I just purchased a 1990 XLT Lariat with a 302, mint except for the ac and driver power door lock.
But, when I looked at the truck two days ago, it was cold and it started good. Bring it home, change the oil and started it, cold, and had to crank it quite a few times before it started. When it did start it took a few seconds to come up to cold idle. Once it warmed up, it starts great. it also runs great.
Checked one plug and the gap was OK.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would start with new plugs, wires, cap & rotor.

If this doesn't work, look at fuel system. The auto choke might not be working. A new fuel filter wouldn't hurt either. Fuel filters seem to be neglected way too much.

 

Did you say that the oil change was done on a cold engine, and then it was hard to start? The fuel pump will not activate with no oil pressure on some EEC IV models. Cold oil in a cold engine would take some time to build pressure. Could be that you needed to get oil pressure up to activate the fuel pump. Other thing to check is the Idle Air Control ( IAC) located on the side of the intake manifold adjacent to the thottle body. Engines with some miles on them sometimes have carbon build up on the inside of the IAC. Just remove the two bolts holding it to the manifold, Don't lose the gasket, and spray it out with some cleaner. Helps with cold and hot starting and idling.

 

Thanks for the replys. I changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor and fuel filter. Still does the same. I'll try cleaning out the IAC valve this weekend.
It also seems to be hard on fuel.
From reading my trust worthy manual, if a sensor is faulty the engine light shoud come on.
Once the truck is warmed up it runs and idles great.
Still tryin!
Smitty

 

she's fixed!
changed the gasket on the cowl, changed the throttle position sensor and freed up the EGR valve.

Starts good and idles good.

 

The fuel pump will not activate with no oil pressure on some EEC IV models.

On a GM maybe, but not a Ford, or at lest not any i have ever run across.