I have an 86 F-150 with a fuel injected 302. It has been contrary for many months in that at random times it decides it wants to spit, cough, sputter and die. It doesn't seem to do it at a particular speed, loading, etc., just when it wants to. It might do this once or twice a week or it may run fine for 3 months and then do it. Almost every time, if you let it sit a few minutes it will start and go fine. Sometimes it runs rough for a while but usually it will run good enough to go. I have changed both in-tank and main fuel pumps and fuel filter to no avail. Some have told me these early fuel injectors needed cleaning occasionally, unlike newer more modern fuel injection systems. I am considering starting at the top and removing/cleaning the components of the fuel injection system. Before I do this I would appreciate your feedback on this idea. It seems that when I need my truck the worst, that is when it decides to die. If I can't find a solution I may consider looking for a newer 302 to replace. I love my old 86, I just hate this intermittent problem.
Thanks

 

<p>Pull the codes first thing and see what the computer thinks is happening:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ford Ranger - Testing EEC-IV Equipped Engines</p>

 

Hey

I'm just a jack Leg mechanic but I've always thought this vehicle was too old to be able to pull codes from. Do you know that to be incorrect? If so, would you mind suggesting a (not too expensive) trouble code reader?

Also, I've never had a check engine light or anything like that since all this began.

Thanks

 

<p>A fuel-injected engine is computer-controlled (and will therefore necessarily provide codes; EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection); I think 1988 was the first year of a CEL connected to the computer in these trucks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>EFI was an option in 1985 and became standard in 1986 on the I-6 and 302.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Do a Google search on pulling Ford OBD1 codes (or read the link I sent you to earlier).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Maybe take it to a parts store and ask them to pull the codes for you? I personally count blinkenlights and have no real experience with a code reader, sorry. <img alt="" src="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif" title="Frown" /></p>

 

<p>BTW I was somewhat wrong in my statement above about when the EFI stuff came out, the I-6 didn't go to true EFI until later years; in 85-86 it had a computer-controlled feedback carburetor.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In all cases, though, codes can be pulled.</p>

 

Please read the following thread, it has all the advice you can use and has the exact same symptoms you state.


https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...4-5-0-efi.html

 

Specifically the hidden filter that is identified in post #193