64, OldSub, and Hotrod, thanks for the contacts and encouragement, I really appreciate it.
The engine is a 283 V-8 in a 1959 3800 1 Ton. I currently have an rebuilt Rochester 2 bbl carb in her, (came from the seller).
Problems:
(1) Lots of "smoke" (seems white) coming out that little engine exhaust pipe under the cab when idling & driving.
(2) Backfires on deceleration.
(3) Stumbles or coughs when accelerating after she's warmed up.
I don't have much experience with these old trucks yet, but from what I've been reading these are probably due to the carb, timing chain, (guys at one shop couldn't get the timing marks to line up) and possibly leaky pistons rings or valves.
Does this sound right to anyone?
I've already changed and tuned the points, new battery, rebuilt the "rebuilt carb" and taken it to one mechanic.
I'd love to "try" to fix her myself, (as seen at oldsub.com) however with the chance we might drive her to WA (OldSub thanks for your encouragement) instead of towing her behind a rental truck, I thought it might be wiser to find someone experienced who could work on her.
Again thanks for the replies, let me know if you have any thoughts.
Jacob
P.S. Oh! one other thing (funny how there always seems to be)
Occasionally she has a hard time starting back up, (i.e. after fueling at gas stations) when she does start the Ammeter gauge goes way up. (Alternator problems? it's new from the seller) Sorry about the laundry list. Could these be connected?
