This might be a stupid question. So my 1994 F150 was driving fine. Then it would stop and not start until it was cool again. It was a pip sensor. (thanks Subford). I replaced the distributor with a new one. I cannot read the timing so I marked everything and put it back with the correct markings. I tried to do the timing by ear. Here is the question

When i just starts up it accelerates ok. Not fast but enough. But when I start driving it a bit, it does not accel well at all. I nearly put the thing to the floor to get it to go anywhere. Also, when I get out of the car it almost smells like it is burning coolant. Now I did flush out the system less that a week ago and it could be some on the engine still but I doubt it.

1. Could it be the timing?
2. Could there be a blown Head Gasket?
3. Is it transmission.
It might be running a little hot. My temp gauge isn't working well. I am looking at fixing that this weekend. This didn't start happening until i changed out the distributor.

It is not currently throwing a code. The codes that are stored are
157: Mass Air Flow Sensor Low Voltage
211: Pip Sensor
332: Insufficient egr flow detected

I know there may be a vacuum leak somewhere, but could this be causing the issues?

Any help would be great.

 

If it ran fine with good power before you change the distributor than your timing setting is suspect, get yourself a timing light, remove the spout plug to disable computer advance and then set the base timing at the distributor(by rotating it) to 10-12deg BTDC. Tighten down the distributor, reinsert the spout plug and take it for a test drive.

 

WAG scenario, don't shoot the piano player - distributor is probably installed "off a tooth", ignition timing is severely retarded, runs with low power and running hot with all the unburned fuel in the exhaust etc.

 

That sounds about right. How should I fix it? Should I pull it and reinstall it? Should I pull the rotor and move it if I can. Rotate the distributor?

 

You fix it by following Conanski's instructions or by taking it to a mechanic.

Have you resolved the other codes mentioned in your previous post? TPS and EGR codes if I recall.

 

Well, if that is the issue - I dunno - yeah.

The distributor "clock" is wrong, or "off a tooth". If you look at the distributor gear it's helical, so it's not a straight shot to re-install it, takes quite a bit of windage to get everything lined up the way it was.

Line up #1 cylinder at TDC, compression stroke. Observe where the rotor points. Bet it's not the #1 cylinder terminal?

You could move the wires around to make where ever it's pointing now the #1 cylinder. The distributor doesn't care so long as the firing order is maintained. But, the distributor body may not be able to physically rotate enough to reach the proper advance point, vac advance can starts hitting the intake, stuff like that usually.

 

I adjusted the timing and it runs like a champ now

 

Just curious. What did you set the timing at?

 

10 degrees btc

 

Good to know. Thanks.