[griffew]

I just replaced the inline fuel filter and it runs better in idle and after the first few times giving it gas it is fine but the first few times I hit the gas, it either cuts off or acts like it is going to. I dont think that I have put the filter in there wrong (there isnt much that can go wrong with screwing the filter into the carb and then attaching the tube). Do any of you know what I need to do to fix this?

[Print Dad]

Hello griffew,
It may help if we now a bit more about the trouble and the car.
1. - What motor?
2. - Have you tuned up the car?
3. - Have you replaced air cleaner?
4. - Put in "dry gas" or fuel additive.
5. - When and how did this situation start. Did you change something like the air cleaner or points or??

There are a number of possibilities such as:
Needs tune up
It is possible you got a bad batch of gas...Can you check the fuel pump?

Sorry, I think we need a bit more info to help but that is what we are here to do.
Weak coil

[griffew]

Hi PrintDad. The Mustang was given to me by my grandfather on Wednesday so I dont know much about it as far as what he has done to it. I also dont know much about the car as far as the mechanics of it but I want to learn. It is a 289 engine and I doubt it has ever been tuned. As far as a fuel additive, what would you suggest? I have not checked the fuel pump yet but I will. What should I look for when checking it? I do know that it has been like this for a couple of years. I would drive it when I visited my grandparents and it always idled rough and would cut off when I hit the accelerator. After running it every day since I have gotten it, it has gotten better but I dont want to have to "prep" it (crank it, leave it idling for a few minutes, rev the engine, and then take it out for a spin) every time I want to go for a ride. I guess I need to get it tuned and go from there. Do you have any idea of how much that will cost? Thank you for your help!

[Print Dad]

Hello griffew,
First congratulations on the car. A 289 is a great motor. If you change the oil periodically they run and run. I had 280,000 mile on one of mine without taking the motor apart.

Now, I would read read read everything I could about doing a tune-up.
There are sites on the web that will help. Doing a tune-up on that motor is pretty easy. There is not all the computer connections etc. like newer cars.

The car could need some work. I would start with the little things like air filter, and PVC valve. You changed the fuel filter so that is good.
I would then replace:
1. - the spark plugs, - -$20.00 for all
2. - The spark plug wires - $30.00
3. - Distributor cap - - - $15.00
4. - Points, condensor and rotor - - -$18.00
5. - Oil and Filter Change - - - -- $20.00

All of this should cost in the ballpark of $100.00. This is a starting point for a good reliable motor. If you do the tune-up and things are still not running perfect don't get discouraged. It could be that you may need to replace the carburetor. Don't worry about that yet however.

Worse case scenario the carb will cost in the ball park of $300.00 for a 4 barrel. Don't rush to this point Just do the tune-up and see how she acts.

I am assuming that your mechanical skills are somewhat new...so I would suggest getting books Like "Chilton's Motor Repair" or any books that show how to do a tune-up. Also ask friends that may work on cars.
Many vocational schools offer night school classes on cars.

We all start somewhere. When you work on the car..give yourself plenty of time, work slowly and carefully and use the right tools for the job. This includes using goggles if applicable.

Motors like yours are so much fun to work with. You can learn so much.
Replacing plugs is just a matter of having the correct "deep socket". I believe a 13/16 for your motor, and perhaps an extension and wratchet.
When you replace the plugs, do one plug at a time. Same goes for the plug wires. It is not hard.

Try a basic tune-up and see what happens. You could need carb adjustments as well. You can adjust the choke etc. etc. But for a good start I think a tune-up in is order....I wish you great luck

Post Back with any and all questions. I and others will gladly help.....Print DAd

[65redcoupe]

dont forget some compound to put on the threads of the plugs....even though i regret saying this....when you go to buy the parts if you have nobody that knows how to do this kind of stuff ask them what things you may need to get them done....another good thing to do as im pretty new to cars and was in about your same position a year ago is call places from where your ordering your parts and say hey....im looking at some parts here and im not too too sure what exactly i need or what will run best on my car and 99% of the time theyll know whats going on....good luck!!!! and remember we can always help you here

[griffew]

