Drivability Problem:
Engine looses power on acceleration on inclines, runs good otherwise. Just
has problem when giving it the gas on any slight incline. It looses power
very badly, This is a 1985 f150 302 automatic. Any suggestions?
Carb/distributor/coil new, also new plugs and wires.

Thanks,
Bob

 

Dirty/clogged fuel filter--or--clogged 'cats'(does it have them?).

Dan

 

Hate to be the one to say it Bob, but an engine which falters under load is symptomatic of worn cylinders. How is it when cold? Have you had the compression checked? If not, doso, but warm the engine first.

 

The filters new and the cat replaced in March.

Haven't checked the compression yet! By the time I get it on the hyway it is warmed up, so not sure how it performs cold. If it the cylinders I might as well look into a new Ford with 0% finacing!

Thanks -- I'll look into checking the cylinders!

 

This only happens on an incline? Otherwise, it accelerates normally on level ground? How much of an incline? Does it faulter as soon as you are on an incline or does it take a while before the problem starts up? What about downhill or sideways? Is it able to maintain speed on hills?

If you have satisfactory power on level ground and are able to maintain speed on hills, then your engine block is probably in good shape. If you had worn cylinders, you'd be burning oil and blowing enough exhaust through the engine crankcase that you'd know it.

I'm guessing something's wrong with the carb. Maybe the float level is off and on inclines it starves the accelerator pump or there's some trash in there that plugs up the accelerator pump. Has your carb ever been rebuilt? Might be time to do it.

 

I agree with dennis the float level in your carb is too low.

 

I did put a holley 2bl rebuilt in recently, never to think to check the float level as it can change in shipment. I did have the same problem with the old carb but is was much worse. The incline would be like going on a onramp to the hyway say 25-30 degree incline. Mostly happens when I'm accelerating into traffic. Does sound to me it could me that!! I'll change the fuel filter too!
Thanks
Bob