MTFCA Forum

After almost 2 years of restoration I decided to start my 26TT. It took awhile and had to really rich the carb to get it started. It runs fine at idle but when the throttle is advanced it spits, sputters and backfires. Advancing the spark doesn't seems to help much. I tried lean until it almost died but so far I haven't found the right combination. I know it is just a matter of trial and error. I just needed to vent a little.

Backfiring through the carb means it's lean and/or the timing is too advanced. Doublecheck the timing first, make sure that when the timing lever is fully up that #1 plug fires with the #1 piston about 1/8 inch past top dead center on the firing stroke.

Once you've verified the timing and eliminated it as the culprit, start looking for intake manifold or other vacuum leaks. If you don't find any leaks, see if you can borrow a known good carburetor from a friend and try it.

Good luck!

Also, doublecheck the firing order, it should be 1-2-4-3. Check your coil box and timer wiring per this diagram:

Could be something as simple as a loose wire around the coil box area. The little things will drive you crazy. My 24 Coupe got to doing something real similar to yours and after much head scratching it turned out to be a slightly loose coil box wire on no.2. It ran OK but upon acceleration it started cutting out. Tighter up the nut and that cured it.

I knew the timing and wiring was OK because I had checked it several times. So I called Ross Lilliker who had rebuilt my engine and asked for his advice. He suggested a carb float check. I removed the plug from the bottom of the carb and let gas run out for 30 seconds replaced the plug and started it up. It now runs like a charm. Thank-you Ross. Next step is learning how to drive.

The day grandpa gave me his 26TT (circa 1960)

Good looking TT Rod. The before and after photos are great. Thanks for showing us. Now drive the wheels off and show what a real truck looks like.