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Sputtering startup

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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 01:43 AM
  #1  
86F150302's Avatar
86F150302
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From: Jacksonville FL
Sputtering startup

Every time I crank my truck when its cold it likes to sputter and run really rough for about 5 seconds and then it runs great.
It did it before and after I added MSD dist cap/rotor,Ford racing 9mm plug wires, and NGK V-power plugs. Whenever the truck is still warm and I crank it it doesn't do this.

Any thoughts? I want to check the timing and bump it up but I don't have a timing light and ive never check timing on a car/truck so I don't know how.

BTW talking about my 94 Lightning just incase anyone was wondering.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 07:51 AM
  #2  
Freightrain's Avatar
Freightrain
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From: Ohio
Club FTE Silver Member

My truck does this on occasion too. Seems to be getting better lately then when I first got it couple weeks ago. Haven't done much to it then cap/plugs/rotor/wires.

How's the PCV valve? If it's cruddy, then it will be sucking too much air on start up and lean out, thus sputtering. I just cleaned mine out yesterday and it started really easy today(hi 20's overnight). Going to buy one this week and just replace it as it likely has 75K miles on it.

Bumping the timing is a simple operation, so get yourself a timing light. Mine stock was about 10 deg, I put it at about 13ish. Need to do a better job of cleaning up the balancer so I can read it better. It's just warming up around here, so I'll be tinkering more.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 08:43 AM
  #3  
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deeznuts822
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From: ohio
My truck has done this since day one, but lately has been actin like it has a stuck choke. I am thinkin about changin the air temp sensor, since its fairly cheap. When and if u bump up the timing make sure u pull the spout connector or u will show like 30 degrees when checkin with a light
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 02:51 PM
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86F150302
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From: Jacksonville FL
ok thanks guys. Ill check out the PCV and maybe get a timing light today.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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TEGIII
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From: PENNSBURG,PA.
Sputtering

Check your coolant temp sensor... I have had issues with mine before and make sure your computer ground is clean and tight.. This can cause all sorts of havoc...
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 07:34 PM
  #6  
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86F150302
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From: Jacksonville FL
Originally Posted by TEGIII
Check your coolant temp sensor... I have had issues with mine before and make sure your computer ground is clean and tight.. This can cause all sorts of havoc...

Yea I heard about this problem with the temp sensor.
 
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