We own a 1990 E-150 Conversion Van equipped with a 351 V-8 which we use primarily for camping. Brand new it hauled our popup camper effortlessly. Recently, however, it seems to lack power and a general inability to pull hills when hauling the camper. Without the camper it rides fine, although not as peppy as it used to be. This first surfaced after an overheating problem which was corrected by new water pump, radiator, and colder-running thermostat. The head was also checked for compression and cracks with negative results. We've had it checked at various shops (including a Ford dealer) and no one can seem to diagnose a problem. Someone suggested a bad sensor or air-intake problem? It's got 103k miles and we're considering trading it in if we can't get it fixed. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I am not an expert with the fuel injection systems, but as a general suggestion, I would get a hold of a trouble code scanner and learn how to use it. I have had good luck with diagnostic repairs that i don't think I would have ever found any other way. Has the symptoms come on suddenly or has it been a gradual decline in performance over a period of time. Also...have you noticed a change in fuel economy? Lastly I would suggest posting this problem in the "80-96 Trucks and Vans" message board as the folks there are very helpful. Good luck and keep us posted

Captain Tim Bland
1986 F150 SWB 4WD
300 I6 1bbl
3.08's
NP205
4speed

 

As a newbie I appreciate the suggestions and will post this message in the "80-96 Trucks and Vans" forum. To answer your questions: the symptoms came on rather suddenly subsequent to the overheating problem I mentioned. We even thought, at first, that the overheating and the reduction in towing power were related. Haven't noticed a change in fuel economy however. I will try to get hold of a trouble code scanner and will certainly keep everyone updated. Thanks again!

 

 

We have a '92 E150, 302, which has stalled out 3 times while towing a travel trailer in hot weather, 95 degrees plus. I suspected it may have been a vapor lock in the fuel lines, since the doghouse doesn't have much air flow back there and heat could build up. anyway, I have added an engine oil cooler this past month to hopefully carry some of the heat load. We never had an actual overheat, the gauge never got above "A" on the "normal" reading. The last time it happened was in August in Knoxville, where we were able cool down, restart, and take it in to the local Ford shop. After 2 days and diagnostics they never found a problem. It only occurred towing in hot weather andf hilly terrain. I read of the class action lawsuit in California on stalling Fords due to location of the thick film ignition on the ditributor cap too close to the engine, getting hot and stalling out. However, this '92 van wasn't on this list of having the TFI in the bad location. We never have had a power problem, just seems like the gear ratio between 2nd and 3rd could be better.
pr, '92 E150, 302

 

Thanks for the reply! The overheating problem seems to be a recent occurrence. For the first 6+ years it wasn't an issue even when towing. At this time the truck is being serviced at a local Ford dealer. The service manager has assured me that they have done the following: road tested and verified lack of additional power when needed ("not kicking in"); "hand checked" the piston rings - compression in all cylinders is excellent;
checked out all sensors: O2, ECT, ACT, MAP, and ignition module -all check out ok; found a problem with the fuel pressure regulator that was supplying "too much fuel" and they think this was causing the problem; also having timing chain replaced (recommended due to 103K) and thermostat changed back to factory-recommended since sensors are triggered by engine temperature. I will road test this weekend with the camper! Keeping my fingers crossed that this alleviates the problem! Will follow-up!

cc: 86-96 Truck Forum