Hello Guys,

I'm new to the forums because of an issue I'm having with my truck. I was hoping some of you experienced guys out there might be able to provide some input.

My truck:

The truck is a 1986 F150 with a 351W + 4BBL carb. From what I gather, that was the pretty standard equipment. I bought it from a kid who fancied himself the closet mechanic. In the process of his "work" he ended up removing most (if not all) the emissions equipment installed on the pickup. (Can't find a catalytic converter on the exhaust line either)

It runs rough until it gets warm. Once warm, it doesn't necessarily purr, but it works like a champ and has power to spare. I accelerated up a hill one day, carrying 1100 lbs of garbage on the way to the dump.

When I turn it off, it does smell like it is running slightly rich.

Sounds like a great project, eh?

My Problem:

Thing is that I'm in the middle of a home remodel and am in need of a hauler right now. It's been about a year since I made the purchase and the tabs have come up due. Now I have to pass the dreaded emissions test. Due to scheduling conflicts, I asked my Dad to take it in during one of his off days. The truck failed by a small margin: exceeding CO2 limits 560ppm (allowed: 280ppm) on idle test only. It passed the cruise test with no issues.

My dad, being the go getter he is, took it down that very day to a "Certified Emissions Specialist" as directed by the emissions center. They told him the carb was "shot," that it wouldn't hold an adjustment and it needed a new/rebuilt carburetor. Then they quoted him an obscene price that I won't bother repeating here. They wouldn't even guarantee an emissions pass with the new carb installed.

I've been planning on doing some work and replacing some equipment in the future anyway (including the carb) but coming up on the Christmas season during a remodel is not exactly the time I hoped for this: both spare time and cash are at a premium these days. Additionally, considering this shop was quoting such a high price for the carb, I'm a little suspicious of their claim that the carb is totally unworkable. I've had individual dealings with this shop before and they're always on the high side of estimates for work.

So I ask you guys, without looking at it, are there any adjustments I can make which will help increase the chances of me getting it to pass emissions the second time, or should I bite the bullet right now and install a new Holley from Shucks?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

what kind of carb is on it there should be numbers on it that you can run online i would have to say lean it out for the emissions test that should do it i doubt it will hold an adjustment shops will try to get your money any way they can then after you pass and get some extra cash i would go with edelbrock performer rpm intake and edelbrock thunder series avs carb great intake and carb you can get a refurbished carb on jegs.com

 

my father used to drill holes in the exhaust of his 84 at inspection time. By the time exhaust got to the sniffer, most of it had leaked out the holes!

Dad was really good at fixing everything except cars

 

lol thats great

 

Just have your wife take it there with a low cut top & mini skirt .. Its worked for me !!