new owner of a '79

[tarps3]

Hi all.
I just "inherited" a 1979 F150 Lariat.
The old truck is solid but has been sitting in weeds for a couple of years.
The previous owners parked it when the battery kept dying on them.
A quick check with my multimeter revealed that the the voltage regulator was toast.
I replaced that, installed a battery and tried to get the gal to start.
It sputtered and coughed and tried to fire off but I couldn't get it to run more than 5 or 10 seconds.
My first question is:
what does the "M" stand for after the 351 engine designation? That what my VIN decodes as.
Second:
I plan on replacing the carburetor, draining the old fuel in the tanks, and replacing the fuel pump while blowing out the lines. Other than new spark plugs, etc. can you think of anything else I should do to try and get it running again? I can't figure out why it wouldn't start up when I supplied it with fresh gas out of the can. It wanted to, but just couldn't...
Last:
where can I buy a good replacement carb?

thanks and I look forward to talking more with everyone on this board.
Casey

[jtrux]

M = Modified

It's a decent engine for a truck but needs some help from the aftermarket if you want any kind of performance from it.

I think you're on the right track as far as what you need to do to get it started. As far as a good replacement carb, i'd go with a edelbrock carb, it will bolt right in place, just hook up your vacuum lines and such and you'll be good to go, get the 600 cfm model with electric choke, I think it's about 300, maybe a little less.

[79fordboy]

i had the same problem with both my 302 and my 400... i didn't buy new carbs. all i had to do was change the plugs/wires cap/rotor and the coil...all said and done it cost me about $30 and both motors fired right up and have run strong ever since

[tarps3]

'M' stands for modified.
How is it modified?? Just curious.

[jtrux]

My guess is that it's based on the 351 Cleveland, so maybe it's a modified version of that motor. I honestly don't really know.

[mechaniken]

Sounds like some research on Bubba's M-Block homepage is needed.
But.. my guess would be that because the 351 and 400 share the same block, the Modified would be for the shorter stroke the 351 has.
Good luck with the '79!! Can't wait to hear the updates.

Ken

[Slick Fan]

"Modified" with low compression pistons, retarded timing gears & lots of emission crap. Otherwise, it's basically a Cleveland engine.
Here's a semi-confusing writeup; http://www.projectbronco.com/History/hi ... d_351m.htm

[bomb1973]

good luck with your new toy i have a 1973 f250 4x4 lifted 9inch let me know if you need any help