I haven't gotten any responces from my original question from 8-25-05, and reading other posts raised more questions.
I recalled that I have missing and broken exhaust bolts and wonder it the lack of back pressure may be contributing to my cold start issue.
( How about low compression, 180k, I haven't checked comp yet)
I used to be a casual grease monkey in my earlier days but due to some life circumstances I grew sick of being greasy and dirty all the time.
I know, it's a disease but I think I'm in recovery now.
As a result I neglected major maintainance practices on my rigs. Only working on something when forced to . Yes it's sad and disgraceful but we all have to hit our own bottoms, don't we?
Any support would be appreciated, I'm tiered of grinding my starter, eating up my battery, and trwisting my distributor.
Now let's all stand and say the FORD's prayer,
Thanks

 

I don't know if I missed the by-Laws of the forum. I know some one out there has suggestions. I know from reading your post that you're all a bunch of good guys. I am too, but I'm about to toss a granade( or a few) under my truck if I don't figure this thing out.
I did fix all the exhaust leaks.Cussed alot. Replaced the O/2 sensor.New starter and battery. Re-set the distributor so it 'points' in a normal direction. I'm thinking about new plugs because these aren't old but may have been through alot trying to get through this.
When I test fired it, it fired right up and ran better then sense I got the truck. The next day I wanted to try it out just to see how it would do at cold start. It was a bit funky but it started, I was releived.
Tonight I had to move the truck and it wouldn't start. I tried short starts long starts, no throttle a little throttle. a lot of throttle and a combination of all. It never really smelled flooded.
I got PO-ed and got out with my old screwdriver, gave the distributor a retarded turn, shorted the relay and it did fire but not well. I brought it back to advanced(maybe 25*-30* and the sucker fired like it had been waiting for it.
Now, I know this sounds backwards from what it should be, and maybe this advance starting when cold is a symtom of some other malady but can some one give me an idea of where to look next. Could some sesor be making the computer think it needs to compensate or something?
I'm about ready to trade this thing for an earlier year just so I will know how to work on it.
By the way, I miss spoke, This is a stock 88 EFI not a 87.
Some help would really lower my blood pressure.
Thanks.

 

EFI should need no throttle to start ever. I think first you need to set timing with a timing light. And next time it does not start, check to see if you have spark. BTW, 25 or 30 degrees of timing at start up and idle is way to much advance. Don't guess. make sure it is right. You probably need to pull any codes from the computer, you will need a shop manual or a tester. I prefer the testers that readout real numbers and not flashing lights. The tester will also have a manual that will tell you how to check for codes and what they mean. Anything before you check for codes is flying blind. Oh yeah, the exhaust leaks can't really cause any problem except noise.

 

Bear, first, thanks for stepping up.
I've been curious if your 45/70 was referance to the caliber of buffalo gun.
Anyway, I'll recheck my codes, trying to get out of old school thinking and forget I can check them again.
About the spark question, why would it not have spark at TDC or at 10*+ but have spark at 20*+ or more?
As for exhaust leaks, I thought change in back pressure might have played a factor in the start problem. It sure is quieter now hear other noises to track down.
I'll go check my codes.
Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone out here.

 

The 45/70 refers to my favorite caliber. I own 6 guns in this caliber. From a Model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield made in 1889, the original gun in this caliber, to a Condender pistol in it.

When you move the dist, you move the wires and that can make/break a connection if there are bad wires. Back pressure is a preformance thing for engine smoothness and at start up, unless your exhaust is plugged should not effect anything. Oh yeah, how much back presure do you think a top fuel dragster has with zoomies?

 

Yah, yer right about the zoomers. I'm going thorough a refresher period here, ya know, it'll take awhile to catch up.
New wires so I don't suspect them, but get this, .
I went out this morning to warm it up for the codes and she fired right up.
Come to find out, last night when I had trouble starting, I find out that my wife tried first and may have flooded it. Problem is I can't blaim her every time(could be bad for the health)
Either way I'll check the codes and give it some time.
On the favorite caliber issue, I'm not sure I can do this, but if you're interested in custom scabbards ect.., drop me a line.
Thanks again for the info.

 

Blaming wife=bad juju and pain and suffering on your part. You have an e-mail.