When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have an 88 E-150 302 EFI runs rough and won't idle. I replaced plugs and wires but no difference. Acts like it is only running on 7 cylinders. Wondering if it needs a valve job.
A compression test will show if a valve job is needed. What do the plugs look like? Have you pulled codes from the computer? I would do that to start with, it may point you in the right direction. http://fordfuelinjection.com and then go to "Getting Codes" on the left side of the screen. They also have definitions of the codes should any come up.
Welcome to FTE!
A common problem with these engine is a tendancy to crossfire, and blow a hole in the top of the number 8 piston. What happens is that cylinders 7 and 8 fire right after each other. If the wires for these two cylinders are run right together, they can cross fire, and fire the number 8 cylinder too soon. The first test I would run would be to pull the wire off #8, ground it on the manifold bolt, and then start the engine. If it runs the same, check the compression for that cylinder.