1980 F-150 dies on reverse gear

Question

Hey everyone, I have a 1980 f150 and I’ve noticed that 45% of the time when I put it in reverse and turn the wheel it dies and as I do that I hear a weird clicking sound. I’m not sure what it is please help and thanks!

Answer 1

Which engine do you have??

I am taking that is has a carb.

How is the power brake booster. Warm up the engine so its back at normal idle speed. Apply foot to brake pedal. Hold a steady pressure on the pedal. Shut off the engine. Does the pedal kick up almost instantly. It should take about 20 or 30 seconds to slowly push upward as the vacuum in the power brake booster is lost..

When power brake boosters fail. The diaphragm can rupture causing or the internal valve can leak. This can leak enough air that the engine will stall during some low rpm high load situations. Like turning the steering wheel.

You may want to have somebody listen while you turn the wheel to identify the area where the noise is coming from.

Comments

I have a 302 small block, but I don’t think it has a power brake booster, if that means master cylinder then I guess yes. I’ll try that thanks!

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this is the power brake booster: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=259181&cc=1121139&jsn=2275

There are some links on that page that give you testing procedures.

I don't think they made any trucks with manual brakes in 1980.