1983 4x4 pickup, 22R, rebuilt carb, ran fine until today

On the way home from work, the truck stumbled on acceleration, and died. It would start and try to run, but would die.

Something cleared out, and the truck would again rev freely, but still won't idle, which is where i am at.

Things I've done:
-grounded the idle cut solenoid
-cleaned the idle cut solenoid and passage with carb cleaner

Things I've noticed:
-black smoke comes out the exhaust when revving, which is new
-will idle with starting fluid
-revs freely, just will not idle

Any ideas?

 

start with the fuel system. fuel filter, line blockage, what carb are you using and when was it rebuilt? how long did the truck run good and idle for?

 

It is the factory carb. Rebuilt 10k miles ago, and has been running well for that long.

I'll check the fuel filter and lines today

 

Smell gas? Black smoke sounds like you're getting too much fuel and flooding.

 

How much are you pumping the pedal when you start it? It does sound like too much fuel in there.

 

New info:
-replaced the fuel filter still nothing
-replaced the idle cut solenoid with a known good one off another carb- nothing
-took the airhorn off and cleaned the passages with carb cleaner-nothing
-runs with the choke on

Also: the smoke is actually more blue than black. do not smell gas while it is running/stalling.

Can see fuel dribbling at idle in the primary.

Does not take any pumps to start, do have to have some throttle input or it will not start

 

Well I think you can stop messing with fuel cut solenoid

So it runs fine with the choke on?

You've checked for vacuum leaks? Nothing was messed with leading up to this? It just happened out of nowhere?

I'm trying to think of how starting to burn oil might connected to this, but am not sure. Is the carb oily? You aren't sucking oil in from the valve cover?

 

Well, it was something in the carb. Swapped carbs with another truck and it runs fine. SO... I guess its time to try and decide if I want to desmog and go weber or leave it factory.

 

Ah, the age-old question...

My 2 cents...go Weber.

But there are advantages and drawbacks to both.

 

Try a fuel pressure regulator maybe. Black smoke means too much fuel

 

Read the thread

 

The only real advantage to the Weber (and why I like them) is that they are simple and easy to use. The factory carb is a good carb by all accounts, but when they go bad from age they can be complicated to troubleshoot. I've never been a fan of factory carbs on any vehicle, so all of my engines get Webers, Holleys, Barry Grants, etc...

You have a lot of options with 22r engines. Weber 32/36, 38/38 and a variety of Holley and BG carbs. 32/36 works good with stock to very mild builds. When you start running cams with .450 lift the little 32/36 will start choking the engine out. Go 32/36 or 38/38 if you plan on any cam mods of consequence and don't look back is my advice. Or get a Barry Grant and a blower from LCE and have some fun.