Ok, first, a review of the truck. 92 bronco. 302. automatic. 180,000 miles.

It starts fine and runs good. Runs for weeks with no problem. But on SOME longer trips (not all) it feels as if it is not getting gas. Everytime it has failed me has been when I push it over 70 mph-ish. First time, was running fine on interstate, but after slowing down for the exit ramp felt like it was out of gas.
Same thing a few weeks later. This last time was not on an interstate, but was after passing someone. Usually, I let it sit for awhile, and it is fine. Not so with this last time.

Acted like it was not getting gas. Could start, but ran bad. Would turn key on and off several times to make sure plenty of gas was pumped up to the motor. If I could give it gas, it would backfire and I would need to keep it at high rpms or else it would die. It did eventually anyway, not to mention smelling like gas. I verified that I could keep it running with quickstart. Leads me to believe it is a gas issue. Depressed the thing on the fuel rail that looks like an air valve. Plenty of pressure and gas. In fact, if truck is idling and starts to stall, pressing this to release pressure, lets truck idle up and continue to run.

Had an EGR error code before, after taking apart and cleaning everything, cleared computer and haven't had a problem with it. So, no error codes, and just to make sure, had no difference after unplugging EGR plug.

After this last time, It seems to run good, but a mile or 2 down the road and there is slight missing, then I noticed it started to heat up. I loosened radiator cap and came home to switch vehicles.

Does anyone have any ideas? I haven't compression checked it, and wonder if a busted head gasket can be causing issues. No water in oil, no oil in water. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like the fuel pump's going bad. Do a pressure test, with an actual gauge.

 

The fuel pump has been loud as of lately, and is on the repair list, but the engine is getting fuel. When I press the valve, Fuel sprays everywhere. I don't believe the pump to be the only issue, since the gas is there. But that will prolly be the next thing I replace either way

 

Fuel will spray everywhere @ 5psi. You need to check it w/ a gauge... just to prove me wrong, if nothing else.

 

Touche, I had originally thought this, but was thrown off by the fact that pressing the valve kept the truck running.

 

There could be a blockage at the regulator. Regardless, you should check fuel pressure. If there's a blockage, your fuel pressure could get up to 100psi, possibly resulting in some serious consequences. I put a pump in a 2000 Taurus a few weeks ago & pushed the schrader valve just to get a little fuel to the rails so it would run. Of course, it was barely dribbling out.

 

i recently replaced the pump in my 95.. it was very loud and when i tryed to pass ppl or get on it when i pull out it had a loss of power, spent 150 on a pump and all is well.. hope it helps

 

I would second the fuel pump as the culprit. What happens on my 1990 Bronco is that the truck runs fine until the pump has run for 3-4 hours, then the pump pressure drops so much that the truck won't accelerate, I can still run along at 30-35 mph but that's it. I put a fuel pressure gauge on the rail the last time this intermitant problem happened and the fuel pressure was about 20 psi. When I pushed the throttle the pressure would drop to near zero. I replaced the regulator and there was no change in the fuel pressure when the vacuum line was disconnected. Also the fuel pressure does not come up as quickly as expected upon turning the key to run when starting the truck. The fuel pressure only goes to about 5 psi, turning the key on and off will build up the pressure to about 20 psi.

New fuel pump ordered, Pictures will be posted in My Garage.

 

Alright, well it looks like my first things to replace will be fuel pump and regulator

 

You are not listening.

Before you spend a couple hundred bucks replacing parts that may or may not be bad, you need to check the fuel pressure with a gauge. This test alone will tell you the condition of both the fuel pump and the regulator.

When you pull the vacuum line off the regulator, the pressure should go up to 60.

 

I had the exact same symptoms. The fuel pressure at the rail was 42 psi. Of course that was when it was running good. It did this for about year and a half. Then it started doing it on every trip. (I drive 400 miles twice a month) I replaced the fuel filter. No change. I replaced the fuel pumps. It runs better than I ever remembered. I dont know which pump it was. (high or low) But it was worth it.

 

I'll go with andym here, check the pressure before you start replacing pieces like crazy

 

Alright, hopefully I can do some testing this weekend. As I understand it, after pulling the vacume off the regulator, pressure should be 60?

 

I think these trucks need 35psi minimum. You can either pull the vacuum line off or snap the throttle to raise the pressure. It should go up 5-10psi. So, if you have 40psi idling you might get 50psi. If you have 45psi you might get 55. I think 40-45psi at idle should be good.