94 Conversion van MPG
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94 Conversion van MPG
Hi all - I am new here but loving all the info! I just bought a 94 conversion van with 148K and the good old 5.8 - it already had a K&N air filter but no other changes. I am making 14.2 on 30 mile one way trips so am pretty pleased but wondering what others are seeing. I have not towed with it yet but will be soon. I see where some mention exhaust mods so am open to those options. The only issue with the van is that is cuts out once in a while which is why I am looking to replace thye ECM (or isit the PCM) as I have researched this on a mechanics forum and found that to be the "fix". Anyone had that before? Thanks so much!
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You "just bought a 94" that "cuts out once in a while" so the 1st thing you want to do is replace the ECM/PCM? How about checking for fault codes? I'd check all the usual suspects 1st? IMO the computer would be far down the list.
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Replace ECM
No, the first thing I did was to change plugs (now that was a pain) and needed to be done. Then I did a lot of research and found that at least 4 shops had posted a fix to this exact problem by replacing teh computer. One of them after repalcing every other ignition part they could.
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And the fault codes? When you "did a lot of research" did you come across the recommendation to change spark plug wires along w/the plugs?
I'm not sure I'd trust any shop that replaces "every other ignition part they could" 1st, before concluding replacing the computer is the solution.
I had a very highly recommended local FORD expert throw up his hands, give up, & declare my FORD had "Blue Oval Disease". Also tried a replacement computer to no avail. Then bought my own OBD-I fault code reader & caught my intermittent problem. Discovered it was an occasionally fritzing, recently replaced, TPS.
I'm not sure I'd trust any shop that replaces "every other ignition part they could" 1st, before concluding replacing the computer is the solution.
I had a very highly recommended local FORD expert throw up his hands, give up, & declare my FORD had "Blue Oval Disease". Also tried a replacement computer to no avail. Then bought my own OBD-I fault code reader & caught my intermittent problem. Discovered it was an occasionally fritzing, recently replaced, TPS.
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Fault codes
I am not familiar with checking them on this system. I have used the scan tool for the 96 and newer (ODBII) codes. Would the check engine light come on if there were codes as it does on the newer ones?
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When you posted "once in a while" I interpreted it as an intermittent problem. Apparently intermittents don't always 'throw a code' or illuminate the CEL on OBD-I. Some may set a code that's stored & can be retrieved w/o CEL on, although some told me no codes can be read unless the CEL is on. In my case it seems that the issue had to be caught in the act. Mostly it ran fine & other's code readers found nothing, as it ran OK in front of them. I waited until it began missing & plugged in the code reader I'd bought on the spot & got a code for TPS. My "once in a while" was not even every trip. I could go 50-100 miles & make numerous stops w/o a hiccup, then have it start to miss badly & die at idle. Note these symptoms were unlike those that had lead to the "recent" replacement of the TPS.
There's a basic procedure w/OBD-I that lets you count flashes on the CEL w/o "the scan tool" although I prefer a digital code reader. I'd suggest that you get "familiar with checking them on this system". FORD's onboard diagnostics can be your friend.
There's a basic procedure w/OBD-I that lets you count flashes on the CEL w/o "the scan tool" although I prefer a digital code reader. I'd suggest that you get "familiar with checking them on this system". FORD's onboard diagnostics can be your friend.
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From: Blue Springs, MO
I'd be happy with 14.2 MPG. I get abt 12-13 but it is a different animal. How much weight are you planning on towing? Was the van used to tow previously? When I was looking to purchase I found a lot of used 150 conversion vans that had blown motors, trans or both. A lot of the problem was from owners who towed travel trailers and boats with the van over-loaded with the family and camping gear. Just something to be aware of.
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