Ford: 1987 ford f-150, ford f 150, windsor engine

Question
i have a 1987 ford f-150 351 windsor engine and it will start up no problem after it gets warmed up but the problem im having is the only way to start it up when the engine has not been warmed up is to put starter fluid in the carb. is this a simple clean the carb or something that requires more time and money than that?

Answer
Hi


Continual use of starting fluid is not good for the engine as it washes the cylinder wall and cause very high wear.

Look into the carb while pumping the accelerator, you should see two streams of fuel ,much like water pistols, on each pump.

If not, then the acceleator pump has failed or the float bowl is empty.

Most likely the first and it will require a rebuild.  Most rebuilds around here will cost $45 for the kit and $80 labour if you take the carb off for them.

You can get a rebuilt carb, but they are more costly and you may have to try 2-3 before you get a good one as they are often assembly line processed, come from questionable cores and sit for very long times on the shelf.