Jeremiah Hatfield

I have a 84 mustang, carberated with 302 and it's always been hard to start if it sets for a few hours/days. It has a brand new 4 barrel elderbrock carberator and still has the same problem as before - hard to start. Some mechanics have said an electric fuel pump, ignition contol module, msd distributor, etc. Some people have said there's nothing i can do to get it start right away while others have said they had the same type of car that starts on the spot. What are the first improvements I should make to get it to start "on the money".? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

mattdel

Check timing, fuel pressure, coil output. Also you can't just slap a carb on and pray it works. It will need adjustment.

Jeremiah Hatfield

A mechanic put the carberated, adjusted it and the timing. Still, it's hard to start in the morning. I'd like to make it more efficient. Would a high end ignition control module, msd distributor, electric fuel pump or other things solve the problem? I'm looking for "surefire" ways to get this thing to start.

Thanks

mattdel

I'd pop open your current distributor and check if the points are good before spending tons of money.

Jeremiah Hatfield

Don't mind spending money, just want to make sure it starts right away. Would an ignition control module help or anything else you can suggest, if a budget isn't a concern?

tinman

I think you probably have an electical problem.
I also don't think you have any points in that distributor to worry about.
I'd get to a good auto/electical shop and get the car checked out.
I also woldn't be using an Edelbrock carb either, the last carbed Mustangs built used a 600 Holley with a Ford number on them........

Jeremiah Hatfield

The car had a Holley carb and had the same problem so, I doubt it's the carb. The car is at an auto shop and the electrical seems to be good. What I need is a laundry list. I have started one, but need specifics and need to know which models and what should be deleted. Per the mechanics instructions I ordered an electrical fuel pump (had mechanical) "Summit". He also said eventually should get a MSD distributor, just not sure which i should get. They range from $200 - $359.99. Thanks for all the help guys.

1) "summit" 14 psi, 105 gph - electric fuel pump -price $97.99 (ON ORDER)
2) MSD Distribitor Model 8352 -price - $359.99
3) MSD Ignition Control Module - Multi Spark - MSD 6A - $179.95
4) Optima Battery with 800+ cold crank amps $190

These 302 carberated models are notorious for having problems starting after sitting, but I've spoke to people who were able to make the corrections. Anything else you guys feel will help this car to start up FAST?

tinman

You are going to need a regulator with that fuel pump.
Optima batteries used to be real good but they are nothing but bling now that Johnson controls has taken them over.
Car came with a mechcanical pump and that's what you should be using now too.
Better battery would be a DEKA.....

Jeremiah Hatfield

The electric fuel pump comes with a regulator. Apparently the electronic regulators are more efficient and may help my starting problem. You think i should put a mechanical one back on? Any other suggestions to help with my problem

tinman

I don't see why you need any electrical fuel pump at all. Just get a good mechcanical pump and put it on the car.
I still think the problem with the car is electrical........