problem.... please help.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Gig Harbor
problem.... please help.
hey all, first off i wanna say i am new to this forum, and any help would be appreciated. i am having a problem with my truck, to help you guys out i will list all modification done to it. here goes
87 f150
4 speed manual
4x4
351w out of a 88
custom headers built by stans headers in auburn WA
custom mandrel bent 2 1/2" y pipe into 3" single (o2 sensor at the Y where the two pipes meet)
MSD ignition
MSD cap (new)
MSD rotor (new)
MSD wires (new)
MSD coil
all new injectors
and when i say new i mean it only has 6450 miles on it.
here is the problem im having, the truck starts and runs like a champ, but sometimes out of no where it will start to choke hard like its not getting any fuel, sometimes it will even die and not start, then start up and run perfect in like 3 hours when i come back to start it.... it originally had the 302 in it, but 6450 miles ago is when i got the 351 cause the timing chain stretched and slipped time. the intake manifold upper and lower, throttle body and wiring harness i got from a junkyard. im thinking it might be a problem with my throttle body or my IAC. please let me know if you have any thoughts on this, anything would help. thanks alot
-alex
87 f150
4 speed manual
4x4
351w out of a 88
custom headers built by stans headers in auburn WA
custom mandrel bent 2 1/2" y pipe into 3" single (o2 sensor at the Y where the two pipes meet)
MSD ignition
MSD cap (new)
MSD rotor (new)
MSD wires (new)
MSD coil
all new injectors
and when i say new i mean it only has 6450 miles on it.
here is the problem im having, the truck starts and runs like a champ, but sometimes out of no where it will start to choke hard like its not getting any fuel, sometimes it will even die and not start, then start up and run perfect in like 3 hours when i come back to start it.... it originally had the 302 in it, but 6450 miles ago is when i got the 351 cause the timing chain stretched and slipped time. the intake manifold upper and lower, throttle body and wiring harness i got from a junkyard. im thinking it might be a problem with my throttle body or my IAC. please let me know if you have any thoughts on this, anything would help. thanks alot
-alex
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
Are you running the 351w computer? If not I'd suspect that's where the problem is. Also you're not gaining much with the MSD ignition. The computer actually controls timing so you're putting additional stress on it because it doesn't know the timing curve.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Gig Harbor
yes, i am running the 351w computer i forgot to add that. i have the 6A box, would i have to get a magnetic crank-trigger type of thing for it to adjust for it? or do you think thats even my problem?
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Gig Harbor
ahh good call, the distributor is from the junk yard... i never thought of that.... would you perhaps know where i could get a high performance MSD distributor? all i can find are billet ones.
oh and it doesn't throw any codes.
oh and it doesn't throw any codes.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Murfreesboro, TN
If the distributor is not worn out, I think you can pick up a replacement stator from the parts house. For a replacement Accel makes one very similar to the factory distributor.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Kewanee
It sounds to me like it may be the IAC (idle air control) its a pretty common problem in fords. I had the same problem with a few of mine. You can take it off and clean it with some carb cleaner or you can buy a new one. They usually run between 75 and 120 bucks. They just get filled up with carbon.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
No, you just need to return to the stock ignition. On the EFI trucks with the TFI ignition system it's a very strong setup (can handle ~300 hp easily). The only modification I might make is in and older (pre '91 or '92) truck I'd use the newer distributor and wiring to get the module off the distributor and on the fender.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Gig Harbor
illinois4by- i actually cleaned the IAC when i first got everything from the junk yard, but then my PCV hose that leads into my intake box was sucking oil into the airbox, through my K&N and into my intake, so i pulled off the throttle body and IAC again, and gave it a good cleaning.... dose anyone know what might have caused the oil to get sucked up like that? and no, i didnt have too much oil in. I am running Royal Purple 15w40
Im appreciate all the help, i forgot to mention im not on a very tight budget, i dont have a problem spending money on my vehicles, i am eventually going to go with the edelbrock truck intake manifold with a bbk throttle body, i plan on doing this within the next month. dose anyone have this setup? if so, please let me know how you like/dislike it.
pfogle- i am curious about this newer style distributor you are talking about, will it just plug in and work? or will i have to splice some wires? and what module are you talking about?
Im appreciate all the help, i forgot to mention im not on a very tight budget, i dont have a problem spending money on my vehicles, i am eventually going to go with the edelbrock truck intake manifold with a bbk throttle body, i plan on doing this within the next month. dose anyone have this setup? if so, please let me know how you like/dislike it.
pfogle- i am curious about this newer style distributor you are talking about, will it just plug in and work? or will i have to splice some wires? and what module are you talking about?
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,555
Likes: 40
From: Concord, NC
The 92-96 trucks used a remote mount ignition module as opposed to the distributor mounted modules on 87-91 trucks. The distributor mounted modules got a bad rap for failing due to heat, but I've never had a failure in 170000 miles on my truck (knock on wood). It isn't just a plug and play operation--there are some substantial wiring changes, and I don't really think it is worth trying to change.