BRAND NEW 351M first start attempt and issues

#midnightmaroon #79FordF250FirstStart

We finally turn the key and MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!! Still some issues, I can't seem to get the timing just right, the carb was a little gummed up from not being cleaned well enough before storing it away. Getting a LOT closer though. Probably going to have to enlist the help of Neighbor Joe to get it dialed in. We can't wait to drive this an enjoy it!

Affiliate links:

**** MERCH Site ****

Send me stuff:
Troy's Garage YouTube Channel
4956 West 6200 South - Box 235
Salt Lake City, UT 84118

Check me out in other places:

[mirada]

Vacuum advance should be connected to the timed port on the carb (the one next to the choke), the way you have it from the manifold will advance your timing like crazy at idle and it will never run right. The thermostat for a 351m/400/351C are special, they have a hat at the bottom (just like your old one from the trash) to close the crossover port once the thermostat opens. Most store sell you the 351W thermostat without the hat and it causes cooling issues.

[ImNotHereToArgueFacts]

You should revisit this video for those looking to do this. People run into issues with the wiring.
1-Is that a HEI upgrade? The old ones used a coil, cap with coil wire in center (also had a module inside), and a silver magic box (iirc since 1984).
2- Was the truck running with this distributor before? I guess it did, you mentioned tach.
3-Go through firing order. If someone used an aftermarket intake, it could have wrong firing order.
4- I think #1 points to carb at TDC

[peggyseefeldt]

Have to remember dist shaft spins counter clockwise to pump so drill has to be in reverse.

[KANSASIOUX]

351m makes a thermostat w gasket, saved e from headache.

[davidkehn]

Went years ago with Eldebrock performer intake, (used) rebuilt 4V off ford 390, skip white HEI distributor, summit performer grind cam, high volume oil pump, headers, summit timing chain, restored the timing to earlier specs. 78 f250. Last year of non catalyst trucks I think. 3” phenolic spacer under carb. Torque plus intake gaskets. Had suffered a catastrophic fuel pump failure on turnpike, crankcase filled with gas, detonated, bent pushrods, blew off exhaust. Cc’d combustion chambers, polished ported heads best I could, new lifters springs pushrods valve seals. Over 20 yrs later still gets up & moves.

[KyleEbright]

I believe when i set my initial timing on my 351m upgraded to a 404 cubic inch the timing should be at 4 degree btdc to 8 btdc. Of course exacts differ on stock engine vs modified. Mine had a mild cam, higher compression pistons 9 to 1 and aluminum intake and 4 bbl carb.

[CrusherGarage]

Remember that the 351M takes a different thermostat than other ford engines. The one you pulled out was the wrong model. It might overheat.

[danderson]

evin if it the Hei chev stuff, your Vacuum advance on any Ford V8 should point straight forward, then adjust from there, it should only be slight.

[stevepearson]

What engine is that, my 351m400cid oil dip stick is on the outher side ...it's hard to tell but it seems the intake manifold is a little smaller?

[MrJanders]

I have a 79 F150 longbed with a 351m. Quick question, how did you get your old distributor out? I am trying to replace my original distributor with an HEI distributor but it is stuck in the block it seems. I am currently soaking the base in deep creep and will try to remove it with a slide hammer and a pipe wrench. Just curious if you had this same issue and how you mitigated it?

[projectlazarus]

Curious about jetting for your area. I’m in northern Utah and have my fuel mixture screws all the way in and it still seems like it’s getting too much…

[stevepearson]

I always thought distributer orientation, should be pointed at number one cylinder

[REVNUMANEWBERN]

All you need now is a one wire alternator

[merc-nihy]

the distributor i knew was wrong from the beginning..if you are hell bent on using a GM dist in a ford..first make sure your timinmg marks on the damper are on zero [ compression stroke ] ...then stab the distributor in with the vacuum advanced pointing straight forward..set your rotor and you are done..i knew you would run out of room to advance it the way it was

[shyboyangelus]

Never mount a plastic fuel filter up on a hot engine like that !!!!

[merc-nihy]

use a gasket on the thermostat housing...if it doesnt leak now...it will soon with just silicone

[shc]

Sounds like the timing chain, not the dist, is a tooth off.

[MrHeathS]

I'm sure you have it all running now but did you not know you can advance the timing or retard with an Allen key and the vacuum advance?

[hiramrayosx-xboxv-clips]

Que tan cierto es que el 351M son poco confiables, cuál es su problema más común?

[frankiebush]

He marrying that girl from California??