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1988 F350 intermittent ignition trouble

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Old 07-18-2014, 09:51 AM
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1988 F350 intermittent ignition trouble

Im working on a 88 F350. The truck starts fine cold. After it starts up the first time and is driven, it won't start back up until it cools off or sits about 30 minutes. It has 40psi of fuel pressure and all the ignition components have been replaced including a new distributor. Have any ideas??
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 10:11 AM
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When it stops running have you determined if the fuel pressure drops out or is it losing spark?

Was the "new" distributor really new or rebuilt?
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 10:26 AM
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The fuel pressure is good. Its loosing spark intermittently
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 10:27 AM
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Its a reman distributor but it did the same thing before it was replaced
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 10:56 AM
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I just had a similar problem and finally traced it (I hope) to the fact that the ignition switch was too far back on the column. You can rule this in or out by seeing if the radio comes on in the rear (ACC) position. If it does, it's something else. If it doesn't, adjust the switch and see if it helps.
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Phil Woolfson
I just had a similar problem and finally traced it (I hope) to the fact that the ignition switch was too far back on the column. You can rule this in or out by seeing if the radio comes on in the rear (ACC) position. If it does, it's something else. If it doesn't, adjust the switch and see if it helps.
I just replaced the switch. I'll try adjusting it again
 
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Old 07-18-2014, 01:51 PM
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Most reman distributors are bad and do that. If you can get a good one without replacing it four times you are doing good.
Or you can just replace the PIP sensor that is mounted on the stator inside the distributor.

What code are you getting in CM? PIP sensor?
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by subford
Most reman distributors are bad and do that. If you can get a good one without replacing it four times you are doing good.
Or you can just replace the PIP sensor that is mounted on the stator inside the distributor.

What code are you getting in CM? PIP sensor?
No codes! It just loses spark and then after it sits for about 30 minutes and then it starts right back up. And it'll run all day as long as I don't shut it off
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 09:09 AM
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Next time it has no spark unplug the SPOUT and see if spark returns. If not then unplug the PCM Computer and then see if you have spark.

If still no spark and no codes in CM you either have a bad ICM or Ignition coil or no power to the Ignition coil.
Check for power at the Ignition coil with a test light and the key on or cranking. It should light at both wires going into the Ignition Coil (flashing on one if cranking).
If no power at the Ignition coil then look at the Ignition switch.
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 09:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Brandon Humphries

No codes! It just loses spark and then after it sits for about 30 minutes and then it starts right back up. And it'll run all day as long as I don't shut it off
Please define "No codes". If the KOEO tests pass then you get System Pass code 11. The same if there are no stored codes in CM. If you get no codes that could mean you have a bad computer (PCM) or a bad connection at the diagnostic port.
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 10:14 AM
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I've already done all that. I installed a new ignition switch too. It could be I need to adjust the ignition switch again.
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 10:15 AM
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System pass everytime
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Brandon Humphries
System pass everytime
Thank you for the clarification. There is a huge difference between "no codes" and System Pass code 11. The troubleshooting path is completely different.
 
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Old 07-19-2014, 10:29 AM
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You're welcome
 
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Old 07-20-2014, 09:00 AM
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I still haven't found a solution!
 


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