Ford Racing 427w tuning problem

mreid · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 11:53 AM

After following Chris' problem with the seals in his 427w, I was relieved to see I wasn't having the same problem. However, I seem to have perhaps a different problem.

My set up is a Ford Racing cate 427w, performer rpm airgap manifold, and a 750 DP (4150 HP street) carb. When I first started it, it seemed to be running very rich and blowing some light black smoke. The fuel pressure is correct at 5.5 psi and the floats are set properly. It definitely seemed to be a fuel problem and after troubleshooting the carb and noticing fuel stains on the carb base gasket and fuel in the intake manifold, I replaced the 750 with a new 650 DP that I know works as it was on my 66 Mustang. I also changed the oil as it smelled like fuel and replaced the plugs. Today I finally got back to it and I'm able to get about 15" of vacuum at idle (bounces between 13 and 15) with all four idle mixture screws out 1/2 turn, but it still seems to be missing, blowing some smoke, and falls over when I give it gas under load. If I rev it in neutral I can feel and hear it missing. I haven't hooked up the wideband, yet, and I guess it is possible the MSD distributor is causing the miss, but I welcome any other suggestions.

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 12:37 PM

Check firing order... is 5 and 6 wrong?

Curt C. · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 02:11 PM

fouled plug?

mreid · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Firing order is correct and the inside of the distributor cap looks great.

JBCOBRA · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 03:21 PM

Power Valve???

mreid · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 03:26 PM

Power valve is good, but now I'm out of gas and need to try again tomorrow. Thanks for all the thoughts so far.

JBCOBRA · #7 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 03:29 PM

.....also, I had something stuck in the float needle.......... did those symptoms????

hiding in my Man Cave....the Third Wave of guests is coming since Friday. 18-22

JBCOBRA · #8 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 03:32 PM

It has to be something simple, Mark.
Happy Heineken
JB

mikesmk3.1 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 06:31 PM

Check timing I had a hesitation and found the initial timing needed to be 20Deg and total timing at 3500 to be 34 to 36 deg. Which required a re curve on the MDS distributor. If you know the duration of your cam MSD website can help with the information to figure what your timing needs to be set at.

mreid · #10 (**permalink**) 12-26-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

It has to be something simple, Mark.
Happy Heineken
JB

That's what I keep saying, John! Maybe I am getting oil in the combustion chamber. I'll check the plugs tomorrow. I'll also verify the base and total mechanical timing again. It is at 16 base and 32 total all in by 3200 rpm, which is what Ford called for, but it does seem more like an electrical problem, so back to all the basics once again. If you're around, maybe I just need a second pair of eyes and ears.

vector1 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 02:47 AM

did the rpm air gap come on the engine? i thought ford used vic jrs.

JBCOBRA · #12 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 06:41 AM

Sure thing
lmk
JB

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

That's what I keep saying, John! Maybe I am getting oil in the combustion chamber. I'll check the plugs tomorrow. I'll also verify the base and total mechanical timing again. It is at 16 base and 32 total all in by 3200 rpm, which is what Ford called for, but it does seem more like an electrical problem, so back to all the basics once again. If you're around, maybe I just need a second pair of eyes and ears.

JBCOBRA · #13 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 06:44 AM

..........thinking........What about the ground(s)?

mreid · #14 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 06:51 AM

I installed the air gap. The engine does not come with a manifold. Ford recommends the Victor jr., but the dual plane air gap is a better choice for the street. This engine sees peak HP at 5600 rpm. Also, this isn't my first rodeo. I've built or restored 20+ cars over the years and have never had a problem like this one.

I thought the same thing on the grounds as I was having a charging problem. The Kirkham had a ground strap to the tranny. I added one to the engine and another to the alternator. Charging issue turned out to be the alternator.

madmaxx · #15 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 08:42 AM

Verify timing is correct, make sure TDC is TDC on the harmonic balancer and they didnt skip a tooth during the build.

JBCOBRA · #16 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 09:20 AM

Did you check where the needle and seat go into the bowl? I'm wondering if there is some debris, casting flash, etc that might be letting fuel by?
This happened to me on Rt422. The car was stumbling and ran like ****e.

mreid · #17 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 11:29 AM

Wouldn't I see fuel running into the carb as the bowl overflowed? I had that problem at first start and fixed it with a couple raps of a screwdriver handle on the float adjuster. Unfortunately, it is raining so more testing will have to wait.

Avmaviator · #18 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

Unfortunately, it is raining so more testing will have to wait.

Open the garage and run a fan you ninny!

mreid · #19 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 01:16 PM

Wow, your wife let's you get away with that?! I'm coming to live with you!

Avmaviator · #20 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

Wow, your wife let's you get away with that?! I'm coming to live with you!

I got two free rooms! And I wouldn't find a set of hands to help me with 647

You should have seen my wife's face when she walked in the garage this afternoon after I welded and grinded a bunch, so much smoke in there. She opened the garage door and quickly turned around haha.