1992 f-150 running very rich and when it gets warm in has the shudder between 40-55 mph. I've replaced the o2sensor, fuel pressure regulator and the coolant temp sensor. I also cleaned the injectors, changed trans. filter and fluid, added shudder fix. I pulled the codes and this is what I got. 173 system always rich, 213 spout circuit open, 538 insufficient rpm change

 

SPOUT - Spark Output Signal from EEC
EEC - Electronic Engine Control
(just in case you didnt know)
there should be a connector somewhere around your distributor, you may have to dig for it, make sure its connected/not broken.


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Check the fuel pressure it should be about 35psi with vacuum on the FPR and 40 without, also should not be any gas in the vacuum line attached to the FPR.

The spout plug is attached to the TFI harness, this is the plug you remove to set the timing. Make sure it is there and that it's good, should measure a dead short across it.

 

I can see that the spout connector is present but I have not metered it yet. Won't be able to work on Tomorrow eve. I did notice some spark knock when I was driving it this evening. I really like this truck so any ideas on what to check would be great.It is really acting like a timing issue, I'm just not that experienced on Ford's. My Mustang ran perfect, just had to replace a clutch. This one is stumping me.

 

well if you do have a problem with your spout i belive it fixes your timing at 10 degrees... so it should be running different

 

Checked the fuel pressure, it is good. Checked spout connector, it is good. Timing is 10 deg. with spout connector unplugged, 15 deg. with spout connector plugged in. Cleared codes and rechecked koer test, got 173 and 213. I don't understand why I am getting the 213-spout circuit open. Could the computer be bad? What else should I check?

 

Could be a bad TFI module but could also be a problem with the wiring. You need to disconnect the harness from the computer and test for continuity, if it's good all the way from the TFI to the EEC then one of the devices on either end is at fault. Coincidentally, what color is the TFI module you have on there now? And has it been changed anytime recently?

 

the module is a gray motorcraft. I believe it is the original. I will try to meter the harness and the module tomorrow. Thanks!

 

Haynes manual tells me to replace icm module. I took the module to Autozone and it checked out ok. Is the test they do at Autozone accurate? The module is 40 bucks, I don't want to waste any more money.

 

I called my friend and he let me try his ignition module, same problem. Is there any way to check the computer to see if it is bad?

 

see if your friend will let you pull his computer if its the same of course and plug it into your truck

 

I think I'm chasing the wrong problem. I went out today started the truck took off as soon as it started. It ran great for about two miles. Then it went rich. So I let it cool down and started it in the driveway and stood behind it. It smelled normal for about two min. then it went way rich. Any ideas on what sensors to check?

 

Sounds like it's going rich as soon as it enters closed loop, so either one of the sensors is bad or the computer has lost it's marbles. You could try changing the MAP and IAT sensors since those haven't been tried yet, but chances are you are having computer problems.

 

I was wondering if you found out what was causing your problem. I am having the same issue.

 

all of the sensors seem to be working all ok. I guess I'm down to replacing the computer.