My 56 Bird has been sitting around for awhile (over a year partly due to the bug).    The last time I started it I had put in a new (to me) distributor but never put a timing light on it..  Also had the fuel pump go bad.

Got it going a couple of days ago.  Started good, idled good.  Disconnected the vacuum to the distributor, plugged the line coming out of the carb, set up the light.  Started ok, but wouldn't idle.  Reconnected the vacuum, started good, idled good.  Can't understand what is the problem.  Don't know what to try, seems pretty simple but can't figure it out.  To me it sounds like a vacuum problem, but I plugged the hose going to the carb.  Checked my other vacuum lines and don't see anything wrong

56 Bird, 312, newer engine (very few miles), C4 trans. 57 Bird distributor.  teapot carb modified by Ted for the 57 distributor (Ran the car with another, non Bird distributor and it ran ok, I assume  I put a timing light on it then, disconnecting the vacuum as usual.  No problem at that time I can remember.)  Carb was on the old engine and ran good.  Distributor was not the one I had on the old engine.  Heater and wipers are all mechanical (no vacuum)

Any ideas?


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