new 71' 250 owner - issues

[SkierGuy]

Just bought a 1971 f-250 , manual 360, warner t-18 tranny from the dude down the street. this truck is cool looks great , ran strong.

problems-
biggest problem is that ive never owned an older truck or tried to work on one ever, but im sure ill figure it out.
ok
so the shifter suddenly came partially loose from the tranny. still shifts- but neutral is enormous now. Something obviouly broke loose. Do i have to drop it to fix this thing? rebuild? what?
-
looking under the truck at the transmission i noticed i could see the flywheel. seems really wrong, a couple of empty bolt holes... no cover.
-
and of course the truck won't start anymore. i know it sat a lot. not getting fuel to the engine it seems like, just wont turn over.

look i know i dont know a damn thing here, anyhelp would be appreciated. ive got this thing, and im afraid im in for the long haul. thanks fellas

[rjewkes]

Post this question in the drivetrain and engine sections. Some one will see it better there and know what is up.

If you can see it from the front under neath then you are missing the inspection cover.

As far as fuel i'd check the filter and the pump.

[fordman]

welcome if it sat too long it could be the fuel pump is bad. or it got one of the lines plugged with dirt or something.

[heep70]

and to the site.

yes, it would be better to post your questions in the write forum. That way you get more attention and the subject (most of the time) stays the same.

I would strongly recommend getting a manual and probably better yet a set of shop manuals. Makes for good reading on rainy cold nights next to a warm fire.

[71 LONG BED]

If it sat too long it could be a few things. I agree with fordman, it probably has a fuel delivery problem. The carb could use a good cleaning also, I'm sure. Don't be intimidated, if your mechanically inclined at all, you should be able to get this thing running. Then you can drive it with your chin up because you got this truck, that was left to rot, back up and running.
Oh-yea, we need pics! They are mandatory.

[Dropped 68]

First Off, Welcome to the site! Your problem aside, sounds like you scored a nice truck.

Details, you say It won't turn over. Do you mean it won't crank over or it just won't start. If it just won't start, and you want to see if it's fuel related, do this: Remove the wing nut holding the air cleaner lid, take the lid off and pour a small amount of fuel (an ounce or so) into the carb opening try it again. If starts or tries to start then your problem most likely is fuel related.

If it's not even cranking make sure all your connections from the battery to the soleiniod to the starter are clean and tight. And of course that the battery has plenty of charge.

As for the shifter problem, sounds minor, likely a linkage issue from what I know, but manual tranny's (T-5's Aside) aren't my strongest point.

Good Luck, Feel free to ask as many questions as needed til you get it!

[prostreetf100]

shifter problem could be the pin that holds it in place. i would pull the boot off the shifter then you can remove the upper plate that goes around the handle. you have to push down and turn at the same time to get it off. kind of hard but it will come off. there is a little dowel on the driver side i believe that will most likely be broken. i have seen this happen a few times.

[SmokeyBear]

Welcome

[CJ,s 67 F100]

Welcome aboard, Sounds like a nice truck. Don't forget pictures

[flyboy2610]

Welcome aboard!

[kknip]

Hi!and welcome from North Carolina.Sounds like you have a cool ride.Don't be discouraged,get a manual like heep70 said.You might not know it but you are better off with the truck you have than a newer model for the simplicity of things to work on.You already have made a good choice of Ford Truck web sites to join.

[cathynkeith]

Welcome, you have found the right place.

[mytmatt]

Hello, and another Texas welcome to you!

[foghorn]

and from okla also dont ever forget that
Like the other guys have said a good manual is a good start to fixing things.

[marz68]

welcome! Do you have any pictures of your truck.