So a couple weeks ago my 88 f250 xlt lariat suddenly started having issues while driving uphill. The engine was whining at a higher pitch than usual and I couldn't get it going any more than 35 mph ( about 2000 rpm). Driving on the flat seemed fine. I put some seafoam in and changed the airfilter, thinking it was either a fuel injection issue or an air intake issue. I barely drove the truck for about a week, then drove it up a hill near my neighborhood and it struggled the whole way. I got back to my neighborhood and it stalled out and died about a block from my house. I got it to start, drove it a little further up the road, then it died completely and wouldn't start, the battery was totally shot. I figured the alternator was out so got a new one, as well as a new battery with 750 ca ( old one was 650). Today I installed both and the truck started right up, but when I went to check could see the belt was too loose, so I shut her off and tightened the belt. Went to start it up and it wouldn't turn over. Thought I maybe tightened the belt a bit too much, so loosened it a smidge (about 1/2" of play) but it still won't turn over. I suspected something could be wrong with the fuel pump before, anyone have similar issues/ a good idea at what to look at next?

 

Do your headlights work? Do the dash lights work when you turn the switch on? What engine do you have?

 

Maybe the same issue, maybe two unrelated issues.
When was the last time you changed a fuel filter? Bogging down under load, or going uphill (extra load) can starve it for fuel if the filter can't pass it. Or even a poor performing older pump can do this. Especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.

On a different note, if the alternator was already failing and the battery getting weaker and weaker, it certainly would not like to run under load when there is more strain on the spark at the plugs, and more fuel requirement.

Just to be clear, when you say "turn over" are you talking about the cranking with the starter part, or the actual firing up/starting?
So when it did not start this time, you're getting the starter to spin, or not?

Paul

 

I actually replaced the fuel filter while the truck was sitting the day before I did the alternator. Headlights and dash lights all come on. A friend suggested cleaning the connections to the battery as he said it sounded like it just wasn't getting enough power. There's also a ground cable I need to replace. Gonna try those two things and see where it gets me.

 

Update: she started today!! And then got bogged down and stalled out. Definitely seems to be a fuel delivery issue. Also, seems to start better in the cold?

 

check fuel pressure with a gauge, and post the readings

 

Which engine and fuel system are in this truck? By '88 they had port fuel injection, correct? Or is yours still a version of the electronic carburetor, or TBI?
If using a TFI distributor, make sure that there is no voltage on one of the pins that's not supposed to have it while running. I forget which one (pin #6 maybe?) but it's the START RETARD function for the ignition. I've seen where this circuit got energized and the engine would not rev up to normal operating rpm because the timing was being retarding and maintained at a very low level.

If it's a carburetor, then they usually start better cold when the choke is working, but run worse when warmed up due to lack of fuel, from either a non-functioning accelerator pump, or clogged jets, or whatever.
But if it's EFI then those parameters change. Fuel pressure would be a good place to start like torq was saying.

Paul

 

Oh, and if you have made any changes at all to the engine, now would be a good time to list all of the changes. Ignition, fuel, smog equipment, general electrical, that kind of stuff.

Paul