83 is the EGR valve position sensor.

Source: 1986 FoMoCo Engine/Emissions Diagnosis shop manual Volume H FPS-365-126-326HL

 

What are all the ways to test the egr valve position sensor? And the spout. The spout put up a code 18 but can't seem to find any breaks in the wiring nor is it arching.

 

The fundamental diagnostics are the same for most every component - verify the sensor, verify the wiring, the problem may be the computer; it's when you get into intermittent problems that it becomes lots more involved.

BUT

There are some extraneous conditions and components that can cause an error code to be reported (more on that below); the computer and diagnostic manual are only *aids* in helping you locate and correct the problem, it is still up to you to troubleshoot the situation.

AND

Being 30-some years old, corroded connections are a possibility, hacked up wiring can cause problems, some people will claim the sky is falling and every old computer has leaking capacitors... I have never seen leaking capacitors in car computers (but have seen pictures) but have seen several on recently-made-in-China PC motherboards.

That being said, a Code 83 can only show up in the KOEO test... I really wish you would tell me ahead of time from where these codes came, e.g. KOEO or KOER or something else

Read the STOP-WARNING stuff for the DD diagnostics, then begin at DD17... you need a DVOM (aka multimeter)...


























Code 18....

The book says this error is reported only during a continuous self test (a different procedure altogether)... I hope you're using a proper computer (calibrated for a truck and not a sedan).

This condition concerns the Ignition Diagnostic Monitor (aka IDM aka SPOUT)... read the warnings about what other failing components can cause this error...















In my experience, the IDM errors go away with a new ignition module; you might take yours to a parts store and ask them to check it out on their machine.

 

Does it act like it wants to run as long as u are cranking the engine, then dies as u return the key to the "run" position?

 

Also, the 351 is'nt a mass air flow motor is it? Like 95 or 96? I believe these are sequential fired injectors.

 

There is nothing mass air specific about these engines the same engine will work with SD or MAF. But that does bring up a question... I want to ask if the OP used any of wiring that may have come with the 5.8? If so that is a problem and will not work, these first year EFI trucks are wired differently and the PCMs are pinned differently so the newer parts can't simply be swapped in and you need to make sure you have nothing but the all original 5.0 wiring on the motor and the original 5.0 PCM plugged in. Yes the 5.8 will run on the 5.0 PCM.