ledzilla
Member
I've had a variety of issues with my Bronco running solidly. I think I have it all figured out now as to why. I'm pretty sure it's all related to the fact that a prior owner installed an Edelbrock carb and manifold. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I do not believe that a factory mechanical fuel pump designed to run a 2bbl carb can efficiently supply enough fuel for a 4bbl carb. Some of the issues really point to a problem with fuel delivery, especially given that the fuel filter is clean and the carb was professionally rebuilt, and the fuel pump is an old crusty factory-type pump. I'm planning to replace it with an Edelbrock pump that should give it that little extra that's needed. From what I found, the normal fuel pump that would supply a factory 2150 provides about 4.5psi and the Performer series carb installed likes 5.5-6 psi, which this fuel pump will provide.
The other problems seem related to warm weather driving. In the winter it behaves just fine, but in warmer weather, especially after its been driving around a bit, it just runs absolutely terribly. All of the symptoms point to heat soak, which seems likely given that there is no insulation of any kind between the carb and manifold. It's mounted directly to the manifold with only a standard gasket between them. I'm thinking I'll install an insulating gasket and a heat shield between the manifold and carb. I was also thinking that with the new pump I'll also install some new braided fuel line between the pump and carb and cover it with an insulator.
If I'm right, getting all this done should make a marked improvement in how that 351W will run all year 'round. I'm also concerned that the ignition timing could be a little off. I'm going to be installing a new harmonic balancer since the current one has the timing marks corroded and is falling apart anyway. However, it seems really difficult to reach the retainer bracket. There's a lot in the way. Is there a nice little trick for improving access? I think I have a set of offset wrenches specifically designed for the task, but I'm still concerned about actually reaching the bolt. I think it also needs a new vacuum advance, since that appears to be yet another old crusty part. Are there any recommendations for a reliable replacement?
The other problems seem related to warm weather driving. In the winter it behaves just fine, but in warmer weather, especially after its been driving around a bit, it just runs absolutely terribly. All of the symptoms point to heat soak, which seems likely given that there is no insulation of any kind between the carb and manifold. It's mounted directly to the manifold with only a standard gasket between them. I'm thinking I'll install an insulating gasket and a heat shield between the manifold and carb. I was also thinking that with the new pump I'll also install some new braided fuel line between the pump and carb and cover it with an insulator.
If I'm right, getting all this done should make a marked improvement in how that 351W will run all year 'round. I'm also concerned that the ignition timing could be a little off. I'm going to be installing a new harmonic balancer since the current one has the timing marks corroded and is falling apart anyway. However, it seems really difficult to reach the retainer bracket. There's a lot in the way. Is there a nice little trick for improving access? I think I have a set of offset wrenches specifically designed for the task, but I'm still concerned about actually reaching the bolt. I think it also needs a new vacuum advance, since that appears to be yet another old crusty part. Are there any recommendations for a reliable replacement?
