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  #1  
Old 02-01-2016, 05:33 PM
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Chubz Chubz is offline
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Default Truck runs like crap

Just bought a 78 w150 4x4.

It is very hard to start, idles extremely high and smells like its spitting out fuel in the exhaust.

At first glance it looks like the smog pump was removed but everything else was left. I am wondering if this clogged the cat?

The previous owner replaced the carb and distributor and still experiencing the problem.

Not sure what it could be, looking for some ideas?

Thinking about pulling all the SMOG and CAT equipment and testing it, but im still on the fence.
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  #2  
Old 02-02-2016, 02:52 PM
John Kunkel John Kunkel is offline
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You could do like the PO and throw parts at it but you'd be better off taking it to somebody with diagnostic equipment (scope) and have it tested. Cheaper in the long run.
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Old 02-02-2016, 08:50 PM
chirorod chirorod is offline
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Most common when it's running poorly is an ignition problem. As John says, that can be tested with a scope. Unfortunately, shops have gotten away from scopes since obd came on. But a 78 doesn't have obd. They figure that a scan tells all. So it's gotten hard to find a scope anymore. What you can do instead is pull the plugs and look at them. Plug condition can tell you a lot. With the plugs out, you can and should check compression. You can test plug wires for shorting by running it at night and looking for arcing. If it has a tq carb, the well seals might have failed. On any carb, there could be a float problem. You can do a dynamic compression test by pulling one plug wire at a time and noting any or no change in rpm. If the problem is only at one or two cylinders, that test will identify them.
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:27 PM
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JVMopar JVMopar is offline
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Plugged converter isn't going to cause a high idle.

Just because parts were replaced doesn't mean they were tuned. I would set the timing to 36 degrees at 3500 rpm, and then tune the carb.
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  #5  
Old 02-03-2016, 11:04 PM
Mopar Trac Mopar Trac is offline
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Check the timing chain! those old trucks are rough on the single chain and are very hard to start and will run really rough.
Easy way to check is put a timing light on the engine it will jump all over the place.
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Old 02-05-2016, 10:20 PM
RacerHog RacerHog is offline
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Sounds like a good place to start....
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Old 02-05-2016, 10:21 PM
RacerHog RacerHog is offline
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Posted up a photo... Maybe will see something...
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