94 truck problems running
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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94 truck problems running
my truck (94 f-350 351w) has been acting funny for a while. for the past couple of weeks when i start my truck it runs rough and when i try to give it gas it acts like it wants to die, so i slam the gas and kinds of hesitates and either putters like its going to die or accelerates, after i let off the gas it idles badly. the other day i went to start it and it would not start, it sounded like it wanted to but there was no ignition. i replaced the distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs and wires. the truck still runs like crap but it did start. today it was running like that and i had to pull off onto a side road. it died twice and once i restarted it for the 3rd time it ran fine. i was thinking maybe i was having some kind of an electrical problem? can anybody tell me what they think. i would appreciate any help i can get. thanks guys.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
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From: New Jersey
First thing to do, so we can help you better, is attach a vacuum gauge to your vacuum tree and give us a reading at cold idle, then warm idle. Warm idle is when the thermostat opens. The results of this will clue is into mechanical suggestions.
Then, you need to perform a Key-on, Key-off test and collect the codes if there are any from your truck's computer, which will also clue is into mechanical things, but definately electrical things as well.
Sometimes these two tests don't necessary provide enough to say "that's it!" but it will save you from getting 200 incorrect suggestions or "wild guesses" in a row.
Then you can narrow it down to a few things and do more specific troubleshooting.
Then, you need to perform a Key-on, Key-off test and collect the codes if there are any from your truck's computer, which will also clue is into mechanical things, but definately electrical things as well.
Sometimes these two tests don't necessary provide enough to say "that's it!" but it will save you from getting 200 incorrect suggestions or "wild guesses" in a row.
Then you can narrow it down to a few things and do more specific troubleshooting.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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thanks for the response, but i don't have the equipment or know-how to do the things you suggested. i was just hoping this was something that would sound common enough to be recognized. could a bad distributor or stuck thermostat do what i have described?
