Little Problems "88" Bronko (Brutus)
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Little Problems "88" Bronko (Brutus)
Good Morning, I purchased a "88" Bronko over the weekend and named it BRUTUS. It needs some work but I think for $1500.00 and it's running I think I got a good deal. It seems to have a lot of little problems. The fuel indicator was constantly fluctuating when I first drove it home however, after I filled it up with gas it is now pegged at 2:00 AND DOES NOT MOVE.
Secondly, the valve cover gaskets are leaking. I have purchased replacements but I am not shure if I will have to remove the intake manifold to replace them, I certainly hope not.
In addition, the steering wheel seems to have about five inches of play. At times it feels like the front wheels are leaning from one side to the other.
Also, the last owner removed the alarm system. Now I must turn the key to start and bump the starter relay selinoid. I have since destroyed my favorite screwdriver. I have decided to connect two wires to the starter relay and install a push button on the dash board for future starts. It wont be origional but it will save me on screwdrivers.
Any help in resolving these problems would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JAB.
Secondly, the valve cover gaskets are leaking. I have purchased replacements but I am not shure if I will have to remove the intake manifold to replace them, I certainly hope not.
In addition, the steering wheel seems to have about five inches of play. At times it feels like the front wheels are leaning from one side to the other.
Also, the last owner removed the alarm system. Now I must turn the key to start and bump the starter relay selinoid. I have since destroyed my favorite screwdriver. I have decided to connect two wires to the starter relay and install a push button on the dash board for future starts. It wont be origional but it will save me on screwdrivers.
Any help in resolving these problems would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JAB.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 974
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Little Problems "88" Bronko (Brutus)
For the fuel gauge, the sending unit is the most likely culprit. To get a new one, I had to purchase the entire in-tank pump and bracket to get the sending unit. You can order a J.C. Whitney sending unit for an older truck, just make sure to get one with the correct resistance ranges. You can then remove the old sending unit from the bracket and bolt on the new one. I cannot remember what the resistance range was.
To replace the passenger side valve cover gasket, you will indeed have to remove the upper intake manifold. It's not too bad, just get a new gasket for it while you are at it.
As for the alarm, my guess is there was a starter interlock relay installed to prevent starting. Find where the relay was and reconnect the wires and everything should be back to normal. You wouldn't need the pushbutton. The wires you would be looking for are red/light blue in my '94, but should be similar in your '88.
To replace the passenger side valve cover gasket, you will indeed have to remove the upper intake manifold. It's not too bad, just get a new gasket for it while you are at it.
As for the alarm, my guess is there was a starter interlock relay installed to prevent starting. Find where the relay was and reconnect the wires and everything should be back to normal. You wouldn't need the pushbutton. The wires you would be looking for are red/light blue in my '94, but should be similar in your '88.
