79 F100 302 engine stall problem
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
79 F100 302 engine stall problem
I just bought a wrecked 79 and replaced the body parts, replaced a like new muffler that was busted open (I presume from a very strong backfire), replaced the oil and filters, and put gas in it and it runs very smooth except it seems to lack power and it will cut off on me from time to time, either while sitting at a stop light or even while going down the road. When I pull over it starts right back up every time with no flooding or excessive cranking needed (it won't start in Neutral).
I also noticed it had a burning smell coming from under the hood, which was either from oil I spilt on the manifold or because it was overheating, or both (the thermostat gauge is not working). So I replaced the thermostat.
I know it still needs a tune up and probably new spark plugs, etc, but I would not think that would cause the stalling problem.
Any ideas?
I also noticed it had a burning smell coming from under the hood, which was either from oil I spilt on the manifold or because it was overheating, or both (the thermostat gauge is not working). So I replaced the thermostat.
I know it still needs a tune up and probably new spark plugs, etc, but I would not think that would cause the stalling problem.
Any ideas?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
I had the same problem years ago. In my case it was the ignition module. (mounted on the drivers side inner fender) I replaced it with a new one and haven't had a problem since. If you need to order a new one, the parts counterperson may need to know the color of the plastic connector. If you unbolt the module, flip it over, there's a piece of plastic that covers the wires as they exit the module. That's what they're talking about.
As far as the lack of power, if it were overheating, it would be down on power and probably difficult to restart. Then again, 1979 vehicles were in the midst of gas shortages and emissions regulations. They were calibrated lean and did'nt have much power to begin with. A good tune up would definitely help.
As far as the lack of power, if it were overheating, it would be down on power and probably difficult to restart. Then again, 1979 vehicles were in the midst of gas shortages and emissions regulations. They were calibrated lean and did'nt have much power to begin with. A good tune up would definitely help.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 0
From: Kiefer, Northeastern Okla
You can expect a lack of power from the 302, especially the '79 as mentioned before. They've got very little low-end grunt, and it's a heavy truck. Mine's the same way, plus I've got 2.75 gears in it, which makes it a slug to get rolling. Very poor choice of truck motors, with the pollution controls, plus heads that don't breathe. That's the reason I'm building a 331 stroker from a motor I rescued from my '70.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice. I stopped at a car care center today and one of the old timers there suggested the ignition module as well. But then he suggested replacing the "inline fuel filter" first, since it is a cheap fix. Sounds like maybe it wouldn't hurt to replace that module and get a good tuneup as you say. I've got the fuel filter already and will replace that tomorrow and try her out.
I've had 302s before and this one seems more sluggish than the others. Once you get up to about 50 it feels like you're stuck in second gear. Hopefully this will be an easy---and cheap---fix, since I may be replacing a transmission on my Jeep Grand Cherokee soon.
I've had 302s before and this one seems more sluggish than the others. Once you get up to about 50 it feels like you're stuck in second gear. Hopefully this will be an easy---and cheap---fix, since I may be replacing a transmission on my Jeep Grand Cherokee soon.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 0
From: Kiefer, Northeastern Okla
Sorry, didn't mean to sound off like that....just been one of those days....Hope the fix is cheap, like you say. Think maybe she's just tired? A compression check might be in order. 'Course, a fuel flow problem could be a big part of that too. Fuel pump? Burning smell- hmmm. I hate burning smells.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Good news (I hope). The fuel filter did not fix the problem, so I bit the bullet and bought an ignition module. As I was changing out the old one I noticed the wiring connector was cracked and broken and the connection was barely holding together. So I had the old module tested and it was still working. NAPA guy says they don't have just the connector, but maybe I could find one at a junk yard and splice it. I already bought the new one and had it put on at that point so I just left it on. I think the whole problem was the bad connection.
The part was almost $100, but at least I have a high level of confidence that the problem is solved. And it could have cost a lot more.
The part was almost $100, but at least I have a high level of confidence that the problem is solved. And it could have cost a lot more.