Thank you for all of the help and encouragement PrintDad and 65Coupe. I ordered a Chiltons Manual today so I hope that helps me when I am under the hood. It actually broke down this weekend and I lucked up and had someone stop who knew quite a bit about older cars so I feel like I learned the basics. We replaced the coil on it and it got it running again but it still is hesitating and tries its best to cut off on me. He looked at the points and all of that and it looked ok to him. After reading your post about the carb, I may go the route of rebuilding it. The rebuilding kit from Mustangs Unlimited (not too far from me here in GA) is only $20 so I may get that and see if that is the problem. I heard it wasnt all that hard to do and with the Chiltons Manual and help from everyone here, I think I can do it. I was actually expecting to come here and have everyone brush me aside since I am just learning but I have found it to be quite the opposite. Everyone here really seems good about wanting to lend a helping hand to guys like me who are just starting out and learning the basics about cars. So thank you, I really appreciate all of the help/tips/advice.

[Print Dad]

Hello griffew,
Great news. Glad you have started. This is a great hobby/career (working on cars. I forgot to mention a few other ideas that may help.
1. - Do google searches for videos on "changing spark plugs" for example.
They can show you lots of stuff.
2. - See if you can locate "meets" in the area where people cruise and get together to talk cars etc. They will be a great help I am sure.

Rebuilding the carb is not too hard and the kits should come with step by step instructions. This hobby can be so much fun yet frustrating at times but just remember this forum. There are so many great people who like to help others.

I have learned a great deal from just talking and asking others about cars. As 65red oupe suggests, go to your local parts store and talk to them before you do a project. There are many people who know about the stuff they sell.

Keep us up on what's going on..........Print Dad

[griffew]

OK, quick question. The kit I am looking at buying is labeled as Ford model 2100,2150. What does that mean and how do I know it is the correct one for my mustang? Also, do you think that if I rebuild it with these parts there is a good chance of solving the hesitation problem? I am also going to put in a new fuel filter (not the inline filter, already replaced that, but the one in the canister near the oil filter). Just wondering what you think would be the best bet for solving the problem would be: rebuilding the carb or doing a tune-up? Since the kit for the carb is fairly cheap (found it at autozone for $13), I may do that, the other fuel filter, and change the spark plugs and see where that takes me. Hope you were sincere on me asking so many questions, I'm going to take you up on it! Haha.

Thanks,
Eric

[Print Dad]

Hello Eric,
The 2100 is a model of the carb. Here is a great link that I think will help

Autolite 2100 Carburetor Rebuild

The other fuel filter near the oil filter is probably a filter before the fuel pump. If you replace that I would suggest getting a clear filter so you can see what it inside. Good idea to replace it and they are inexpensive at places like "Wall-Mart"

It is hard to say what is causing the hesitation because there could be problems with a tune-up etc. but rebuilding the carb will only help and is pretty inexpensive.

PLease ask your questions. I am not always on the forum but I try to check every day. So yes I am serious and there are so many others here who like to help others enjoy this great hobby.

Check out the link. Also...get to know your parts guys...they often can be a great help......Print Dad

[griffew]

The link looks great. Thanks. I will keep you posted on whats going on with it. Have a good one!

[griffew]

Ok, after looking online for parts, I have found that AutoZone has the most inexpensive parts. Does it really matter what brand the parts are? The reason I ask is because the parts in Mustangs Unlimited are pretty expensive. I didnt know if I could chalk that up to them having a higher markup or if they are just better parts. I will get the higher grade parts if it is worth it but I dont need high performance parts or anything like that since I will only be cruising around town in it on occasions. Let me know what you think.

[Print Dad]

Hello,
Buy wherever you get the best deal on a carb rebuild.
Autozone is fine. The only time you need to be very careful is if you are replacing body panels etc. Often you get what you pay for.

As far as tune-up parts etc. Autozone is cool. You may even find one of the salespeople who really know cars. They can be a good source of info.

You can do this.......Now get working hahaha...Post Back anytime...Print Dad

[griffew]

Great news! I replaced the other fuel filter (which was essentually a solid block because it was so clogged) and it runs like a champ now. I think both filters did the trick. It didnt hesitate or anything tonight. Hope thats going to do the trick for a while. I may still rebuild the carb though. I dont think that would hurt it but I may just leave well enough alone for now.

[thetvirus]

If you have that much crap in there I suggest cleaning out your tank, or just buy a new one, they are cheap enough, around $115.