Need some thoughts re: a test drive
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 42
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From: Philly Area, PA
Need some thoughts re: a test drive
I just went and test drove a truck, and wanted to get your reactions...
1992 F-150 Extended Cab, 4x4, 302 V8, 5spd manual. Lariat package, or close to it.
Everything seemed good except for the following: When accelerating, the truck felt like it was really working to get up to speed. There was also some accompanying hesitation or surging or bucking. Its hard to describe accurately. There is obviously something wrong, and due to the timing of the symptoms, I'd say its the clutch, but that doesn't seem right either. It just felt overwhelmed and ran not quite right under high load. It idles beautifully. It runs at speed fine, just not under load.
The dealer said that it probably needs a tune-up. I can't say I'd disagree, but I want to know if there's something substantial to look for which would be an expensive fix. I'm going to try to take it to a mechanic this weekend so that I can get a professional opinion. So long as they don't find anything horrendous, I think I'll end up buying it.
1992 F-150 Extended Cab, 4x4, 302 V8, 5spd manual. Lariat package, or close to it.
Everything seemed good except for the following: When accelerating, the truck felt like it was really working to get up to speed. There was also some accompanying hesitation or surging or bucking. Its hard to describe accurately. There is obviously something wrong, and due to the timing of the symptoms, I'd say its the clutch, but that doesn't seem right either. It just felt overwhelmed and ran not quite right under high load. It idles beautifully. It runs at speed fine, just not under load.
The dealer said that it probably needs a tune-up. I can't say I'd disagree, but I want to know if there's something substantial to look for which would be an expensive fix. I'm going to try to take it to a mechanic this weekend so that I can get a professional opinion. So long as they don't find anything horrendous, I think I'll end up buying it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
It does not sound serious to me. Just to be sure, I would have the mechanic run a compression check on the motor to make sure you don't have a problem. If they all come out close, I would buy it.
The lack of power could be a coil dying, the need for a tune-up, timing too far advanced or retarded, EGR problems, or about 30 other things. See if the mechanic will pull the codes (or do it yourself with a paperclip and frederic's excellent directions: http://www.midimonkey.com/~frederic/f350/eec-codes.html ) and that may point you in the right direction.
When I bought my 1989 F-150, it had a lopey idle and it would hesitate BADLY occaisionally. Turned out to be a fuel filter.
The lack of power could be a coil dying, the need for a tune-up, timing too far advanced or retarded, EGR problems, or about 30 other things. See if the mechanic will pull the codes (or do it yourself with a paperclip and frederic's excellent directions: http://www.midimonkey.com/~frederic/f350/eec-codes.html ) and that may point you in the right direction.
When I bought my 1989 F-150, it had a lopey idle and it would hesitate BADLY occaisionally. Turned out to be a fuel filter.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: Penndel, PA
I totally agree with Andy. did you happen to notice the check engine light coming on while you were driving? I've got practically the same truck (92, 302, 5spd shortbed) and had similar problems with a fuel pump causing this.
definately sounds to be fuel delivery issue, shouldn't be expensive to fix.
definately sounds to be fuel delivery issue, shouldn't be expensive to fix.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
i bought gas at a BP station and started having problems when running on my front tank like you are describing, no problems on rear tank.
put some dry gas in it and it ran better in 2 minutes.
went to station and they said that other people had some problems and they are telling the corporate office.
so, maybe some water is in the fuel or the fuel is old.
do you have two tanks?
if you do is truck doing the same thing on both tanks?
put some dry gas in it and it ran better in 2 minutes.
went to station and they said that other people had some problems and they are telling the corporate office.
so, maybe some water is in the fuel or the fuel is old.
do you have two tanks?
if you do is truck doing the same thing on both tanks?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Philly Area, PA
Like I'd said, it was a test drive, so I have no idea on the condition of the gas. I would guess that the truck has been started only rarely over the last 3-6 months. It could be bad gas, the fuel filter, or at worst, the fuel pump. I'm going to have a mechanic take a look at it on Monday, and if all is well with it, probably buy the truck that day or Tuesday.
You've all reassured me that it is probably a minor problem, especially since the CEL isn't on at all.
If anyone has more thoughts though, please share...
You've all reassured me that it is probably a minor problem, especially since the CEL isn't on at all.
If anyone has more thoughts though, please share...
