it won't idle without the choke on. Otherwise it dies at idle. Without the choke on and with the truck warmed up it backfires slightly on deceleration. It runs pretty good with the choke on but does smell like it is running a little rich.

My first thought was that I had a vacuum leak, but after a quick once over - and checking the booster everything seems normal. I have not had the chance to put my vacuum gauge on it yet.

Does this sound like it could be fouled plugs? Any other thoughts?

 

[splitshot]

Sounds like it could be an issue with the needle and seat. Could be rebuild time.
Whats the level in the sight glass?

 

[caz]

The level in the site glass is perfect.

 

[splitshot]

Ok, try plugging off all your vacume lines and see what you come up with.. Next I would check out timing/dwell.

 

[weez440]

did you check your fuel filter? when's the last time you put in new plugs and wires and set the points? how bout gas has it been sitting for a while or is it fairly fresh? and i agree that it could more then likely but you need a rebuild in the carb or just have it cleaned as you might have gotten a peace of garbage in it but i believe in ruling out all simple things first.

 

[peesalot]

got s*** in carb. change fuel filter, clean out carb if you know how or try to get it to pull the crap thru by putting your hand over it then suddenly pulling it so it creates a vacuum pull to the carb while your covering it then the sudden rush will sometimes clear it up. River water in gas tank will create this issue.

 

[Robert LaDuke]

Do you have the stock carb on the truck? What year? Might try checking the idle solenoid.

 

[vk7ybi]

Blocked idle circuit, bad idle solenoid, vac leak. Apparently popping on deceleration is caused by lean mixture.

 

[caz]

Suppose that I should have gone into more detail...

The truck is a 74, has the stock carb, 2 year old fuel tank, carb was rebuilt, fresh fuel filter, pertronics module to replace the points, etc.... I have been daily driving it for a month now (1000 miles) - it has been running like a top.

My dad has never driven it - I was just hoping that he did something stupid.

CAZ

 

[caz]

Fixed!

The trusty "Oklahoma rebuild" fixed it. I think it runs better now than it did before!