Seeking rookie advice

[Bricd]

I just bought a '78 F150 Custom. Pretty decent shape. Power steering squeals a bit, but shes a beast other wise. Only issue was leaving it sitting out on the street for a week and it took a lot of starter fluid to get it going again.

I convinced my wife I needed it to use during a bathroom remodel. She doesnt know that I'm keeping once the remodel is done. I'll have time to work on it after the remodel, but I at least want it to get through the remodel before I have to spend any money on it.

In short, tell me there's a quick and cheap fix. Even if it is just more starter fluid and/or taking it out for a spin every day. Thoughts?

 

[Fellro]

Sounds like it probably drained the carb. It can be either a leak into the motor situation, or it managed to drain back to the tank. Instead of ether, try just dumping a little gas down the carb. I will put some in a clean. clear plastic bottle and then you can see it get ready to dump. Don't need a large amount, a quick splash is generally enough.

To see if it is draining out after sitting, look inside the carb with the choke open and see if any gas squirts out into the carb throttle area when you move the throttle linkage. No fuel means either the carb is empty or the accelerator pump is bad/passages plugged.