One problem after another.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Parker, CO
One problem after another.
1987 Ford F-150 Custom manual.
OK so back a month or so I had engine trouble. Turned out to be a nylon shire gear that had sheared. The engine still knocks but runs OK. I just replaced that spark plugs and wires and now today my electrical goes all funny. Driving down the highway and the engine starts to sputter and loss power, gauges go nutts, up and down good bad, I was like "O crap now what" Get to work OK. Did notice that at high RPM's the engine would sputter and would run but like a person with a key was flipping it on and off. Got home the back way and engine almost sputters off up a hill. Let it sit and idle which is OK, no problems. Get it to church. after that it started up OK ran OK head lights dim but it ran. Got to Advanced auto and had them check the alternator. Batt was still good, had enough of a charge but alternator was not charging the system. I talked with some people and they said it was either a alternator gone bad or a voltage regulator. My voltage would jump up and down to on the road on the way home. What's up. I think I need a new truck this thing is starting to go with the engine and all. Good frame and interior but outside is rusted and engine is on its last leg.
What do you all think, O btw battery is on charger now, did not drain it much as its a big battery
OK so back a month or so I had engine trouble. Turned out to be a nylon shire gear that had sheared. The engine still knocks but runs OK. I just replaced that spark plugs and wires and now today my electrical goes all funny. Driving down the highway and the engine starts to sputter and loss power, gauges go nutts, up and down good bad, I was like "O crap now what" Get to work OK. Did notice that at high RPM's the engine would sputter and would run but like a person with a key was flipping it on and off. Got home the back way and engine almost sputters off up a hill. Let it sit and idle which is OK, no problems. Get it to church. after that it started up OK ran OK head lights dim but it ran. Got to Advanced auto and had them check the alternator. Batt was still good, had enough of a charge but alternator was not charging the system. I talked with some people and they said it was either a alternator gone bad or a voltage regulator. My voltage would jump up and down to on the road on the way home. What's up. I think I need a new truck this thing is starting to go with the engine and all. Good frame and interior but outside is rusted and engine is on its last leg.
What do you all think, O btw battery is on charger now, did not drain it much as its a big battery
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 829
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From: Goose Creek SC
Welcome to FTE
Alternator will be $100 plus......and the time to change it out. Most of the time an alternator just quits all together. I would lean toward the regulator with it being intermittent.
You didn't say what motor......but if it's knocking it's getting ready to go.......and could strand you big time.
Body rust is repairable.....but if not done right will come back.
I think I'd fix the electrical for the short term, if I needed something to drive, and be looking for another one in better shape. If I didn't need it....I'd park it, find another one, swap out anything that is newer from the old one and sell it.
Good Luck
Bob
Alternator will be $100 plus......and the time to change it out. Most of the time an alternator just quits all together. I would lean toward the regulator with it being intermittent.
You didn't say what motor......but if it's knocking it's getting ready to go.......and could strand you big time.
Body rust is repairable.....but if not done right will come back.
I think I'd fix the electrical for the short term, if I needed something to drive, and be looking for another one in better shape. If I didn't need it....I'd park it, find another one, swap out anything that is newer from the old one and sell it.
Good Luck
Bob
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
Take it to a starter electric motor rebuild shop. They can test and give idea and it costs little for check up . I can get a starter and alt rebuilt for $120 .
The mega parts places may be good (guys cant be expected to know everything). Some times its as simple as the s wire on the seleniod on fender .(the small wire looses contact and can create problems ) So have them look at it and pull codes .
Keep us posted
The mega parts places may be good (guys cant be expected to know everything). Some times its as simple as the s wire on the seleniod on fender .(the small wire looses contact and can create problems ) So have them look at it and pull codes .
Keep us posted
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
Stand back and look at truck . tally up fixes. Try to find another truck. For same Several every week here for $1000 or less.In need of work
I just got rid of a truck I built in 95 ,and had taken on my wedding honey moon. I had all body parts and just needed paint . Well $1200 is conservative for a good paint job . I really wanted to keep running it.
But I found a solid original paint truck (had to go a aways to get ) For $1400 with bad motor . No brainer used my old drivetrian.
Try to find a truck with better body that need a tranny (yours good ?)I see am all time
Use your good parts . and sell rest . I get way more in parts then whole for a tire truck. Good luck
I just got rid of a truck I built in 95 ,and had taken on my wedding honey moon. I had all body parts and just needed paint . Well $1200 is conservative for a good paint job . I really wanted to keep running it.
But I found a solid original paint truck (had to go a aways to get ) For $1400 with bad motor . No brainer used my old drivetrian.
Try to find a truck with better body that need a tranny (yours good ?)I see am all time
Use your good parts . and sell rest . I get way more in parts then whole for a tire truck. Good luck
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,334
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From: Parker, CO
It turned out to be the alternator. Got new one for 106, installed in about an hour or more. It's getting to the point where I am starting to think about putting a V6 in. Have it rebuilt from a newer truck. I know there will be more to go wrong with the truck as its 20 years. Is it really worth it or should I get a newer used truck.
