I have a 1992 F150 5.0 8 cyl. 4x4. Okay guys..I am good at working on my own truck, but bad at diagnosing the problem. Whether idling at the light or 65 down the freeway, the truck seems to be choking for fuel.. almost dying at times, missing?..I have changed the fuel filters and cleaned injectors, but can't seem to locate the problem..I am receiving alot of "help" from neighbors, but they don't have any clue as to what is going on. I went searching for answers, found this site, and am certain that I have come to the right place. Anybody???

 

Hmmm, The best bet for you would be to have your computer tested for trouble codes, most auto part stores can do this for free. If it something to do with a sensor the computer will have a trouble code and that will help you get it down to a certain area on your truck. EFI vehicles have many sensors, its a big time saver to try the computer codes first before fixing things that might not be problems.

Other than that (having experince from the same year truck) it may possibly be the fuel pump going bad, usally its prety easy to tell cause when you turn the key to run (not start) the fuel pump will be much louder than normal. The only thing is usally if that happens it will die real quick, if your truck has been this way for awhile it most likely is not the fuel pump.

Try the computer for codes, and work from there.. thats my best advice..


Anybody else?

 

Thanks Brian..The problem actually just started.. No way to impress the old man and handle this myself? Thanks for your response

 

If you really want to impress the old man admit that you aren't sure what the problem is but you will take it to a shop and have the codes read.

You start screwing around and screw it up your screwing could be screwed.

 

Hmm since it just started it could very well be the fuel pump. The fuel pumps in those truck is located in the fuel tank and are self lubricated by the fuel in the tank, typically if the tank has sometime become very close to empty or has run empty it can cause immediate wear of the internals on the pump. THis causes them to wear or damage to the point the pump begins to fail. I had one in the exact year truck you have go bad just 2 days after acidently letting the tank run dry, i was driving in town and the truck was becoming very sluggish and started surging, i barely was able to keep the truck running and was able to limp it over to my buds house, as soon as i got in his driveway the truck died. I could turn the key to the run (on) position and i heard a loud humming noise from the tank, i knew at that instant what had happend, the pump had failed and it would need replacement. The pump failure is VERY common on fords of that era, I have had simular experinces with several of em since.

If you can turn the key to run (on) and hear a very loud humming noise (that does not goe away) from the tank chances are its on its way out. They should only make noise when first turning the key on and the fuel pump pressurises the fuel. then it will be close to silent while running.

If the pump is very audible and does not quite down within a few seconds after turning on then it most likley is needing replacement.

The only real thing that sucks about it is there very expensive and require the gas tank to be removed / drained to be replaced.

I had a shop do mine, i hope to never have to do it again.

All i can say is make sure never to let a new car get real low on gas, its a expensive repair. some of them nowdays cost close to $800 to replace (with labor)

-Brian

 

Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator?

 

Have you checked the TPS switch. The Haynes manual has sections on all the parts that you are working on. Alot of the switches work off of OHM's or VOLTS readings. Good luck, good truck, but as to all of us, bugs are a real pain.

 

Thanks for all the information. No I have not checked the regulator, but was thinking that may be an idea before doing the whole shop thing with the fuel pump. Does anyone know where on line I can find good close up images of the engine compartment?

 

I would check the fuel pressure first. It should be between 32 and 40lbs.

 

Thanks. Will do that. It has been suggested tjo change brands of spark plugs..Does the brand really make a difference

 

"If you really want to impress the old man admit that you aren't sure what the problem is but you will take it to a shop and have the codes read.

You start screwing around and screw it up your screwing could be screwed. "

[B]well thank you for that prehistoric response. Would you have left the same response if I was a man? I have been doing my own truck repairs since I bought the truck in 92 thank you. I am just not good at diagnosis.
Thanks for all the responses everyone else...

 

Kat40: While I understand your reaction to Stuarts comments (choice of words) we all check for codes stored in the computer very first thing.

Interpretation of these codes can and will point your diagnosis in the right direction. Starting with the (usually) identified circuit and testing components contained in each. There are also factory-specified pin-point tests that some of our members have access to and will forward them to you upon request.

Since diagnosis is a challenge, I would suggest you strongly consider the purchase of a code reader. Since your truck is a 1992, it should be OBD-1 with EEC IV controls? These readers are available many places for as little as $25.or so. It should come with a booklet that tells you what the codes mean. There is a way to access the codes without a reader (counting the flashes on your CEL) however IMHO it is hard to do and easy to miscount.

Give this some consideration. When you retrieve the codes post them here and we will all try and assist you in solving the challenge.

Good Luck - you can do this!

Russ

 

Thank you Russ. I was aware of the codes on the computer, I wasn't aware of how easy and inexpensive it was to get. I wouldn't even think of attempting to access the codes manually. And thanks I will post them and welcome any input. Should not however have reacted to Stuarts choice of words.. I am small 5'1 100 lbs..maybe. When I work on the truck ,which is lifted, I receive quite a bit of that kind of "advise". Sould be used to it..No hard feelins Stu.

Kat

____________________________
1992 F-150 4x4 8cyl 5.0
3" lift
BLACK

 

Sorry for some reason or other I thought you were a guy dating the girl that was having trouble and wanted to impress her dad.
Now where's that *** kicking tree.

 

i have a feeling u have a sensor gone or on its way out an not a fuel problem. does this truck have 2 tanks or just the 1 ? an does this truck stumble at idle when its cold in the mornings ?