Injectors?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
Injectors?
'86 150 with 302 EFI. You may have seen my other posts about this problem. I'm still having the same problem: sputtering at low RPMs under load and somewhat at idle. I replaced the ign module, cap, rotor, wires, plugs and coil. The problem has persisted. I am thinking injectors.
When I first got the truck a couple years ago it would sputter like crazy at high RPMs. I replaced the forward most fuel filter a few times, then I discovered the other fuel filter and replaced that too. Basically, my fuel filters were so gunked up and clogged that they restricted the fuel pressure when it was at high demand (WOT). After replacing the filters, that problem went away.
This past fall I had to replace the fuel pressure regulater, probably because it was all gunked up like the fuel filters. As for my most recent problem that I mentioned, since my ignition system is probably pretty sound, and due to my continuing symptoms, I am now thinking my injectors are at fault. They're probably all gunked up and clogged like my fuel filters were and my fuel press regulator. They're probably sticking, clogged, dripping... And the truck has 105,000 miles on it.
Time to replace the injectors? Any futher diagnosing necessary? Thanks in advance!
When I first got the truck a couple years ago it would sputter like crazy at high RPMs. I replaced the forward most fuel filter a few times, then I discovered the other fuel filter and replaced that too. Basically, my fuel filters were so gunked up and clogged that they restricted the fuel pressure when it was at high demand (WOT). After replacing the filters, that problem went away.
This past fall I had to replace the fuel pressure regulater, probably because it was all gunked up like the fuel filters. As for my most recent problem that I mentioned, since my ignition system is probably pretty sound, and due to my continuing symptoms, I am now thinking my injectors are at fault. They're probably all gunked up and clogged like my fuel filters were and my fuel press regulator. They're probably sticking, clogged, dripping... And the truck has 105,000 miles on it.
Time to replace the injectors? Any futher diagnosing necessary? Thanks in advance!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 2
From: Mobile, Alabama
I recently replaced my injectors with a set of remans from lucky7autoinjectors on ebay for $129 and was well pleased with the results. 302 runs much smoother and picked up almost 2mpg increase around town.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,026
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
That will only tell you if one is way gone, but will do nothing to tell you if they are worn out. And being worn out would be the problem, they will just drip instead of spray.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
I think the truck would really benefit from a fresh set of injectors as redlightning said.
The truck had a code 18 which is something about the SPOUT wire... Bad injectors wouldn't cause that code, would it??
The truck had a code 18 which is something about the SPOUT wire... Bad injectors wouldn't cause that code, would it??
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,026
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
No, the spout wire is the one you unplug to check the timing. If there is a problem there you need to fix it.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
I was chatting with someone about it and they had me convinced it was highly possible an injector problem. I completely forgot about the code 18 I retrieved a while ago. Hahaha oops!
According to Ford Fuel Injection, code 18 has 2 descriptions. 1. "Continuous memory" - IDM circuit failure or SPOUT circuit grounded. And 2. "Key on engine running" - SPOUT circuit open or spark angle word failure. What do I do now having acquired that information?
According to Ford Fuel Injection, code 18 has 2 descriptions. 1. "Continuous memory" - IDM circuit failure or SPOUT circuit grounded. And 2. "Key on engine running" - SPOUT circuit open or spark angle word failure. What do I do now having acquired that information?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,026
Likes: 0
From: Renton, WA
I was chatting with someone about it and they had me convinced it was highly possible an injector problem. I completely forgot about the code 18 I retrieved a while ago. Hahaha oops!
According to Ford Fuel Injection, code 18 has 2 descriptions. 1. "Continuous memory" - IDM circuit failure or SPOUT circuit grounded. And 2. "Key on engine running" - SPOUT circuit open or spark angle word failure. What do I do now having acquired that information?
According to Ford Fuel Injection, code 18 has 2 descriptions. 1. "Continuous memory" - IDM circuit failure or SPOUT circuit grounded. And 2. "Key on engine running" - SPOUT circuit open or spark angle word failure. What do I do now having acquired that information?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,621
Likes: 1
From: Sweetwater Texas
Trying running about 4-5x the amount of Marvels Mystery oil in it. My 87 still had the original injectors in it at 230K and developed a real bad miss, I put about 2x the amount of Marvels in it as directed, then my Dad came up behind me not realizing what I had done and put I don't know how much Marvels in it, and man did she smoke, and when I say smoke I mean whew, but after 10 minutes of running she started clearing up really good.
Also Seafoam does WONDERS to things if you pull your vacuum line off of your Brake booster, stick a funnel in it and slowly pour about half the bottle down it just right at the verge the truck is about to die. Again, she's gonna smoke really really bad, but it did wonders for my Dad's 85 Toyota Tercel with I can't even describe what kinda wierd vacuum controlled carb is on it. Down in the IDI forum, there are quite a few miracle stories with seafoam.
Also Seafoam does WONDERS to things if you pull your vacuum line off of your Brake booster, stick a funnel in it and slowly pour about half the bottle down it just right at the verge the truck is about to die. Again, she's gonna smoke really really bad, but it did wonders for my Dad's 85 Toyota Tercel with I can't even describe what kinda wierd vacuum controlled carb is on it. Down in the IDI forum, there are quite a few miracle stories with seafoam.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
I've heard good stories with that seafoam stuff. Maybe I'll have to give that stuff a try. I doubt it would solve my #18 code problem, but it would probably help out the truck overall. As for the code 18 though, I think I'm getting close. I unplugged my tach and it seemed to run better. I'm getting close, I hope.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
get a set of rebuilt inectors. The 19# injectors Ford used in '86 had only one spray hole. The later type 19# injector has three holes.
My '85 302 had the same problem - I changed out the injectors with a rebuilt / refurbished set and now it runs great - also be carefull with the injector plugs - mine were very brittle. If your fuel system was really clogged up I would change the filters again before you run the engine with the injectors replaced. Check your fuel pressure too - at 1500 to 2000 rpm it should be about 45 psig. If the pressure is under 35# at idle, you may also want to remove the in-tank pump & filter assembly to make sure it's not also clogged-up.
Oscar.
My '85 302 had the same problem - I changed out the injectors with a rebuilt / refurbished set and now it runs great - also be carefull with the injector plugs - mine were very brittle. If your fuel system was really clogged up I would change the filters again before you run the engine with the injectors replaced. Check your fuel pressure too - at 1500 to 2000 rpm it should be about 45 psig. If the pressure is under 35# at idle, you may also want to remove the in-tank pump & filter assembly to make sure it's not also clogged-up.
Oscar.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Make sure the SPOUT shorting bar is installed at the distributor. If it is check continuity of the SPOUT wire from the TFI module plug at the distributor to the plug at the ECU Computer.
Your fuel pressure should be about 32 PSI at idle and 40 PSI at WOT. This is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator.
If you ground pin #6 of the VIP Connector with the key on the pressure should be about 42 PSI with the engine not running.
If you pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator with it running you will also get the 42 PSI.
Your fuel pressure should be about 32 PSI at idle and 40 PSI at WOT. This is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator.
If you ground pin #6 of the VIP Connector with the key on the pressure should be about 42 PSI with the engine not running.
If you pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator with it running you will also get the 42 PSI.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
I would get rid of the code 18 before I did anything else. And like someone else said, you can pull the injectors and get them tested at the Ford dealer. Years ago they charged me $10 to test 4 injectors. It tests the spray pattern and the flow, and they also run cleaner through them.