I have a 351c that i cant get to run and i dont have the money for a mechanic. I have tried everything i can think of, any suggestions are welcome and will probably be tried.
symptoms:
-Idles extremely rough for 5-10 secs then dies
-Dies if i push the throttle
-One day it just wouldnt start and i have replaced the ignition from points to plugs (all done right), rebuilt the carb (also done correctly) and most vacuum lines (not sure about these as i dont have a diagram)
I am out off cash (highschool student) and am frustrated beyond reason. Its in a '74 Cougar with an FMX, stock Motorcraft 2BBL, i just cant figure out whats wrong.

 

Are your spark wires in the right order?
Is your timing set correctly? Did you physically check the timing to see that it didn't jump time on the timing chain?
Have you thoroughly inspected all ports, hoses, etc..vacuum lines. specifically the big ones to the trans and to the brakes?

 

firing orders right. I had the timing checked but not sure if my buddy did it right, i can check that again. as for the rest the only thing that night be wrong is the little vacuum lines on top of the engine. One broke so i replaced them all and i am not sure if i got that right. if anyone has a diagram or the correct way o hook them up that would be much appreciated.

 

Short of a vacuum schematic, trying plugging off as many as you can see if it makes any difference. You may have a cracked one somewhere.

 

Check your spark,,, pull off a plug wire and stick a screwdriver in the plug boot, put it near a metal body item, and have someone roll the engine.

You might want to do a compression check on the engine to test for possible slipped timing. consistently low values across several cylinders would tend to indicate slipped timing. It would be good to eliminate this possibility in order to continue troubleshooting.

 

Check choke on carb for proper operation.