I have an 88 4.9L in an E-150 with about 63K on the clock. After posting and reading thru various threads. I replaced IAC, TPS and O2 sensor, checked fuel pressure, and changed my fuel filter. I also cleaned the throttle body.

The problem still exists: It could be -50, the engine will start fine and run perfectly. If its about 80* it starts, stalls, starts then surges, after a few minutes things settle down and everything is fine. Restarting a warmed up engine is not a problem.

Its the first start when the weather is hot, or if it sits an hour or so on a hot day I have the same starting issues.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I had a code 23, all codes are clear and now getting code 11.

Thanks
Frank D

I tried this in 4.9L forum, I thought I would try here for a possible solution. Thanks

 

MMmm.....sounds like a carb adjustment is needed. (smack me if I read your posting references wrong, though.)

At least with mine it would be. Have an 82 E100 4.9 with single bbl carb....and no computer sensor. I had to learn the trick of pumping the foot feed abit to prime the single bbl carb before turning the key over to start when it was cold. If it was warmed up there is no problem.

But my son's 79 Cordoba would sometimes do that until the cold advance was adjusted.. It has a stock 2bbl carb on a 360. The early electronic "computer" system was taken off of it at some point (probably because it "died" like many early ones did) and a regular points/distributer was installed. It act in a similar way as you described, though.

The guy he bought it from was not the original owner but did not know how to fix it. He knew I also had a same year Cordoba (different color) and thought my son might be interested. Once the cold advance was adjusted, no more problems. It's sensor did not have a computer to tell it anything was the problem.

But right now, my husband's 83 E150 Conversion 302 does have computer/sensors and is beginning to act like yours. He figures the carburator needs adjustment.

 

the owners manual says to crank the engine 3 or 4 revolutions then wait a few seconds and start. this primes the engine and since i started doing it i've had trouble free starting. i also turn the key to the on postion and wait till the "fuel sound" stops before twisting it to start both times.

after the first couple of cranks she should fire with in 2(often less than half a crank!) if your van is running right. good luck.

 

also with the FI you shouldn't touch the gas pedal until the engine's idle comes down, about half a minute after starting. never touch it before starting.

i know this is simple stuff but i had to learn it, so it may help someone. good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies.

The engine is EFI, I never tried priming it, didn't think I had to. As I mentioned in the cold weather it fires right up and runs fine. It's only when its hot outside, and honestly the engine comes to life as soon as you turn the key. It's the stalling when its hot outside that has me bothered.

Frank D

 

i have a 87 302fi and i wish i had a code 11 (system pass)lol. i learned about the starting trick on this site and it was later confirmed by my ebay owner's man. purchase.

just got back from fla. and had a couple of stalls after starting. figured maybe the dust and humidity clogged my air filter. put in a new one( it needed it) and it seemed to help.

if she runs good when she's warm you may want to run with one of those cheap "jump starters" on board in case you have trouble on a hot morning.

deal is my 87 and your 88 are getting old and we have to expect to replace alot of stuff. brake lines, hoses and whatever else decideds to crap out.

i have a laundry list of e-150 to do stuff but it's cool. i find if you keep your eyes and ears open you can stay one step ahead.

your in the right place for the answers you need. good luck again and keep us all posted of your progress.

 

I checked the owners manual. It says nothing about priming an engine or anything to that effect. Basically it says turn the key, keep your foot off the gas and it should start. It gives special instructions for starting a flooded engine. In all the years I've owned it I never flooded the engine.


Thanks
Frank D

 

rob has some points -- I like to clarify a few things

could be a O sensor over compensating or even a partially plug fuel filter that

expands during hot temparatures

krash

 

Thanks,

I have now changed the O2 Sensor and did a major tune-up since I last posted and it did not help. Now that the weather is cool the problem goes away until the temps go back into the 80's again.

O2 sensor and tune up were done when the weather was hot, it didn't help. I got a Map Sensor from my brother and installed that this past week, will have to wait for the summer to see if that works!

Frank D

 

you have cover your bases good -- I had a beretta one time that when the

engine got hot it would stall -- it was spark plug wires

I doubt this would fix it but it is another check -- I thinking something

electronic or heat related sensor but I dont have a suggestion what.

also a remote possibility that something could expand in your fuel line

causing problems

krash

 

It sounds like the igntion module is going bad. It's mounted on the distributor on a 1988 model. I'd take it and have it tested, make them test it at least 5 times. If it fails any one of the 5 tests replace it.

 

Now that is one part I didn't replace or consider. I have a new TPS, IAC valve, Along with fuel filter and TU I mentioned, and no codes!

It is definately temperature related.


Another question: What would cause this EFI engine to run rich, and smell rich running at Idle? Could it have been the MAP Senor, I changed that part and didn't test run the Van yet. Too many other things going on here.

Thanks

Frank D

 

my book says possible emiisions control system problem

these could egr , back pressure transducer valve, and exhaustt valve regulator

I dont know anything about these but the EGR ( exhaust gas recirculation) most likely

is electronic

krash

 

Sounds like you have a bad ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor), the one with the two wiires on it.

 

Thanks!!!!!! In my reading and asking it seems that could be it along with the FP regulator. I guess.....

Would a 180* thermostat cause a rich run condition, I've tried both 180* and 192* and noticed no difference.

Thanks for all the replies and great help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks
Frank D