I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model. For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good. Problem 1: I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there any way to check this? Problem 2: The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine also. I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I first start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra fuel. No, I haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY winter, too cold...) Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ??? Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
- posted
16 years ago