77 Bronco - keeps dying in D or R

[cycloneGTS]

I have a '77 Bronco Sport, and had the following problem last night: running fine for 5 miles, then "choked" out and died. It didn't want to start right away, but after a few minutes started right up. I idled and revved for a few minutes with no noticeable problems, but when I put it into Drive it died again. After this happened 3-4 times, I called and got a tow home.

Does this sound like a vapor lock issue? What is throwing me is that in Park or Neutral it appears to be running fine.

Thanks...Mike

 

[darkmagus]

Are you running a lock up converter?

 

[cycloneGTS]

No on the lockup converter.

 

[WARDOG]

A little more info would help us help you.
What carb, type of ignition? Is there a vacuum advance on the Distributor?
Smell of gas?

 

[rbodine]

How bout a vacuum leak. Check line coming from vacuum modulator to carb.

 

[broncnaz]

Sounds like a Carb adjustment issue to me. Over time things need to be adjusted for lots of reasons could be even slightly related to timing issues. I would check you timing make sure its where you want it. Then adjust the idle mixture and idle speed remember With automatics idle speed needs/should to be set while in drive.

 

[cycloneGTS]

Sorry guys - I will try to give as much information as I can (and am able). The carb is a Motocraft. I can't find the vacuum advance, and don't know anything about the ignition. There is no smell of gas at any time.

I checked to make sure all hoses were tight. I noticed there are two hoses behind the carb that are plugged with small bolts. Does anyone know what these should be running to?

I'd like to attach a couple photos to try to help...I will post a link as soon as I upload them. I am not equipped to do much on my own, so if it ends up being something outside of that, I'll take it to the shop.

Thanks again for all the input.

Mike

 

[cycloneGTS]

Ok - trying this for the first time, so I hope it works. I uploaded a few photos here: http://s1361.photobucket.com/user/cycloneGTS/library/?sort=3&page=1

 

[broncnaz]

Your vacuum advance is the cannister on the distributor should have a vaccum line running to it. Looks like the EGR system is not hooked up not a real big deal but that is probably why the hoses are plugged.

Basically I think you just need to adjust the carb the idle speed screw is by the throttle linkage and the idle mix screws are under the front of the carb a little hard to see and adjust but it can be done.
For the basics let the engine get to operating temp then adjust the mixture screws you should be able to notice the engine speed change as well as the engine running rougher or smoother. You want to find the spot where it runs the smoothest. Then adjust your idle speed as needed.
Most likely you could just bump up the idle speed a little so it no longer dies when put in drive but learning how to adjust your carb will help you out in the long run.