I have an 88 f150 with a 351 in it. It is a mud truck. Recently it will start to sputter then die. When you go to restart it, it just turns over like it isn't getting any fuel. If you let it sit for a while then try to restart it will start. A buddy said it is the brain, but not sure if any one else has any suggestions.

 

Doesn't sound like a brain issue to me. Is the disbributor getting wet? Is the TFI getting hot?

could be a fuel issue. Next time it does this pull a spark plug wire off and see if your getting spark when it turns over. If you are then it could be fuel issue. Start narrowing it down each time.

If you went and bought a 12 volt LED you could hook it up to an injector and see if your getting pulses. If you got fuel and spark its not brain issue. Is the air intake clear of mud and dry?

 

Cap and rotor 20 bucks and a fuel filter for 10 bucks won't hurt. A fuel pressure gauge reading on the injector rail would be helpful to make sure your good there.

Adrianspeeder

 

Start it and let it idle. With a hair dryer set on low, direct warm air at the TFI module. If the engine sputters and/or stalls within 5 minutes, the TFI module needs to be replaced.

 

alright finally got to take the truck out this weekend. I replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. It ran fine for a while then shut off again. I pulled the plug wires and have no spark. I am hoping it is the coil. But here is another question. What exactly does the "brain" do and is this what MSD makes the ignition module for? If so is better to replace it with a stock computer or an aftermarket. All the help is greatly appreciated

 

99% it's not the computer.
Re-read PKRWUD's post and do what he says. He does this stuff for a living, the rest of us play around at it.

 

I'll try it tomorrow after work, but what exactly is the TFI module? How can I identify it? Thanks

 

On an 88 it's on the side of the dizzy. It's the thing with the connector snapped onto it.