problems
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: lost in WI
problems
I have a 1994 f150 with an i6 and im having some problems my truck spits and sputters when i put it in gear and try to drive it, the gas tank has been on E for the past week and its been -1 and below at night so i dont know if its the plugs or something and i have a problem with the alternator over charging at high rpms
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
So can we assume that you've put some gas in the tank? Having a tank empty and then filling it with gas isn't a problem - Do I really need to say that? Also, what do cold temperatures have to do with spark plugs? And how do you know your alternator is overcharging?
One thing at a time. How many miles are on the truck? When was the last full tune-up? Have you pulled the codes, checked vacuum or checked the fuel pressure?
As for the alternator, you're going to give us a lot more detail.
One thing at a time. How many miles are on the truck? When was the last full tune-up? Have you pulled the codes, checked vacuum or checked the fuel pressure?
As for the alternator, you're going to give us a lot more detail.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Ellensburg, Washington
water condensation in the tank... just putting fresh gas in may not fix the problem... try some iso heat additive and you might pick up an extra fuel filter just in case
should not let your tank get below half in the winter cold... if not driving, keep tank full and put in stabilizer
should not let your tank get below half in the winter cold... if not driving, keep tank full and put in stabilizer
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: lost in WI
thanks i put almost a half a tank back in but didnt put heat in and i have no idea when it had a tune up and i have no way to check codes and it has 167,000 miles on it,i usally dont let it get to a half tank but i had to drive it,my battery light comes on when i rev the engine and the voltage gauge hits 18
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 336
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From: Iowa
I agree with the idea of not less than a half of a tank in cold weather and the use of ISO-heat (has ISOpropal alcohol). Running low happens, but always use the ISOheat in cold temps. As for the alternator, sounds like a voltage regulator issue (alt should be internally regulated) so it is possible that you are due for a replacement. If you pull the alt and take it in, most major auto parts chain stores (Advance, O'Reilley, Checker, Shucks, Kragan) can either bench test it before ponying up the dough for a replacement. Letting it go will potentially boil out the battery and cause more problems and expense. Just noticed the plow..make sure you don't have something screwy with wiring too. If the alt bench tests good, and there is still issues in the truck...look hard at wiring!
Last edited by mstngmikegt; Jan 22, 2009 at 07:31 PM. Reason: noticed the plow
Postmaster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: La Vergne, TN
ok chances are there is condensation in the water tank. Just go to like a CVS or something or somewhere get a 1 pt. bottle of rubbing alcohol and if you have half a tank pour in half a bottle. itll evaporate the water. trust me ive done it a many of times. doesnt have any ileffects on the motor. it works great.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 480
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From: Elyria, Ohio
Drugstore rubbing alcohol is 70% isopropyl and 30% water. It will solubilize the additional water in your tank. Then the alcohol is soluble in the gas. The whole mixture goes through the fuel system and the alcohol and gas burn and the water is converted to steam during combustion and out the exhaust it goes. If you use the intented autostore alcohol products; it contains methanol without additional water. The capacity to absorb water would be greater. They'll both work; I prefer not to use the diluted rubbing alcohol.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Iowa
As for rubbing alcohol, I have used it to thaw frozen windshield washer reservoirs with no ill effects, but particularly since the correct stuff for the fuel system, Heet (methyl alcohol) or ISO-Heet (Isopropyl alcohol...personal preference) is cheap anyway, I would just use that and be done.