Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 354
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From: Irving Texas
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
On a 1987 Ford F-150, 302.
I want to reduce Hydro Carbons.
I have done all the usually stuff..
New Coil
Cap/Rotor
New spark plugs.
New Fuel Filter.
Test / replace EGR solendios.
Replace all vaccum lines/ No vaccum leaks..
Would replacing the Cat help in anyway ?
If so:
What would be a good Cat to use ?
Thanks in advance..
I want to reduce Hydro Carbons.
I have done all the usually stuff..
New Coil
Cap/Rotor
New spark plugs.
New Fuel Filter.
Test / replace EGR solendios.
Replace all vaccum lines/ No vaccum leaks..
Would replacing the Cat help in anyway ?
If so:
What would be a good Cat to use ?
Thanks in advance..
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Are you getting a check engine light?? How well is it running?
I assume you are failing an emissions test....
You might want to go thru the sequence for retrieving the ECM codes to be sure. The ECM may give you some idea of where the issue might lie...the ECM controls the sensors which usually have something to do with failed emissions testing...
Get a good off the shelf manual (I use Haynes, but there are some holes in its info), and it will give you the code retrieval process. Dont bother with a code reader/scanner, you can do it with a circuit tester and an analog meter, or watch the dash light in leiu of the meter...
When you get your codes, let us know..
Hint: an "11' for KOEO and KOER means that all is well....
I have the same engine and year, so I will be glad to help you in any way I can....
Ronnie
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
I assume you are failing an emissions test....
You might want to go thru the sequence for retrieving the ECM codes to be sure. The ECM may give you some idea of where the issue might lie...the ECM controls the sensors which usually have something to do with failed emissions testing...
Get a good off the shelf manual (I use Haynes, but there are some holes in its info), and it will give you the code retrieval process. Dont bother with a code reader/scanner, you can do it with a circuit tester and an analog meter, or watch the dash light in leiu of the meter...
When you get your codes, let us know..
Hint: an "11' for KOEO and KOER means that all is well....
I have the same engine and year, so I will be glad to help you in any way I can....
Ronnie
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Irving Texas
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
No engine lights..
The truck runs great.
Starts very good.
Runs very good.
Manual:
I have every manual ever made for this truck..
Spec Sheets / Spec book / Vaccum / Wiring/ Both Chiltion/Hayes..
The there is not much on what the CATS do...
My truck passed but only by 4 points of failing the high speed test.
The error codes I am getting are:
For power steering and trottle position..
I am going to replace those next weekend.
I was just wondering if replacing the cat would lower the HC levels.
ALSO is using 20w-50 causing problems. I use it since I live in dallas
,tx where it gets pretty hot. The truck seems to like the thick oil also..
Looks like we got the same truck.. Cool:
I also tried some different mods than most..
I used an en-valve instead of normal PCV stuff. This actually works.. Weird. HUH.
Their wed site is :
http://www.envalve.com/
I also use Torque master spark plugs.
www.torquemaster.com
These two thing made a big different...
Thanks...
I currently have 336,000 miles on my truck..
I will not let the truck die.. Ha ha
The truck runs great.
Starts very good.
Runs very good.
Manual:
I have every manual ever made for this truck..
Spec Sheets / Spec book / Vaccum / Wiring/ Both Chiltion/Hayes..
The there is not much on what the CATS do...
My truck passed but only by 4 points of failing the high speed test.
The error codes I am getting are:
For power steering and trottle position..
I am going to replace those next weekend.
I was just wondering if replacing the cat would lower the HC levels.
ALSO is using 20w-50 causing problems. I use it since I live in dallas
,tx where it gets pretty hot. The truck seems to like the thick oil also..
Looks like we got the same truck.. Cool:
I also tried some different mods than most..
I used an en-valve instead of normal PCV stuff. This actually works.. Weird. HUH.
Their wed site is :
http://www.envalve.com/
I also use Torque master spark plugs.
www.torquemaster.com
These two thing made a big different...
Thanks...
I currently have 336,000 miles on my truck..
I will not let the truck die.. Ha ha
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Sounds like you know a lot about your truck, so don't let me be preachin' to the choir..but I have a couple of thoughts anyway...
Hmm..TPS code huh?....That could make a difference...the truck uses that sensor for lots of things...Have you tried to adjust it first?
In one of those manuals you should be able to find a test procedure for that thing...I think the one thing I do recall is that it should read right at 1 Volt at closed throttle, and around 5 volts at WOT...could make a difference..it should also move steadily upwards to the 5V as you open the throttle....I hate to replace stuff if I don't have to...:7
'Fraid I dont know how to "check" a cat, other than to look for it being bright red when its clogged..maybe someone else can chime in on this one....My truck passed with a 106 (allowable 148) last year...course I don't have near the mileage you do!!
Got any pictures of your truck?....If you get time, fix yourself up a gallery and show it off!!...
Ronnie
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Irving Texas
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Thanks...
I will check the throttle switch volts. Cost to replace $63.00
I need to create a web site for my truck.
You got to see the wrappen I put over my a/c lines. Low end only
Brought the A/C temp from 60 to 48....
When it is 100, I am nice and cold.. Brrr...
Later...
I will check the throttle switch volts. Cost to replace $63.00
I need to create a web site for my truck.
