Help on Car Backfiring or Shutting Down While Driving

[rmarks 20]

Need assistance troubleshooting why my car now is bogging down as if shutting down, then backfires and accelerates again, or rather than backfiring it completely shuts down.

 

It's a 351W 4V with a 4speed.

 

Was thinking it was timing so I backed it down closer to what the book calls for, but same thing.

 

Thoughts, ideas?

Edited May 17, 2012 by rmarks

[LoneWolf2U 136]

I would check over the fuel system from your discription.

The bog down then backfire is a lean condition.

[Pakrat 1,043]

+1, start with the fuel filter, could be badly clogged. If not check the fuel pump next and the lines inbetween.

[rmarks 20]

+1, start with the fuel filter, could be badly clogged. If not check the fuel pump next and the lines inbetween.

 

Changed the fuel pump, filter and lines in engine compartment and still have the problem. Any other suggestions?

[TexasEd 190]

Do you have a spacer under your carb?

[Black_69_FB 49]

Maybe a sticky float or debris in the carb or possibly debris in the gas tank?

[StephenC 10]

I had this same problem with my old 351W. Turns out one of the cam lobes were worn down real bad as well as the lifter. It would start up run fine for about 5 minutes it would then backfire then shutdown. Not saying its the same as your situation but if at wits end and have checked everything else that would be worth while.

[rmarks 20]

Do you have a spacer under your carb?

 

Yes, the Ford Spacer with a 4160 Holley carb.

[allenc63 10]

sounds like a valve problem..... too tight maybe?

[edwards54 15]

I just went through some very similar problems...Replaced the fuel filters, choke...etc. Turned out that it was my distributor malfunctioning...try there

[MaxLT 10]

If you have push on connectors on your ignition coil, I'd check them first, and after that look at your rotor, coil wiring harness and finally ignition switch assembly. Definitely sounds like ignition problems to me now that you've ruled out the obvious possible fuel issues like fuel pump, filter, and stuck float.

[dzahm 10]

Sticking weights in the distributor? Have you oiled the felt lately? Mines been doing this kind of thing- still haven't figured it out- but I removed the dist- disassembled, oiled and free'ed the base plate- it fixed it for a couple hundred miles, then returned; though less so. I am running the orig distr/weights. So I think mine is just dirty, old and or sticking. YMMV- but might be worth checking.