Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Fuel issues??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 23, 2025 | 08:35 PM
  #1  
1994F150351w's Avatar
1994F150351w
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
Fuel issues??

Good evening, just bought a 1994 F150 ext cab long bed 2wd with the 351W and automatic transmission. On the way home from buying it (4+ hour drive) we got horrible fuel economy and we were dumping black smoke out the exhaust. Im wondering what the problem is? It is a very clean truck with 218,000 on it, previous owner appears to have put in a whole new exhaust system, so I was thinking it could be a sensor not plugged in or something? The check engine light is on, and the temp gauge does not work. Not sure what the issue is.
 
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2025 | 11:40 PM
  #2  
Prototypemech's Avatar
Prototypemech
Logistics Pro
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Liked
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1,199
From: Mojave, Ca
If your check engine light is on, that means the computer has detected a problem and has stored a trouble-code.
You can retrieve the trouble code by using a paperclip.
Follow this tutorial
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...aper-clip.html
It's a waste of time and money to try to fix the truck without finding out why the computer is upset.
Sounds like you have a great truck that needs a few parts to get her in tip-top shape.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kra_880
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Feb 3, 2023 11:11 AM
mpd579
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
3
Jun 10, 2011 07:13 AM
crazer42
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Feb 12, 2009 04:12 PM
idylmoments
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Nov 1, 2007 02:37 PM
scoutboy
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 18, 2004 10:02 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:16 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE