Engine swap ideas ‘88

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Jan 22, 2018 | 09:46 PM

Gabcar8321

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From: Coral Springs, Fl

Engine swap ideas ‘88

Does anyone know if its a good idea to swap 4.9 l i6 for a 281 (4.6) from a p71 crown vic into a 1988 f150??

Jan 22, 2018 | 10:10 PM

NotEnoughTrucks2014

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From: Saskatchewan Canada

Doable if you are wealthy enough and stubborn enough, but IMHO, bad idea.

Jan 22, 2018 | 10:13 PM

Conanski

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it is not a good idea if you're looking for a quick, cheap, and easy project.

Jan 23, 2018 | 07:06 AM

Gabcar8321

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Conanski

it is not a good idea if you're looking for a quick, cheap, and easy project.

what would be. A quick, cheap, and easy project? The truck has been sitting for 10years + and it won’t start. I assume its the ECU and i bet theres a whole bunch of wiring issues. But there is spark, and fuel delivery.

Jan 23, 2018 | 10:38 AM

NotEnoughTrucks2014

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Don't assume anything!

If you have spark and fuel delivery, it would seem more likely that that your ECU and wiring are just fine.

Jan 23, 2018 | 03:50 PM

My4Fordtrucks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabcar8321

....there is spark, and fuel delivery.

If there is spark and fuel and won’t start are you in a vacuum ie no air? Check for codes and start doing some diagnostic work. How old is the fuel? If you are trying to burn the 10 year old “fuel” that could be a problem.

Jan 23, 2018 | 08:07 PM

willowbilly3

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From: Black Hills of SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

My thoughts too. ECUs just don't go bad that often but 10 year old gas wouldn't burn if you threw a match on it.

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Jan 24, 2018 | 08:08 AM

Gabcar8321

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Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

How old is the fuel? If you are trying to burn the 10 year old “fuel” that could be a problem.

Both tanks had holes so im using one of the portable red ones.The engine only ran once and thats when i poured gas through the intake but it quickly died.

Jan 24, 2018 | 08:09 AM

#10

Gabcar8321

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Quote:

Originally Posted by '89F2urd

4.6 in anything

Pull codes before you rid yourself of the i6 just to get it running....if you want more power, the 4.6 isn't the answer.

will do!👍🏼

Jan 24, 2018 | 11:11 AM

#11

My4Fordtrucks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabcar8321

Both tanks had holes so im using one of the portable red ones.The engine only ran once and thats when i poured gas through the intake but it quickly died.

So you are trying to draw the fuel from a gas can using the frame mounted pump?

Jan 24, 2018 | 09:09 PM

#12

Gabcar8321

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Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

So you are trying to draw the fuel from a gas can using the frame mounted pump?

yes sir i am

Jan 25, 2018 | 03:19 AM

#13

NotEnoughTrucks2014

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From: Saskatchewan Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabcar8321

Both tanks had holes so im using one of the portable red ones.The engine only ran once and thats when i poured gas through the intake but it quickly died.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

So you are trying to draw the fuel from a gas can using the frame mounted pump?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabcar8321

yes sir i am

So, the fact it runs when you spray gas in the intake says you do not have fuel delivery. Check to make sure your fuel pump is running and check fuel rail pressure with a gauge.

Running off an external tank with the frame mounted high pressure fuel pump is possible, but the factory tanks also contain pumps that deliver fuel to the HP pump. It's not a great lift pump, so set your portable tank higher and set up a siphon feed or use a low pressure electric pump between the tank and the HP pump. Also don't forget your return line which is delivering excess fuel back to your leaky original tanks.