Engine stalls when shifting into gear

[Vinnys]

Hello all. I have a few questions that I think might be related. I have a 1996 5.8L FLPHUR Penta re maned engine with about 6 to 8 hours on it. Rebuilt carb, all new tune up parts, filters, lines, good fuel etc, etc. I have my RPMs set at about 900 to 1000. She will stall when going into gear most of the time and when going from forward to reverse. Not a lot of fun at the dock. I just had carb rebuilt because the accelerator pump was shot. Engine starts just fine cold or hot and idles well.

I want to check my timing but do not see any degree marks. I need/ want to set the stock advance to 10 degrees. Any ideas?

What is the best RPM range to set the timing at low or high idle? Does it need to be under load?

Could there be a problem with the deceleration valve/solenoid behind the carb?

Should I hear a loud vacuum sound from the fuel return line going to the fuel pump? It mostly stops when I pinch the hose.

Would the fuel mixture needles need a tweaking?

I searched the past forum/posts and did not find one that matches my problem. Not too many of those Fords out there any more I guess.

Thank you,
Vinny

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting into gear

I want to check my timing but do not see any degree marks.

There should be degree marks stamped into the vibration dampner. One note, there are Before and After sides of 0?, and you must set your timing on the Before side of 0?.
You also need to set the timing at 10? BTDC 950 rpm. Idle rpm is 550 to 650 rpm.

Should I hear a loud vacuum sound from the fuel return line going to the fuel pump? It mostly stops when I pinch the hose.

There is no such thing as a return line on a mechanical fuel pump. Is what you are calling a return line a clear hose? If so, that is not a return line. If there is fuel in it, it means the fuel pump has a leaking diaphragm and needs to be replaced.

 

[Vinnys]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting into gear

Hey Don.
I will look a little closer but even when beaded the dampener I do not remember seeing any marks prior to re paint. If I can not see the lines what is a good guestimation measurement from the top dead center mark? I have it right now at about an eighth to three sixteenths of an inch BTDC. I know you are not a guess type guy but I do not have much of a choice.
As for the line to the Carb from the fuel pump it is clear and there is no fuel in it. I do hear a sucking sound that diminishes when I pinch it. What is that line for? Just got the carb back from the shop, again, and I am waiting for a new base gasket tomorrow when I can reinstall again. The carb shop guy thinks I have either a bad PCV or a vacuum leak or both. I have a plug to block off the port on the back of the carb base plate that the deceleration valve and the PCV is connected to. I will try this first before I move on.

I am also wondering if the engine cut off circuit is not working. I just learned about this a day or two ago and one other person just mentioned it today. I am told it is a switch that kills the engine for a micro second as it is shifted into gear. And advise on this one?

As usual Don you come through.Thanks again,

Vinny

 

[Vinnys]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting into gear

Carb back on and running better. New base / spacer plate gasket from Volvo Penta. There is no ignition cut out circuit on this year and model set up. One less item to worry about. Put boat under load at dock and she did not stall going from forward to reverse and neutral. Minor adjustment to carb at the shop and new gasket seemed to be the fix for now. I plan to run her tomorrow away from the dock.

Vinny