First carb then electrical problems

[mustube]

I really need to get these problems fixed quick so help is really appreciated. I just finished rebuilding the Autolite 1100 carb on my 66 200, and I recently replaced the plugs and wires. It never died before I rebuilt the carb but now it dies at idle every time I start it. Then all of a sudden I think the ignition switch isn't working, the lights come on but none of the accessories turn on and the starter won't engage. I need to fix the electrical problem first so I can start the car to work out the carb issue. Thank Y'all!

 

[66 E100 Pickup]

on your electrical problem, you need to get a multi-tester and start tracing down the problem. Got battery? check. Got power to "I" terminal on relay when key is turned on? check. Got power to "S" terminal on starter when key is turned to start? check. Etc. You have to ignore the mess of wires and systems everywhere and start focusing on the individual components (battery, cable connections, ignition switch, starter relay, cable connects again, starter itself, and so on). At some point there are fuses involved as well. A wiring diagram is helpful.

Especially look at the things you made changes to, and any loose wires.

John

 

[ludwig]

If you think it is the ignition switch, they are only about $25. It could be just a coincidence of failure. However, the tests are still important.

 

[mustube]

Well I've figured out that the plug in the back of the ignition switch is the problem, anybodu know where to get one? The problem only happens sometimes when wires arent in a certain position.

 

[ludwig]

Sounds like an intermittance. I believe that plug on the back of the ignition has a nut to hold it firmly in place. Maybe it is loose and the contacts are drifting in and out of contact. Could just need a good wire brushing.
If there is a broken wire, you could go to a junkyard and just get the cluster of wires around the plug and 6" or so of wire. Then pull the guage pod and solder up the new plug with leads through the dash opening.

 

[addo]

Pretty sure you can buy a repair kit which is the plug and some lengths of wire extending from it. You solder splice to the original loom and that's about it. Remember to slip the heatshrink tubing over the wires BEFORE soldering!

 

[mustube]

Well I've sorted out the electrical problem. It turned out that the ignition switch was bad and it all works well now. But now I need help as to where to start on the carb problem. When I rebuilt it the recommended float level adjustment was waaay higher than it was before I rebuilt it. Could it be that this particular carb needs a lower float level than what the rebuild kit recommends?

 

[addo]

Sometimes, I reckon that is the case. If it runs happily with the lower float level, stick with it.

 

[mustube]

Well I figured out the problem and it's fixed now. When I took the top off to readjust the float level I noticed that the powervalve ( the thing that the rebuild kits tell you not to touch) was stuck in one spot. So I got it unstuck and now she runs better than ever before. Thanks for the help!