88 B2 engine cutout

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Aug 14, 2006 | 11:14 AM

gdw3138

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From: Maple Valley, WA

88 B2 engine cutout

I recently got this 1988 B2 and I am having a problem with the engine cutting out at times. Intially there was a slight stumble under hard acceleration, but now there is a heavy stumble that is especially noticable when going up hill and the bronco can not maintain speed. I think that the problem might be the fuel pump and/or filter, but the transmissions has been mentioned. The problem is most notable when going up steep roads at speed. The B2 has a 2.9 with an automatic. The rpms will just cut out and then it will surge back up again, but with no power at all. When running on on level or downhill, it seems to be alright, but I am seeing more stumbles when accelerating. The transmission seems to shift alright and the fluid seems to be alright, not burnt ( the filter was recently changed and the transmission was check outed by a shop and I was told it was alright) . It seems to be lacking in acceleration and top end speed also, although I am not sure what is normal with this engine and vehicle. The fuel tank was just filled and I guess that it could be bad fuel or water, but with the stumble being there before, I am thinking that it is either the pump and/or filter.
Any thoughts? How hard is it to change the pump? I assume that it is in the tank. Are parts easy to obtain?
Thanks.

Aug 14, 2006 | 11:40 AM

mattoney

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I'm working on the same problem with the Bronco II we just got, but I still say you're in much better shape than me! This thing doesn't run worth a crap...yet. As for the fuel pumps, I believe the 88 uses a similar system like my 87 where there is a low pressure pump in the tank, and a high pressure pump mounted to the frame rail under the driver's side door.

I'd suggest before you go dropping the tank to replace stuff, to check your fuel pressure at the Shrader valve on the fuel rail. If something is wrong with a pump, you'll find it there. Also, when's the last time your BII had a tuneup?

Aug 14, 2006 | 01:09 PM

gdw3138

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From: Maple Valley, WA

I just got the Bronco and hadn't had a chance to do a tune up yet. I had looked at general parts that would be in a tune up and they didn't look too bad. also it ran fairly well, except for this slight intermittent stumble on acceleration. This latest problem just started and is a more serious stumble and loss of power. I will be testing the fuel pressure to see where we might be. Thanks for the thought.

Aug 14, 2006 | 03:11 PM

mattoney

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Well let me know what you find out. Maybe I can put it to good use on my project!

Aug 14, 2006 | 04:01 PM

torres24

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Joined: Aug 2006

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hello

i have an 89 BII and I had lots of issues with it. It wasn't running at all. As for my suggestion..if you havnt already done so check the fuel filter. And yes also check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail. If you can't get a guage to check it then do like I did, I checked fuel pressure from fuel pump by disconnecting the main fuel line to the fuel filter and cranked it. If it shoots out fuel with lots of pressure then the fuel pump should be good. I had to replace mine and it was coming out like a faucet running. Now it shoots out like crazy. Also another thing I found wrong was my catalytic converter was clogged and causing back pressure. Thus making the car very hesitant even up the smallest of hills. I think that went bad because my fuel pressure regulator was bad also, causing too much unburnt fuel going to cats. I also changed my ignition module because I wasn't getting enough spark. Well as for the final outcome my BII started after I changed the ignition coil and now it works like a champ. So I hope these little things of experience help ya out with your probs.

Aug 14, 2006 | 07:49 PM

idfergusson

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Joined: May 2004

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From: Regina,Saskatchewan

I was having a similar problem with my Explorer and it turned out to be the fuel pump.Hook up a fuel pressure gauge to it and see if it is within specs and then pull the vacuum hose off the regulator and you should see the pressure increase about 5-10 PSI.