Before I start this thread I want to apologize in advance for all the dumb questions I ask. 3 weeks ago I bought a 1986 f-150 RWD with the straight 6 and a 4-spd manual trans.

When buying, the truck ran quiet. I checked the oil and it was good, all the fluids were good and it drove fine, but didn't get it into 4th. I just drove it around the city and it seemed to drive perfectly. The only problem was it seemed to idle a little high (like 1200 rpm) I then towed it back to where I live (about 170 miles) and thats when all the problems started.

The first problem started after the first time I got the truck into fourth gear. It sounded like something dropped out of the bottom of the engine bay and when I turned the ignition into the off position, the engine kept sputtering and I had to stall out the engine to get it to stop. When I inspected the truck from outside, I saw the cat glowing a bright red. After this happened, the truck would not start. I changed the started and solenoid myself (which is about all I can do based on my extremely limited knowledge of cars).

So, I then ordered a new cat. I took it to a mechanic to install and when he put the truck on the lift I discovered the additional cat. He told me the second cat was the one that was clogged and we should replace that one instead of the one closer to engine which I saw glowing. Not knowing if this was right, I trusted his judgement and allowed him to replace it.

I drove home about 35 miles and could not get the truck to go more than 55. This was the first time I had it on the highway for an extended period of time. When I got home, I had to stall out the engine again to shut it off. I popped the hood to hear what sounded like the engine chugging coolant. The coolant overflow was also leaking with brownish coolant. I looked on the engine and there was a couple wet spots where the valve cover bolts on.

The next day I dropped it off to a mechanic closer to my house and he told me he would look at it tomorrow (monday). From everything I've read thus far it seems like a blown head gasket or something even worse. What do you guys think I should do going forward.

This is my second car so really don't need it for a while but was hoping to make it my daily. I can live with replacing the head gasket if it would run for another couple of years without any major problems. Im wondering if I should just cut my loses or is it worth it to fix?

 

We are working in the blind here, literally, as we can't see what you can see. But, since by now many of these trucks have been butchered and little is left of the original wiring and emissions systems, we shouldn't be speculating on what is wrong without at least seeing what things look like. In other words, please post several good, clear pics of the engine bay.

Having said that, you may have two problems - the red cat and overheating. A red hot cat is usually caused by extra fuel in the exhaust, meaning that not all of the fuel that is going into the engine is getting burned. That can be caused by a problem in the fuel system (carb or EFI, and we don't know w/o pics) adding too much fuel, or another problem like burned valves, bad ignition, or a coolant leak preventing the fuel from burning in the engine.

But, since you seem to have overheating as well, although that's not for sure, let's assume the coolant leak is the problem. That can be caused by a bad head gasket or a crack in the head or block. So, I'd wait and see what your mechanic says as he will have to diagnose things.

 

Being the cat (s) were bad glowing red I bet it came apart and plugged the muffler.
That would cause why you can't go faster than 55 mph.
Also because the motor can't breath that could cause it to run hot.
Timming off can cause it to run hot.
Dirty plugged cooling system will make it run hot.

As for run on when you turn it off. High idle & running hot can be a cause.

I say let the guy check it over to see what he fines. Did you tell him every thing like you told us? This will help him and maybe less money for you.

Keep us posted
Dave ----

 

Mechanic called me today and he said after taking a quick look it was running a little rich, so the carb may have to be readjusted. Before I bought the truck the guy I bought it from installed a new carb and fuel system. Also a new clutch and a couple other things. I'm gonna go by there tomorrow and he is gonna let it run for an extended period of time and look at it again. Ill put some pics up when I go to see it tomorrow. I really appreciate the replies. Still prepared for the worst but hoping it only is a small carb adjustment. I'll update you tomorrow. Thank you very much.

 

The only true adjustments on the carb should be idle air/fuel mix or choke. The choke could give significant problems if it is on all the time, and that would both overheat the cat due to too much fuel and cause the engine to not want to run very fast or well. Let's hope it is the choke.

 

A 1986 6-banger was computer-controlled; if somebody replaced the carburetor with a non-feedback type, most likely the timing isn't being advanced (which is another possible reason why it can't go real fast).

 

These trucks used unleaded fuel, but some people used leaded fuel to boost the octane, and/or save a bit of money, since unleaded fuel was more expensive.

Leaded fuel causes the charcoal inside the converter to melt, which then plugs up the muffler.

When this occurs, the vehicle sounds like a vacuum cleaner headin' on down the road. Not pleasant!

 

ctubutis is correct... with photos of the carburetor [please remove the air cleaner] and distributor, it will enable us to see if the original type equipment is still intact or has been modified.

Welcome to the forum, PalumboTruckBully!

 

ok so the mechanic basically told me the truck was too old for him to waste his time on and he told me to pick it up. He didn't charge me for his time and I can't really blame him because it is primarily a high volume alignment shop. There seems to be a trend here with most of the mechanics I talked to though, no one really wants to work on an old truck like this. I don't really understand why, but here I am. I appreciate the responses from you guys very much. Here are some pictures of the engine. Let me know what you think. The welcoming atmosphere in this forum is great, you guys are awesome. Thanks in advance.

 

Looks to me like the carb is feedback and the distributor is computer-controlled. The giveaways are circled in red, below.

So, now you can pull the codes from the computer and see what it says. Instructions are here: Ford Ranger - Testing EEC-IV Equipped Engines

 

Where are you in NJ? I am in South Orange and there is a pretty good guy near me who has done well with my truck.

 

I'm on the east orange/Newark/ Bloomfield border.. Yeah that would be great.. Thank you Gary Lewis! Appreciate it very much

 

I use A and J automotive on Springfield Ave in Maplewood. I have found them to be good with my truck and reasonable, but not cheap. Also, with carb issues sometimes it takes a couple of visits to get things really dialed in. How about an exterior picture?

 

she doesn't look like much now. Once I figure out the engine/carb problems Im gonna paint her and fix all the dents. I have a new grill and the fender emblems ready to put on after paint. Hopefully this guy in maplewood can get it figured out for relatively cheap and I'll have some money left for a nice paint job.

 

Ha. It looks better than mine right now. I'm making sure mine stays running well before I spend much on body work. And you know nothing around here is really cheap, so it's going to be a while.