I have an 87 E-150 4.9l w C6 that has stalled on me...

Happened twice, first time was just driving and lost throttle response. The engine was still running, but every time i would hit the gas, the motor would bog down. After coating for a bit it finally died. Thought i had ran out of gas (no gauge), so i put a half gallon in it and it started right up.Then it happened again in the evening. It is still where it stalled, wont start back up.

Gas level isn't the problem, filled the tank before the second stalling. Have spark to plugs, and pressure in the fuel rail. Sucker cranks like crazy, so battery is good, but just won't start. It's acting like it isn't getting fuel, or spark, but has both...

Friend suggested a vacuum issue, which i'm sure i have but dont know where to start. Also was suggested that the power to the injector control (?) is loose, causing them not to fire.

Not sure what to do, will be getting it towed to the house tomorrow (sitting at a walgreens now) so i will hopefully be able to try anything you guys suggest.

Thanks in advanced for any help you can give me.

 

Wasn't sure what year FI came in for the I-6, but strongly recommend acquiring the correct fault code reader to help diagnose these complex computer controlled engines.

There are so many interconnected components that can cause stalling and/or no start, the on board diagnostics & fault memory can be extremely helpful. The 1st part of the fault code reader test procedure for my '92 is done w/o motor running. More faults can be read once you get it running again.

See if you have spark the old fashioned way, lots of problems still respond to the traditional rule 'Think Stupid' often simple obvious faults are in plain sight if you can recognize them. Pull a plug wire off, stick a loose plug in it & lay it on a good ground. Look for a spark when you turn the motor over to confirm you have a working ignition. Dead ignition can be caused by quite a few things, not all of them so obvious.

I went through h*ll trying to diagnose an intermittent misfire/stall problem, w/o the fault code reader & replaced an embarassing & costly number of most likely components needlessly. A proud long time DIYer, I'm reluctant to go to a mechanic. Ultimately frustrated by the intermittent gremlin that could test fine, I relented only to learn the phrase Blue Oval Disease from the stymied mechanic. By owning the fault code reader I was able to run the tests when the problem popped up & quickly discovered the throttle position sensor was to blame. I'd replaced this cheap little rheostat not too long before, it can definitely kill idle, but mine always started right up.

The Equus 3145 digital OBD-1 code reader was less than $40 on Fleabay, the best $40 I ever spent on this vehicle. Note: this device reads EEC IV FORDs from '81-'95.