New member, new owner, 1941 pickup with driveability issues

[38 coupe]

Ford would install the heavy 4 speed crashbox in any truck down to half ton size. These are not found much anymore since many owners have swapped the four speed for the three speed over the years.


I would disassemble the carburetor, clean it, and install new gaskets & etc. from a carburetor kit.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 34PKUP

Suggest you read my post that says "being filled and held at design level"

If one regulates the fuel pump's pressure output to the max pressure that the needle & seat are designed to accommodate, then you can reasonably count on the carburetor's bowl "being filled and held at design level"....if the float level is properly set!


Do you understand what normally happens when the fuel pressure is too high for the needle & seat to shut-off the fuel flow when the float reaches it's "UPPER" set level? Fuel continues to fill bowl by overcoming the needle's ability to shut-off fuel flow, and the raw, excess fuel ends-up spilling-over directly into the intake manifold, and at best, the engine runs like crap! "Engine Fuel Pressure Class-101". DD
.

[corvette8n]

I had CharlieNY rebuild my carb and distributor now my ‘41 runs like a top. I could have putzed around with the carb myself, but the distributor was another matter, required some machining to get it right. Welcome to the barn and really like your truck.

[alanwoodieman]

2nd that air cleaner--get rid of it , they do not allow enough air in to run good

[jimTN]

Gas pedals on these vehicles were meant to be used with a foot rest beside the pedal. Without using that, it is difficult to maintain a steady throttle speed.

[Terry,OH]

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38 coupe is correct your pick up could have the 4 speed. Usually the vehicle serial number will reflect this. I believe your carburetor is the Holley or Ford style 94. It should be model 91-99 The numbers should be marked into the castings of the carburetor. Your vehicle should run smoothly, start, hot or cold, quickly.

Daytona carburetor in Florida sells a good rebuilding kit for the Carb.

At this point it may be good to check the fuel pressure, check cylinder compression and put a vacuum gauge on to see what all of these instruments read. Flatheads that sit for long periods can have sticky valves.

[D. Jones]

504d;

Welcome to the best, most interesting and helpful Ford site.

Since you did not post your location it is difficult for others that may be close by to help you with your truck.

Again, welcome and good luck with your truck.

[504d]

Well, that's the easiest suggestion to implement: Wilmington, Delaware.

[Als48]

Fresh fuel might make a difference!

[504d]

The serial number has a BB prefix on the title, but I can't make out anything before the 186492xxx on the frame rail.

The carb says "MODEL 91-99" on driver side, Ford logo, U.S.A., H, and ?48 on passenger side.

Thanks,
Steve

[504d]

Done that.

[Brendan]

with your 4 speed crash box , just shift it very slow, first gear is a compound low, don' use it for normal driving. its only if your gonna haul heavy loads or pull your house down. start off in 2nd gear. when you shift up just shift slow then to neutral count 1,2,3 then to 3rd and the same to 4th do all that with your foot on the clutch. when you down shift you need to dbl clutch, i have a Model A and i shift it the same way

very Kool truck! have fun with it, and don't get discouraged with the bugs, you will get them worked out

[504d]

I had to add a switch for this test. The pump was wired directly to the ignition. But, no luck - just as rough as it gets ready to die.

I noticed I don't have a idle screw. I've been using the throttle knob on dash to approximate idle. Should do the same thing, eh? When I get it low enough the two idle fuel screws do have an impact, but it never gets smooth. I'm going to make sure all my cylinders are firing and have compression next, and order a rebuild kit for carb.

Thanks,
Steve

[504d]

Thanks. I was starting to noticing that slow was more important than double clutching. I'm not easily discouraged. I went ahead and bought this because I didn't know anything about it. If there were no issues, I wouldn't be interested.

Steve

[504d]

All the plugs look the same, none fouled, like they've all been firing, but with too rich a mixture (black), but I've been running this mostly cold & choked, so maybe can't draw that conclusion.

If I'm posting too much, let me know.

Steve

[sugarmaker]

Steve,
I dont think your posting too much! These guys aimed the FIFH (Ford Information Fire Hose) at me when I started posting about my ragged ol' truck 6 months ago. Many Many great suggestions and recommendations from these experts. I would guess by the pictures that your are not very far from having it running like a top. Your truck has been in good hands and just needs your TLC to bring get it running good.
Regards,
Chris

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Steve on this site no question is too much..no question is "dumb". Welcome to the Barn you have one grouse truck there ....your brothers loss, your gain.

GB

[Clem Clement]

Think about joining an eV_8 club nearby. Club's are there to help and guide you.

[504d]

Compression:
#1 - 120
#2 - 125
#3 - 120
#4 - 120
#5 - 122
#6 - 121
#7 - 126
#8 - 124
Awaiting carb kit and fuel pressure tester.

Thanks,
Steve

[sugarmaker]

Steve,
For sure I am not even a novice on these, but your numbers look pretty good to me as far as being similar in value. Did you have the carb open to full throttle when testing? I think that is something I forgot to do when I did my B engine.
Regards,
Chris