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

Sudden drop in RPM's

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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 05:42 AM
  #1  
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Exclamation Sudden drop in RPM's

1985 F150 5.0 EFI -

Engine starts fine. Idles fine. However, every so often there's a sudden drop in RPM's and the engine struggles. This happens when in park and also while driving. The drop in RPM's is erratic and happens not continuously, but sporadically. It seems as though the computer is making adjustments albeit too slowly, and when it hits the sweet spot, the RPM's go back to normal.

I've looked for a short in the engine harness and can't detect any. I also tried to pull the codes with my Actron CP 9690. It is OBD II and OBD I compatible and also has a STAR mode. However, the codes were cleared and until I get some miles in the truck, it won't register any codes.

TPS is working. IAC is working. MAP is working. EGR appears to be working. Thermactor unit appears to be working. I'm scratchin' my head boys! Suggestions?

Your time and efforts to help are appreciated.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 06:59 AM
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How about a cracked vacuum line or fitting? It would take a big one to really cause a problem while driving, but it is possible.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 08:25 AM
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Have you done the "shake" test? Be very careful [watch for moving and hot parts!!!] and while the engine is idling and the hood is open, grab different sections of the wiring harness and gently shake. Listen for a change in idle speed.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 08:37 AM
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Yes - I did a shake test. There was one time I heard a sudden shift in the suction of air through the throttle housing and it ran better, but I've not been able to repeat it doing a shake test. But the problem does seem electric.

I will continue to try to see if I can create the same, sudden change by carefully examining/shaking the wires.

Thanks!!!.

And to Gary...thanks for the reply! I think all vacuum lines are good (all replaced a year ago).
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 08:57 AM
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Have you checked the computer for stored codes?
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 10:08 AM
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I tried to pull the codes with my Actron CP 9690. It is OBD II and OBD I compatible and also has a STAR mode. However, the codes were cleared and until I get some miles in the truck, it won't register any codes.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 11:20 AM
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Sorry, I should have been more careful when reading your original post!
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 11:24 AM
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No worries. Thanks for trying to help.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 02:53 PM
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You should get a Code 11 if everything is OK; if you aren't getting anything at all, something is wrong someplace.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 03:18 PM
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Thanks, ctubutis!

Using my Actron, I get nothing at all. I've run through all of the possible tests, KOEO, KOER, and STAR. It runs through the cycle and there's no data whatsoever.

I used the Actron on my other vehicles with great success. So it works fine. Must be something with the Ford.

I also tried to run codes using my check engine light. Nothing there either. Ideas?

Steve
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 04:33 PM
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The first year of these trucks with a CEL connecting to the computer was 1988.

Have you tried manually with a test light or analog voltmeter?
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 04:44 PM
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That's where I use a jumper wire between the connector and the tail, right? Not sure what else to do.
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 04:57 PM
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Tail?

See if this helps you:

Ford Ranger - Testing EEC-IV Equipped Engines
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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You ARE the MAN!!!
 
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Old Jun 8, 2016 | 07:12 PM
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