<tt> Hi guys, got the last problem fixed regarding the head problem on my 1990 F150 with the 300 and a 4speed with OD. Now, after reassembling everything the truck will idle for 15 or 20 minutes, depending on outside air temp, and then die as if someone turned the key off. I have checked the obvious (i think) had ICM tested, it's ok. Had MAP sensor checked, it's ok. Every filter in the truck is new, cap, rotor, coil, and plugs all new. Vacuum hoses all appear to be in the correct spots, I think. I am almost out of ideas. I'm gonna check fuel pressure, but same as the sensors, I find it hard to believe that it would coincidentaly quit at the same time as I replaced the head. My gut tells me that I have one or two of the 8 million vacuum lines in the wrong spot, although most of my pre-disassembly markings match. Unfortunately a few of the markings got rubbed off, but I was able to get a real good feel for where the hoses went by the length, bends, and size of the fittings. Any ideas of other sensors or other components that would cause issues would be appreciated. Or if anyone has a very graphic schematic (the one under the hood does me no good) or picture of where these hoses go it would be greatly appreciated. One other note, the temp guage in the cab doesn't work, it moves down when the key is turned on, but it never warms up. The temp sensor in the thermostat housing neck is new with the head replacement, but the guage didn't work before the head job either, and I drove the truck over 50 miles home with a cracked head (thought the problem was a slight gasket leak, had I known it was a cracked head the truck would've been trailered home) with no problems when I bought it. As I said before any suggestions, comments, criticism is welcomed, as I am out of ideas as to why this thing won't run like it oughta. My dad bought a new F150 in 89, 300 with 4speed and OD, and he sold it in 98 with 247k on it, and it never had a wrench on it, just routine lube jobs done in the driveway, so I know this one I have should have lotsa life left, just a minor glitch keeping it from achieving it's full potential. Thanks for reading this long post</tt>

 

the small type is too distracting to read.

edit so it is legible.

 

Once it dies does it start right back up or do you have to wait a while to start it again. Could be something electrical or vacuum related. If you think it is something vacuum related try unplugging one of the lines your not sure of and see if it makes a difference at the time it would normally stop running. At least that way you'll know which line is not right and then figure out where it needs to go from there. Have you looked on the Autozone website for their vacuum diagrams?

 

Have you had the pickup coil in the dist checked?

Leo

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Once the truck dies it won't start again for a while, after 10 or so minutes it will run for 20 or 30 seconds then die again. Did a little unplugging of lines, only thing that happened was killed the truck sooner, and I did look on autozone, but the vacuum diagram I found was very generic and didn't help any.

 

Hi all, a little more work on the truck has turned up this. To begin with, solenoid is bad, have to jump it to start truck, but I can fix that, just a note on how my luck is going playin mechanic anyway, using a scan tool in the KOER mode has turned up these: #21 Eng coolant temp out of range (new sensor in the thermostat neck, wiring must be bad or another sensor i'm not aware of) #44 thermactor AIR system inoperable - right side (no idea what this is) #18 SPOUT/spark output circuit open (is this the stator in the distributor? is that stator the same as the pickup coil?) #33 EGR valve no flow detected (think the EGR tube at the back of the motor might be cracked from the bending involved in removing and replacing intake twice, could this be the issue here?) Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, as it has become a personal mission to make this truck RUN!!!! lol

 

After much troubleshooting and listening to people who were focusing on electronics I finally got a chance to replace fuel filter, and the beast lives, at least has sat in the driveway and ran for as long as i wanted it to. Haven't got enough courage for a road test, last time I did the truck died, had some buddies come pick me and the truck up, and when we got back to my place the shop was on fire, but so far so good. and the solenoid issue was just a battery cable issue. thanks for the help guys

 

does the fuel pump keep running with the key on and truck not running?

if so you may have a bad computer.

 

Hi Everyone, another chapter in the continuing saga of 'the 300 that is almost dependable' Now it seems that the truck will sit in the driveway and run all day, fast idle, slow idle, anywhere in between, runs great but when taken for a road test after about half a mile it just DIES as if the engine was shut off. beat on gas tank and will then start back up, drive home, and sit in driveway idling, just as happy as can be. Is this truck just homesick??? seriously, my main focus is now fuel pump, just thought I'd ask all the knowledgeable folk on here if there were any relays or solenoids or anything else that this sounds characteristic of, or is it time to drop the tank and change the pump? It has dual tanks, and so far have only used the front one as the rear has no fill neck on it, selector valve ran thru my mind also, but really concentrating on pump at this time. Thanks All!!!

 

Sounds like you may have something in the tank or the pump is being restricted somehow. Since you changed the filter and it helped, it has to be something gas related. Might also be some type of electrical connection that is causing pump to stop or slow down. I'd drop the tank and check everything out if it was me. Have you ever done a fuel pressure check on it?

 

answer the question in post 8.

that may be your problem.

 

No, the fuel pump does not continue to run when the engine is off, it runs momentarily when the key is first turned on, then stops