[poppy red]

I had a complete restoration of a 1965 convertible mustang, with a manual three-speed transmission. The 289 V8 engine and 2-barrel carburetor were rebuilt. The majority of the time the engine runs great. On occasion, usually after idling for a period of time, when I start to accelerate the engine chokes down and will either stall or will accelerate and I get a very strong smell of gas in the car. When the car stalls, I hold the accelerator to the floor and keep the starter engaged until the engine fires up.

I have been told to rub my finger inside the tail pipe and if I have a dark dust on my finger then the air/fuel mixture is to rich. I did as suggested and I did get a dark dust on my fingers.

I was also told that before I try to adjust the carburetor, I should use an octane and lead additive over the next few tanks of gas.

Lastly, I was told to join a mustang forum and seek advice from a community of enthusiasts.

What are your thoughts about the situation I described?

[stlwagon]

Welcome... Let's find you an answer in here.

[joef21]

Check the Accelerator linkage, they sometimes have several holes to set amount of pump action. If so, set the linkage to get the minimum amount of action. If that doesnt do it you might want to check your float level. It might be too high.

[gtjoe]

My first thought was float level.