1978 Ford Thunderbird problem staying on

Tiny
19THUNDERBIRD78
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 FORD THUNDERBIRD
  • 5.8L
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
My 78 thunderbird has sat for 2 years. My dad gave it to me so I've been slowly getting road ready. Heres some problems I have.
1. Alternator light is on-i replaced both voltage regulator and alternator but light is still on.
2. Car jumps doesn't have a steady idle. If I take my foot off the gas it shuts off. I had a mechanic changed ignition coil, distributor cap, spark plugs, new oil, cleaned the carb. Ine we firsted turned it on we pore a little gas in the carb to get it started. Then it turned on and stayed in a few minutes fine. Exhaust was throwing out some black smoke probably from sitting that long. Mechanic said let it run and burn all that old stuff. So the next few days I turned it on. And then alt light came on I smelt a burning smoky dirty smell. A little smoke from the engine, coming in from the vents inside, underneath the car and the exhaust was blowing some dirty stuff. Which made a spot on the driveway where it was running black. I looked under the car looks clean. My brother said maybe there is a mice nest in the exhaust causing a blockage making everything come back up through vents and so on. I know what ever is in the air burns my eyes. So thats everything sorry for long story but didn't want to leave anything out. So after xhanging voltage regulator and alternator. Dont know why light is still on, and why car is idling bad and releasing the smoky smell. Thanks mike
Friday, May 29th, 2015 AT 4:22 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check fusible links at starter relay by battery they are yellow or orange if memory serves me right. Your carb probably need s and overhaul and check air cleaner. But if you can drain the gas do that and put fresh stuff in as well and check all hoses for vacuum they are probably destroyed as well.
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Friday, May 29th, 2015 AT 7:04 AM

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