85 I6 driveability
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
85 I6 driveability
I have a 85 f150 with an I6 that I need help with. It seems like it's only hitting on three cylinders at idle and it has almost no power. When I take it on the road it runs fairly smooth, but the power is still very low and the mpg is about 4 or 5. Can anybody help me ? Thanks .
5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 40
Likes: 3
From: Pacific Northwest
Tune Up
I think I know what you are going through. I have an '81 F-150 with the 300cid "Big Six". I have a lot of trouble finding someone who can do a good tune up. Everybody today wants to hook up a computer and get all the answers, but that doesn't work for our trucks. Make sure you got a good clean distributor cap, good wires, and plugs. The timing is also very important and must be just right or the truck will not run properly at either high RPM's or low. Finally don't set the idle too high or you may affect the proper fuel to air ratio causing poor performance and bad gas mileage. Treated with care the 300cid "Big Six" is a great engine that will give you a lot of torque and power with moderate gas mileage. Even with all the trouble I've had finding a good mechanic to do proper tune ups, I still wouldn't trade mine for a V8. Good luck! 
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
85 I6 driveability
The origional owner of the truck said the carb was loose and in the process of fixing it he broke the base gasket and then siliconed the carb down . I removed the silicone and installed a new gasket. I'm not sure if he had the carb apart when he took it off the truck.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
Right now I would say you need to do a complete tune-up: new plugs, wires, cap & rotor. You may also need other expendables like: PCV valve, air cleaner, oil & filter change, & gas filter. It won't hurt to also look at things like battery cables and belts.
Your truck is old enough that it most likely needs all of these - if not done in the recent past. If you don't know the history - it's better to start out at square one to start a matiance history and also eliminate possible problems.
Your truck is old enough that it most likely needs all of these - if not done in the recent past. If you don't know the history - it's better to start out at square one to start a matiance history and also eliminate possible problems.
