tons of info needs to be extracted from this thread

[bollybib]

IGNITION, FUEL, & CARBURETOR (Part 1 of 3)

This is stuff I did from the time I bought the truck in November 2010 through May 2011.

I inherited the following setup from the POs:

Carburetor………....…Edelbrock 1406 5180 (Weber), (5=1995, 180=180th day of year)
.......................... Base stamp: 110 300 2, Base castings: 17A, K
...........................Ref. Carburetor Date Code: Telephone call to Edelbrock Tech Line 800 416 8628
Intake manifold….….Edelbrock Performer

Cylinder heads……..World Products S/R I-052, 10508CHM7, 1=shift, 0508=May 8, CHM =internal code, 7=1997
...........................The heads were produced by the now defunct association between World and Dart.
............................Ref. World Products: http://www.theengineshop.com/product...f_file-221.pdf
............................Ref. Dart: http://www.dartheads.com/tech-articl...ds-and-blocks/

Ignition…………….....MSD6AL, Part No. 6420, Serial No. 254642,
........................... Date Code H7 (June 1999, I had to call MSD to decipher this code)
Distributor………..….HEI type, HO3282, 8M7, manufacturer unknown
.......................... (Mfg date M=Dec, 1997 or 1998 most likely)
Spark plug wires…..Accel 8.8 Silicone Plus-Spiral Core-RFI Suppression
Spark plugs………....Autolite 145
Battery………...………Kirkland Signature 4/09, CA 1000, CCA 795, Group Size 34

I started by replacing the spark plugs, the distributor advance weights and bushings, cap and rotor (the old stuff was really fdup see below). There was no fuel filter so I installed one. I replaced the PCV valve and both valve cover grommets, got new air filter gaskets, and a new air filter. The alternator belt was down to its last thread so new one there, too. Everything I replaced was in very poor condition or missing. I adjusted the timing and idle but the DS idle screw wouldn’t respond. I moved the vacuum advance to the full time port on the carb and then it responded.

Once I was able to drive the truck around a little I found it hesitated on acceleration. Also, when I accelerated and then immediately braked hard, it would begin to stall and was difficult to keep running. The carburetor was suspect. I could see by looking down the throat that it was pretty damn dirty in there.

I’ve never had an Edelbrock, so I studied-up again. I started with the Edelbrock Owners Manual. Edelbrock recommends 5.5 psi fuel pressure but I had no idea what pressure I had. I bought the components needed to get me there; carb inlet pipe with provision for a gauge, a pressure gauge, and a pressure regulator, all Mr. Gasket because they were readily available at O’Reilly’s and are relatively inexpensive (some say cheap, don’t buy that stuff, but they’re OK by me so far). I first checked the fuel pressure without the regulator installed and watched the gauge waver violently between 7 and 10 psi or so. I then installed the regulator, adjusted it, and got a nice steady 5.5 psi. My installation looks a little strange but it doesn't leak and is secure (as I work toward full Shade Tree Mechanic status).

I bought an Edelbrock rebuild kit and new floats. I figure first time around stick with the original vendor’s parts. I had read in here that their floats tend to leak and Edelbrock mentions stalling in connection with float adjustment, hence the new floats. I tried making a few adjustments without actually removing the carburetor, none of which eliminated the problems. However, I did notice small changes in driving behavior every time I adjusted something which told me that I was on the right track.