Is something broken?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Is something broken?
1989 f150 4wd 300 I-6 with tilt stearing and manual tranny.
I went to start my truck the other day and the key just turned all the way around without engaging anything. I did a search and took the stearing wheel off expecting to find the broken rod everyone talks about, but the rod looks OK and it is connected to the "lower actuator." If I push on the actuator the truck starts OK. The Upper actuator is moving in and out when I turn the key, however it looks like some of the little teeth may be broken on the end (not sure). Anyway, from what I can tell, there is nothing to keep the lower actuator from just free floating and not allowing the rod to push down. It looks like there is something broken of on the pot metal piece inside the columb. It is about 1/4 square and is sitting beside a spring. Anyone know what this is? Is the lower actuator suppose to be attached to it somehow or is it only suppose to be attached to the upper actuator and the rod? If so, I don't understand how it can work.
I went to start my truck the other day and the key just turned all the way around without engaging anything. I did a search and took the stearing wheel off expecting to find the broken rod everyone talks about, but the rod looks OK and it is connected to the "lower actuator." If I push on the actuator the truck starts OK. The Upper actuator is moving in and out when I turn the key, however it looks like some of the little teeth may be broken on the end (not sure). Anyway, from what I can tell, there is nothing to keep the lower actuator from just free floating and not allowing the rod to push down. It looks like there is something broken of on the pot metal piece inside the columb. It is about 1/4 square and is sitting beside a spring. Anyone know what this is? Is the lower actuator suppose to be attached to it somehow or is it only suppose to be attached to the upper actuator and the rod? If so, I don't understand how it can work.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
dunno much about this...good luck..although this may be a good ecuse to do some ignition work..search for MSD ignition stuff for the I-6...People were saying that the MSD ignition parts were giving them 10-15 more mpg
just a thought..
just a thought..
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
That sounds like a lower actuator broken. When you remove the steering wheel the first piece you see closest to the key/lock cylinder is the upper actuator, which is connected to the lower actuator, which is connected to the ignition rod that is connected to the ignition switch. If you do an advanced search by lower actuator or ignition switch in this forum you should find post by myself, crazz and rernst that detail out how to repair this. If you can't find them post back.
I would find it hard to believe that ignition parts could "DOUBLE" your mileage, since most of us only get between 10-15 MPG in the first place, but if these are magic parts let me know where I can buy them. I really doubt ignition parts will do anything for your mileage.
guzzler96
I would find it hard to believe that ignition parts could "DOUBLE" your mileage, since most of us only get between 10-15 MPG in the first place, but if these are magic parts let me know where I can buy them. I really doubt ignition parts will do anything for your mileage.
guzzler96
Last edited by guzzler96; Feb 20, 2005 at 02:01 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
I believe from your desc. The "wish bone" is broke in the coulmn. I had one break on my 89 350. Dealer should have it. Any good parts clerk will know what your asking for if you describe it or take in the pieces. Not Fun To Replace if that is indeed the problem.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Your right. It's the lower actuator thats broken. I read several posts on this, however I misunderstood exactly what was commonly breaking. I thought it was the rod itself. Now I just need to find out how to get this thing off to replace it. Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: Alabama
This is a link to the life history of a lower actuator. Follow all the internal links within all the post and you should be able to get what you need. If you have any specific questions just post back.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=316595
guzzler96
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=316595
guzzler96
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
kevin206
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jan 20, 2014 08:00 PM
86BrownFord
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 24, 2010 06:37 AM
