Notices

Question - engine sputters but doesn't fire

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 08:04 AM
  #1  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Question - engine sputters but doesn't fire

I just put a new 351m crate motor in a 1989 F250.

Set the timing to top dead center, turn distributor, but only one spot has a spark. Engine sputters like it's going to start, but doesn't fire over.

I'm stuck - do you think it's a timing problem or maybe computer? Relays? Any suggestions?
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 10:57 AM
  #2  
bubbaf250's Avatar
bubbaf250
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 3
From: (near) Denver USA
Are you sure the crate engine is a 351M?

What was the original engine in your truck?

If the crate engine is a direct replacement for your original engine, it is a 351W, and you should check in this forum for more info:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...?s=&forumid=55
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 11:55 AM
  #3  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
You're right, it could be a 351W -- I was told it was a modified. I know it's the same as the original was.

Any idea what the problem could be? It fired over for a minute, but hasn't started since. It sounds like it's gonna turn over, but just doesn't.
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 12:53 PM
  #4  
fishin1976's Avatar
fishin1976
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
Try rechecking your firing order.
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 02:18 PM
  #5  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Checked & rechecked. Checked everything I could think of and I'm stumped!

What are the chances it's something to do with the catalytic converter?

It had a rough idle when I bought it and needed a new motor, so I didn't get to check too many things out on it.
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 06:01 PM
  #6  
jwtaylor's Avatar
jwtaylor
Postmaster
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
Could it be 180* out? What was replaced besides the longblock (such as, ignition system parts or fuel delivery including carb)? The obvious question, do you smell gas?
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 10:46 PM
  #7  
stepman's Avatar
stepman
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: peoria, az
Do you get good spark out from your coil? *** jw, there you are again.
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 11:34 AM
  #8  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Spark & fuel both ok. I replaced lots of things, so did the guy I got it from, so most parts are new. Maybe vacuum lines or the computer is screwing things up? I don't know. Thanks for your suggestions.
 
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 8, 2003 | 12:07 PM
  #9  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I'm getting code 53 - "Throttle position circuit above maximum voltage". I'll let you know if that's it.

Anybody have a problem with the throttle position sensor before?
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 12:14 PM
  #10  
jwtaylor's Avatar
jwtaylor
Postmaster
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
Originally posted by stepman
Do you get good spark out from your coil? *** jw, there you are again.
Stepman....You getting tired of seeing my posts?
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 12:30 PM
  #11  
stepman's Avatar
stepman
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: peoria, az
No, actually I rather enjoy seeing someone that thinks like I do. Haven't figured out if thats a good thing or not yet though.
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 01:18 PM
  #12  
jwtaylor's Avatar
jwtaylor
Postmaster
20 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 0
stepman
good to hear because as you can tell by my recent post count I have too much time to kill and this is where my energy is going. Quite frankly if someone thinks like me that tends to scare me. Just kidding, later

89f250
I know little about efi so my initial question of do you smell gas was intended more to a carbed motor when I saw 351m I first thought carbed. Sorry about that. Let us know if the tps was the problem. later
 
Reply
Old Oct 9, 2003 | 09:32 PM
  #13  
circledirt's Avatar
circledirt
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: kansas
If TPS voltage is too high the ECM thinks you,re holding the throttle wide open. The ECM then decides you,ve flooded the engine somehow and it will not fire the injectors. This is called CLEAR FLOOD MODE. It will not begin to fire injectors until a certain rpm is reached which cannot be reached just by cranking. Using a volt meter see what the green wire from the TPS reads. It should be 1. volt or less and vary to about 4.5 volts at wide open throttle . Other two wires are 5.volts with key on, the other is ground.
 
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2003 | 08:01 AM
  #14  
89F250's Avatar
89F250
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thanks - turns out it was the catalytic converter! Put a new one on yesterday and it fired right up - runs great!
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:40 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