My introduction and query about my '61 Apache

[Apache1309]

Greetings,
First post here, I appreciate the message boards sincerely. I recently bought a 61 Apache 235 4speed, though in need of a tune up, she ran fine. The other night as I was exiting the freeway I notice that with the clutch completely depressed at the stop sign, it died. Would restart after a couple tries, but it repeated the process every time the truck was brought to a complete stop.Thinking perhaps that the idle was off, I did some research and found that the spec idle is between 450 and 500, however, she dies out at anything below 1100. Furthermore, my truck seems to in some way require that the choke be utilized at all times for a smooth idle. I am changing out for a larger air filter today as the PO had a very tiny K&N atop the old single Rochester. Keep in mind that this is my first 235 and this is the oldest vehicle I have ever owned, that being said, some of my questions may appear novice.
I need the truck to be a daily driver ASAP, any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.
In addition, Does anyone happen to have a link to the '60 or '61 suppliment shop manuals for free download?
Gratitude!

[hopped up]

Check your points if you still have points
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[aerotruk63]

Sounds like a Vacuum leak.

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm

[TehNewGuy]

Sorry about the trouble, I cant put too much into your problem as im new at this myself But... Welcome!!! After you figure out the problem I know a bunch of others and myself would love to see some pics, and Congrats on the new old truck!

[Apache1309]

Thanks for the responses, fellas. Ill get some pics up soon. As promised, here is noob question 1. In regards to checking the points and checking for vacuum leak, would some more detailed explanation be possible? As I stated, this is my first engine with such a set-up... Would either or of those possibilities explain the high idle? Thanks again.

[Apache1309]

Hence my need for the shop manuals ASAP... haha

[ZEEGERMN]

i got an extra shop manual,...its free...send me a pm...well its free for you...

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Sounds like a Vacuum leak.

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm

Yup. X2

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Sounds like a Vacuum leak.

Welcome and I would second that.

[harpo1313]

as for vac leaks ,check the rubber hose going to the distributor and if the 235 has one ,the line to the pcv valve on the rear of your valve cover.

[ZEEGERMN]

hope this helps!!

[64fleetside]

you have a fuel supply issue it sounds-check your carb/filter/lines/tank for crud/old fuel.

[Vernski]

Originally Posted by 64fleetside

you have a fuel supply issue it sounds-check your carb/filter/lines/tank for crud/old fuel.

Welcome to the forums Apache, 64fleetside nailed it there is a circular filter inside of the brass feral that enters the carb take this out and clean it good. That should solve the idle problem. The tip off is if you have to choke it, it is not getting enough fuel and in this case is not plugged completely. Give that a try...Vernski

[Apache1309]

Thanks again guys, and ZEE, much appreciated! I just drove it free of any stalls, it seems, at least for the moment that it's about finding the right balance with the choke (runs best at about a finger tip width away from the panel). But idle is still up at about 1200... Pending a full on tune up, which I aim to handle this weekend, we'll see if that helps. I'll keep you posted, and any other input is more than appreciated!

[markeb01]

First of all welcome to the forum and the classic truck madness. If you don’t already own a dwell meter my first suggestion would be to purchase and install a Pertronix electronic ignition. It’s easier than learning about all the problems of living with ignition points, and the Pertronix kit eliminates the need to invest in a dwell meter.

A tune up always starts with the points, since an incorrect setting will change the ignition timing. And any new ride should receive new plugs, distributor cap and rotor just so you know those are okay. Although you might have ignition issues, it really sounds more like the float setting may be off in the carburetor, or the fuel system/pump is causing the problem. The best way to make it reliable is to go through all of it so you have a baseline of knowing all the settings and pieces are working correctly.

A decent timing light would be a good investment if you don’t already have one, so you can verify everything is working correctly in the distributor and timing gears.

I have the 1960 Chevy Truck Shop Manual, so if you need something specific let me know and I’ll scan those pages for you. And as always just ask anything you don’t know, there are lots of knowledgeable guys on this forum willing to help.

Good luck!

[Apache1309]

Greetings Markeb,
Thank you very much for the info, I will certainly be looking into the ignition conversion.
In regards to the shop manual, I certainly appreciate that!! I'm not sure what exactly is in the book, but anything you would suppose pertains to anything tune up related, fuel line or wiring, etc. would be great!
Your rebuild is beautiful, by the way.
Thanks again!

[Apache1309]

Thanks again to everyone for the input, I am hoping that Saturday will be a very productive day as far as all of this is concerned. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to begin some of my interior work as well!
Any shop manual scans from the 60/61 sup would be greatly appreciated. I'll keep you all apprised of the situation as it progresses, as well as pics as I am at the beginning of my project.
Gratitude!

[Apache1309]

Alright, So I am getting everything together to do a nice tune up, which by doing so, aside from good 'ole TLC for my new truck, I hope to alleviate the aforementioned issues. However, as I stated before, I am new to the 235 inline6 engine, as well as a set up quite so old. If anyone could give me a descriptive order of what it is should be addressed in a 'just got the truck, wanna make sure everythings nice and tidy' sort of tune up, as well as any shop manual info for the '61 I would GREATLY appreciate it!
Also, Novice question I know, but as far as the oil change, there is no filter, so am I just doing a drain and refill type thing? is it 5qt cap.? and recommended oil weight?
Thanks!

[awbrown]

More than likely if it runs better with the choke on the it is a vacuum leak , more than likely it needs an intake gasket ............

[Apache1309]

Thanks, Ill be checking the intake gasket for sure.
I do have an oil change question however... I have read that it would be advisable to use an oil with zinc in it or cause damage to the engine. So I was just curious if anyone had reccomendations (weight, type or otherwise) for an inline 6 out in a '61 Apache with no oil filter. Also, because there is no filter, is it really just as simple and draining and refilling with 5 qts?