1978 Ford F-250 Dies With White Smoke

1925 FORD F-250
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SPEEDFREAK
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  • 1 POST
got a 1978 ford f 250 the truck just up and died it will start spit white smoke from the exsaut then just die the only time it will run good is when i get a jump then after about 20 mins it start to bogs out i guess you could say then wont start i let it kool off then it will start then die it has a big block 351 5.8 lt 2 barrel carb i could real use some help with i am 18 high school student and i really need this truck
Dec 12, 2006 at 4:14 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
You might really need this truck but it doesn't sound like the truck needs you or more so that the truck really needs you to do some work on it.

Water, the key to the earth is something I feel is killing your truck. Are you losing coolant. Check the cooling system. I suspect you overwork the starter and battery to get this vehicle to start. I suspect that one of the head gaskets is failing.
Dec 12, 2006 at 11:32 PM

Suggested Repair

Check the cooling system for coolant loss. A failing head gasket is suspected, and repeated hard starts may also be overworking the starter and battery.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1978 Ford F-250 with a 351 5.8L and two-barrel carb says the truck starts, emits white smoke from the exhaust, then dies. It runs after a jump but bogs down after about 20 minutes and will not restart until it cools. The expert suspects coolant loss and a failing head gasket, and advises checking the cooling system.

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