302 carb concern

[Phfantasm]

I have a 1977 Mercruiser 888 with the Ford 302.... started cold, it runs good for hours, but if i shut it down for a few minutes (refuel,drift,pull up to dock) and then restart it.. at idle it will just die, above idle it does decent, but anything over 1/4 to 1/2 throttle she spits and sputters for 10 mins or so....
Questions for you gurus....
Should I rebuild it? can a 2barrel automotive carb rebuild kit work?
Should i drop a 4 barrel on ? Can an automotive 4 barrel replace it?
will a riser plate help eliminate vapor lock?


how expensive would a fuel injection kit be to install ?

 

[mkast]

Re: 302 carb concern

spits and sputters for 10 mins

You might try diagnosing the problem, it's cheaper.

 

[Phfantasm]

Re: 302 carb concern

its a fuel problem and not a delivery concern... its surely a carb problem... bad thing is, having been an auto tech in Ford dealerships and now Dodge... in the 15 years i have been doing this, i have never tuned a carb, let alone built one...

 

[Riegfrghtl]

Re: 302 carb concern

I also have a mercruiser 888 with a holley carb. Rebuild kits are easy to find and if you follow the instruction not bad to do your self. To go to a 4bbl you will need to find a new intake manifold and the cast iron ones are virtually impossible to find. Edelbrock makes one for this motor but it is not cast iron. Fuel injection probably is cost prohibitive and more trouble than it worth!

Tim

 

[Monte1961]

Re: 302 carb concern

Had same set up a few years back. If memory serves me correctly it has a motorcraft 2brl?. Really doesnt make a difference, anyways, it's not a big deal to overhaul as you might think. But if you have never done one before, I would suggest that you take plenty of pictures before you remove anything. IE: spark arrestor, vacuum lines, fuel lines, wires and then while your are removing parts to soak in carb cleaner. It might take you awhile to do this, but it will also save you some headaches too! Good luck and let us know how it turns out!