Hello everyone, I have a 1989 F150 with a straight 6 engine that has almost 300,000 miles on it. I've owned the truck for almost 20 years and it has given me very few problems. The problem I have with it now is that if it idles more that 4-5 minites it will sputter and stall out like its running out of gas. If you let it sit for about 15-20 minites it will start and run fine. Several mechanics have worked on the truck and have replaced the following parts, fuel pumps (in the tank and on the chassis), pump relays, computer and computer relays, coil, spark plugs, the idle control mounted on the intake, and the fuel filter. As you can see, I've spent quite a bit on money on the advice of many parts changers. No check engine light comes on and no codes can be read. I've taken it to 2 Ford dealers and the service managers at both locations (and I'm not kidding) have told me the truck is "too old for them to work on". If I'm driving at highway speed the truck runs great, but if I have to stop at a red light or railroad crossing for more that a 4 or five minites the truck will without fail die. Ive also checked the compression and its 125lbs in every cylinder. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? I have'nt replaced the map sensor yet, but I'm tired of just spending money on parts that I don't need. Thanks, Mike

 

sounds to me like the distributer is failing when it warms up

 

It ONLY happens whens when the truck sits for too long (4-5 minutes) without moving?? does it start right back up or does it have to sit? You said it starts up and runs fine after 15-20 minutes. What happens when you try to start it right afterwards

 

If your distributer has a ignition module bolted on the side I'd replace that.

Sounds like a heat soak problem, maybe the cooling system is not up to par when idling.

Good luck

 

some of those 300 six engines have a injector cooling
blower fan mounted on the rh inner fender with
hoses running to each injector
ensure this blower works or it can cause vapour lock
and hot soak stalling
mitch

 

X2. Those are the same questions I would ask. PLUS: Did the monkanics you took it to monitor the fuel pressure while it was stalling? If it won't start right back up, did they check to see if it was getting fire through the spark plug wires? Does it act the same way in cold or hot weather? With a problem like this you first have to determine if it's an ignition problem or a fuel delivery problem. Beings you can get it to stall in 4 or 5 minutes, it shouldn't be that hard to troubleshoot. Work with us on this by answering the questions and we will solve your problem.