You got to see the wrappen I put over my a/c lines. Low end only
Brought the A/C temp from 60 to 48....
When it is 100, I am nice and cold.. Brrr...
Later...
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Just FYI, its easy (and free) to set up a gallery here...No strings attached...
Click on gallary next to my login name and it will take you to mine ..Just one picture though....Plan to get more on there soon...
Tell me more about this wrapping of A/c Lines?
I went to that envalve site..Intriguing...Any issues with that upgrade?
I am fairly comfortable with the power output of my 302, would jsut like to get more MPG out of it...
Ronnie
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
Click on gallary next to my login name and it will take you to mine ..Just one picture though....Plan to get more on there soon...
Tell me more about this wrapping of A/c Lines?
I went to that envalve site..Intriguing...Any issues with that upgrade?
I am fairly comfortable with the power output of my 302, would jsut like to get more MPG out of it...
Ronnie
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, VA
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Yeah, I also am interested in your A/C wrapping. I like a nice cold truck! I may not get anyone to ride with me if I could get it that cold!
Mike
Mike
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 115
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From: Pedley
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Hi, I have an 88 F150 302, aod. This truck really runs great when I set the timing at 16 degrees advanced. Two years ago I took it in for a smog test and forgot to back the timing down to 10 degrees (stock).
The smog tech didn't notice but it passed by only 1#! This year I took it in to be smogged I set the timing to 4 degrees. Ran like it had a total of 40 hp, but it passed h c by a huge margin. No other changes except for 5000 more miles. FWIW -greg
The smog tech didn't notice but it passed by only 1#! This year I took it in to be smogged I set the timing to 4 degrees. Ran like it had a total of 40 hp, but it passed h c by a huge margin. No other changes except for 5000 more miles. FWIW -greg
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 354
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From: Irving Texas
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
On Timing...
I thought you could not adjust the timing... I thought the computer did that..
How did you change the timing..
On the other e-mails...
I have tried to upload pictures about my a/c but the website here says that my uploads are to slow... I will try to upload the pictures at work soon.
What I did to the a/c was...
Went to pepboys bought some of that sound deading stuff with Aluminum on one side ... Wrap around the low end hose with Aluminum insulation and tapped with Aluminum tape. Also I wrapped the a/c condensor..
People say you can use the black stuff from home depot but I found that it did not work as good. You need a good seal but not to tight around the lines.
Basically all the line are cover accepts the one from the a/c compressor to the a/c raditor.. This is the high line..
I ran my a/c when it was 95 and the air coming out of the vensts temp got down to 48.
I will try to create a webstite on geocities about this..
Thanks for all the help...
I thought you could not adjust the timing... I thought the computer did that..
How did you change the timing..
On the other e-mails...
I have tried to upload pictures about my a/c but the website here says that my uploads are to slow... I will try to upload the pictures at work soon.
What I did to the a/c was...
Went to pepboys bought some of that sound deading stuff with Aluminum on one side ... Wrap around the low end hose with Aluminum insulation and tapped with Aluminum tape. Also I wrapped the a/c condensor..
People say you can use the black stuff from home depot but I found that it did not work as good. You need a good seal but not to tight around the lines.
Basically all the line are cover accepts the one from the a/c compressor to the a/c raditor.. This is the high line..
I ran my a/c when it was 95 and the air coming out of the vensts temp got down to 48.
I will try to create a webstite on geocities about this..
Thanks for all the help...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Pedley
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Actually, just pull the spout plug hook up a timing light and turn the distributer to where you need it. Tighten the distributer and replace the spout plug. This is how I do it.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Kewl, thanks for the tip on the AC..I will try that...
On the timing issue, you adjust the base timing (after removing the spout plug, which causes the computer to stop adjusting timing)to the spec on the sticker under the hood...
Makes a big difference if its off....
Lemme know and I can help out if needed....
Freight Train
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
On the timing issue, you adjust the base timing (after removing the spout plug, which causes the computer to stop adjusting timing)to the spec on the sticker under the hood...
Makes a big difference if its off....
Lemme know and I can help out if needed....
Freight Train
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, VA
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
GSchretter,
Thanks for the tips on the AC. That trick makes complete sense as aluminum is a good heat reflector.
...on my way to Pep Boys...
My truck is currently at the shop being diagnosed for potential engine repairs/or replacement. I have oil pressure warm and it sounds hmmm.. like a knock in there. I wish mine made it to over 300,000 miles like yours has.
Good luck with the timing.
Mike
Thanks for the tips on the AC. That trick makes complete sense as aluminum is a good heat reflector.
...on my way to Pep Boys...
My truck is currently at the shop being diagnosed for potential engine repairs/or replacement. I have oil pressure warm and it sounds hmmm.. like a knock in there. I wish mine made it to over 300,000 miles like yours has.
Good luck with the timing.
Mike
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Reducing Hydro Carbons.
Spount plug:
On my truck, its comes out of the harness where the TFI module wires do, right next to the distributor...
Others have said that some models have it mounted on the firewall....
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg
On my truck, its comes out of the harness where the TFI module wires do, right next to the distributor...
Others have said that some models have it mounted on the firewall....
1987 F150 Reg Cab, 302MFI, AOD, 3.55 Rear, K&N Filter
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=4972&.jpg