Hi Guys,

I’m noticing that the 59 f100 is really struggling to start after I’ve been driving. I haven’t driven enough to start noticing a pattern but I have been trying a few things like- just turning key (no pump of gas pedal), pumping gas pedal twice, using choke. The last couple of times I’ve had to crank and pump the gas until it’s starts but it starts off really weak like it wants to fire then I have to keep pumping until it roars alive.

It starts fine cold but if left for days will need a lot of cranking which I think somehow the fuel is leaking/evaporating out of the carb then taking a while for the mech fuel pump to get it back up to the carb.

Just wanted to hear some thoughts and past experiences.

The engine is
- 272 +20tho over, fully rebuilt all new parts.
- B type Intake with dual oval slots machined
- 2inch plastic 4 hole carb spacer
- new Edelbrock performer carb
- MSD ready to run dust
- MSD blaster 2 coil
- new 8mm plug leads
- newish plugs
- new mechanical fuel pump
- timing is 12 initial and 38 all in by 3000rpm
- I do have a fuel pressure regulator that I suspect is playing up. I put it on there after I installed the new fuel pump and the old carter carb was leaking fuel everywhere and I’m pretty sure the fuel pump was delivering 8-9 psi or something like that.


Thanks, Dennis.

56 F100 - 272 Y Block
NSW, Australia.

Just some ideas. Make sure it does not run hot. The valve clearance is correct.  Check to see if the carb is bleeding into the venturi  when you shut it off.  
Hope this helps. 

Located in Harford County Maryland 

I don't know what the fuel is like in your country but the crap we have here will boil easily in the carb if there is too much heat transferred to the carb. Engine temp increases when shut off and the aluminum type carb spacers transfer too much heat. Usually a good phenolic spacer under the carb helps.

Panel driver- thanks for the feed back, the car temp is consistently 180. I will check to see if the carb is bleeding into the Venturi, thanks.

RancheroJim- I think the fuel is ok but I’m no fuel expert. I do have a 50mm plastic spacer. I will check to see how hot the carb is next time I shut it down after a drive.


Thanks, Dennis.

56 F100 - 272 Y Block
NSW, Australia.

OOOPs I missed were you listed a plastic spacer, sorry.. That shoots my idea.