302 engine sputters under load

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Jan 18, 2004 | 12:13 PM

88bronk

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302 engine sputters under load

I bought a 84 LTD that sat in a field for a few years. I replaced the fuel pump, inline filter, and cleaned out the tank but not real good. The engine idles smooth. Accelerating slowly it runs good. With hard acceleration it sputters. And higher than 30 mph it sputters. When I let off the gas it quits sputtering. After driving a few minutes the engine light comes on. This car is a Crown Vic with a CFI fuel system. Does anybody have any ideas.

Jan 18, 2004 | 05:32 PM

RA81222

Tuned

Joined: Nov 2003

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check plug wires and dist cap and rotor. I have a 302 in my bronco and under load @ going up hills it would miss badly. Plug wires were arcing to objects they made contact with. You can check them at night time(no lights on in garage, the darker the better) with engine running. pop hood and rev. engine to about 2000rpm and hold steady and watch closely for arcing. you will also see plugs actually glowing. good luck.

Jan 18, 2004 | 05:55 PM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

What twisted limb said.

Jan 20, 2004 | 12:47 AM

88bronk

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Thanks I forgot about that.. I've done that before but only at idle. Maybe thats why I never saw the plugs glow? I'll try it.

Jan 20, 2004 | 08:24 AM

BillyBob69

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From: Wheatland, Mo

You might also check for a clogged cat. not all of em rattle when they go bad.

Jan 20, 2004 | 06:25 PM

Norm Carter

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From: Southern California

Look at the cheap and easy stuff first: Rotor, cap, plug wires, plugs. Then on to fuel filters, cat if there's still a problem. Only time my 86 302 sputtered on long uphill grades, I found a cracked insulator on one plug.