New carb?

[NST_311]

Hello again everyone. There seems to be a new problem with my truck. About three weeks ago I noticed a strange rattling noise coming from the truck when I was driving it. I didn't think it was a major problem so I ignored it. About two weeks ago the truck started to not start up correctly, so I figured I would try some carb treatment. I do believe it is different from carb cleaner, which I have yet to try. I added it in and it ran fine for a couple of days. I then noticed that the truck would not have power in third gear, and would start billowing smoke. I took it to my grandfather's and we could not figure out the problem. My dad then noticed that a spark plug wire was loose. We checked it out and sure enough, the plug itself was loose. We tightened it up and were positive we solved the problem. As I started the truck today, I noticed it was idling really rough and shooting smoke. Something was obviously wrong. It is worth noting that we also checked the timing and it was fine. I drove around my block and I noticed the same problem, lack of power, but this time it was MUCH worse. The truck slowly gave out on me and stalled in the middle of the street. This posed a very big problem as I don't have working hazard lights. I somehow go the truck started again by giving it gas as it would not turn on by itself. I drove it in to my garage as quickly as I could. I kept messing with it, giving throttle, and then it died again. The whole time of course, it was shooting black smoke. I now ask you all this, could the carb treatment somehow revealed this new problem that was lurking anyway? I did some minor research in this site and found that I have a couple of options. I can try to rebuild the carb, but this will be difficult as I can't do it alone, and my dad has a tough schedule, so time will be a BIG issue. I could also purchase a refurbished carb and install it, though I don't know the exact specifications of the carb itself. I can finally just try some carb cleaner and see where that takes me. It is worth noting again that I already changed the vac lines. This truck needs to be running by the end of August because I'm heading back to school. Any advice or suggestions?

[fastboatman29212]

I doubt that the carb is the problem. I would do a compression check on all cylinders first. You may have a problem there.

IMHO, carbs that are dirty or need a rebuild tend to cause sluggish performance and bad fuel economy and perhaps even idling problems, but would not cause smoking etc.

How many miles are on the engine?
Has it recently overheated on you?

Another thing you can do is pull off one spark plug at a time and then connect an extra spark plug to it. Crank the engine. You should see a spark at the plug - thus confirming that you have FIRE at the plug. Do that for each plug, one at a time of course. Also look at the color of each plug. It should be a light to medium brown color and not oily.

I'm sure others will add their thoughts, but I would not diagnose this as a carb problem.

[PEZi]

All the problems seem wiring related in various ways. A problem like this is going to involve a lot of trouble shooting, though. Start with what ^he said... let us know where it stands.

[synack7350]

gasoline engine and black smoke not a good combination! Check your rad fluid. does it have oil in it? check your oil does it have rad fluid in it.... sounds like a head.