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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 849
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From: Fayetteville, NC
Question
I'm looking at buying an 84 F150 4wd that has sat for a while. The car lot doesn't know if it runs or not. Are the early 80's equiped with a computer? It is a V8 with a carb if I remember correctly. I don't know too much about the truck yet. Thanks in advance!! 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
It being an 1984, I would think that it came stock with a EEC-IV, TFI-IV equipped engine, with carb.
What size is the engine?
What size is the engine?
Last edited by 81-F-150-Explorer; Dec 20, 2006 at 07:36 PM.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 849
Likes: 14
From: Fayetteville, NC
Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer
It being an 1984, I would think that it came stock with a EEC-IV, TFI-IV equipped engine, with carb.
What size is the engine?
What size is the engine?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
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From: Kuna ID
If the starter is spinning but no engaging, the bendix could be broke, or there is a low spot on the flywheel. You might try smacking the starter with a hammer while someone tries to crank it and see if it throws out.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: North Central Montana
Early 84's didn't have a computer, late in the year they added a couple but they don't really take off till 85 so I would guess this one doesn't have one.
Turn the engine by hand and you will find out if it is locked up. Check fluids of course. We had an 84 or so that sat for around 8 years and started right up once I put in a battery. Only ill effects was rust in the gas tank. So it is possible that all will be well. My only question would be is why was it parked in the first place.
Turn the engine by hand and you will find out if it is locked up. Check fluids of course. We had an 84 or so that sat for around 8 years and started right up once I put in a battery. Only ill effects was rust in the gas tank. So it is possible that all will be well. My only question would be is why was it parked in the first place.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by paden
Early 84's didn't have a computer,
Computers in California started in...
1978 for Cars. (The Pinto)
1981 for Trucks.
Thankfully most of you are blisfully unaware of what a MCU, or EEC-I, EEC-II, or EECIII/Duraspark III is.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: North Central Montana
Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer
Thankfully most of you are blisfully unaware of what a MCU, or EEC-I, EEC-II, or EECIII/Duraspark III is.
I always (technically incorrectly) think of computers on a vehicle as being the OBD type with stored and readable codes but spark controllers are computers as well. Maybe we should differentiate between readable and processing computers.
For that matter you can make an arguement that a distributor and point system is a simple analog computer as well, it's a bunch of on off switches that process incoming bits (of electricity) and outputs the bits to accomplish a desired result.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
Well, I'm not talking about spark controllers either. like Duraspark-1, Duraspark-II or Duraspark-III.
I'm talking about EEC modules (Electronic Engine Control), or MCUs (Microcomputer Control Units), that control, Fuel mixture, the thermactor system, limited timing control, canister purge etc... Has various sensors and vacuum switches to tell the computer if the engine is at wide open throttle, closed throttle, or cruise. Has solenoids to tell the computer if the engine was first started and cold, or if it's warm. Also has spark retard or C.P. sensors.
The EEC-I and EEC-II are not OBD, or code readable.
The MCU and the EEC-III are OBD type computers with readable codes. Although they do not store them for future reference.
I'm talking about EEC modules (Electronic Engine Control), or MCUs (Microcomputer Control Units), that control, Fuel mixture, the thermactor system, limited timing control, canister purge etc... Has various sensors and vacuum switches to tell the computer if the engine is at wide open throttle, closed throttle, or cruise. Has solenoids to tell the computer if the engine was first started and cold, or if it's warm. Also has spark retard or C.P. sensors.
The EEC-I and EEC-II are not OBD, or code readable.
The MCU and the EEC-III are OBD type computers with readable codes. Although they do not store them for future reference.