Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Rough idol after engine cleaning - SOLVED!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 07:37 AM
  #1  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Rough idol after engine cleaning - SOLVED!

Okay so I cleaned the engine and running rough ever since...

I have checked the d-cap dry as a bone, changed all the plugs and wires, and then tried running Seafoam into the carb to see if water got in somehow... That made it run pretty smooth for a few little while last night but this morning it was back to being crap-tastic...

Any other suggestions? I don't see how but maybe a vac line came loose? I checked everything I could see last night. This is my first Ford and it's as old as I am! My main carb experience is from jeeps so this 302 is taking some getting use to...
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 08:43 AM
  #2  
Grubbworm's Avatar
Grubbworm
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
I usually spray some Contact cleaner or Starting fluid into the distributor (make sure to let it dry out thoroughly), if it won't start after an engine cleaning. I also use Di-electric grease in all of the electrical connections regularly. That would also include the spark-plug wires (both ends).
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 08:58 AM
  #3  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
I'll give it a try. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Oct 27, 2010 | 09:20 PM
  #4  
81-F-150-Explorer's Avatar
81-F-150-Explorer
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Spark plugs and wires, vacuum lines, electrical connections and components etc... Unplug or inspect for water etc..

Did you run the seafoam in the fuel? If so change the fuel filter. Water in the oil? Change the oil, etc...
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 05:42 AM
  #5  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer
Spark plugs and wires, vacuum lines, electrical connections and components etc... Unplug or inspect for water etc..

Did you run the seafoam in the fuel? If so change the fuel filter. Water in the oil? Change the oil, etc...
I'm going to go through the vac lines and the electrical this afternoon. Anyone have a line diagram for this model?

Checked the oil it was fine, sea foam was into the carb directly so filter should be fine, but I may replace it anyway. For $4 why not while I'm working.

I am really beginning to think it might be electrical though. The vac lines seem solid when I've looked in the past, what could cause that?
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 09:46 AM
  #6  
parr4's Avatar
parr4
Elder User
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas (area)
Pull the distributor cap and check it and the rotor area for wetness. WD40 will cure any you find. Vacuum diagram should be on the label at radiator support. If yours has 'gone', look in my albums for the Vac hose routing diagram.
 
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 01:00 PM
  #7  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by parr4
Pull the distributor cap and check it and the rotor area for wetness. WD40 will cure any you find. Vacuum diagram should be on the label at radiator support. If yours has 'gone', look in my albums for the Vac hose routing diagram.
Tried the cap, even used starting fluid to dry it out...

Thanks for the help!!
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Oct 28, 2010 | 01:09 PM
  #8  
Grubbworm's Avatar
Grubbworm
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
Originally Posted by ospreyguy
Tried the cap, even used starting fluid to dry it out...

Thanks for the help!!

Did it work?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Oct 28, 2010 | 01:51 PM
  #9  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Grubbworm
Did it work?
Nope... I really think it's electrical (as in something is wet/has water in it). I had a Cj-7 that would do something similar and ended up finding out it was a resistor or something (can't remember what) that was filling with water when it rained. Inverted it and all was fine...

This is so odd to me that it would linger for 4 days now.
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2010 | 06:53 AM
  #10  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Went over the vac lines checked in detail and I am stumped. Bought a fuel filter but didn't get it changed as I was coerced into drinking lots of beer and watching FSU create a train wreck last night... Paying for that one today (getting too old for this stuff).

So I am going to change the distributor, oil/filter and the fuel filter today. I am running out of options that I can think of at this point.

Haven't tried a compressions test (don't have a meter) and I'm still waiting to do the above. Taking it out to my Dad's where we can do some more...
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2010 | 08:09 AM
  #11  
Greyf100's Avatar
Greyf100
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 2
did you pressure wash or just rinse off with a hose?
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2010 | 08:54 AM
  #12  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Greyf100
did you pressure wash or just rinse off with a hose?
Just a garden hose and a foam on de-greaser...
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2010 | 11:29 AM
  #13  
65superduty's Avatar
65superduty
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
have you pulled all of your sensors in the engine room and check for moisture? my guess is you have moisture under one or more of those...do you have compressed air and a blow gun? or, maybe the budget officer's hair dryer on full blast????? be sure to wipe off all fingerprints and any lingering dna off the dryer and replace EXACTLY as you found it
 
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2010 | 12:38 PM
  #14  
ospreyguy's Avatar
ospreyguy
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 65superduty
have you pulled all of your sensors in the engine room and check for moisture? my guess is you have moisture under one or more of those...do you have compressed air and a blow gun? or, maybe the budget officer's hair dryer on full blast????? be sure to wipe off all fingerprints and any lingering dna off the dryer and replace EXACTLY as you found it
Have a compressor at dad's shop but the hair dryer is a great idea! Although the results could be tragic if she finds out it was used in the garage...
 
Reply
Old Oct 30, 2010 | 07:34 AM
  #15  
Greyf100's Avatar
Greyf100
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 725
Likes: 2
was any major "scrubbing" done at the distributor? Check your timing, if the dizzy is loose the initial timing may have moved.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:32 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE