I've got a 1987 F150 6 cyl, 67000 original miles. It stalled today, then wouldn't start. If it sits for awhile, it will start, but run for up to a minute. I can rev up the engine and everything sounds normal, but then it stalls and won't start again until it sits for awhile. It has a new spark plugs and wires, which were replaced 6 weeks ago, new alternator and battery 2 weeks ago, and I just replaced the fuel filter. Any ideas?

 

have you tried the fuel pump?? I belive that you need about 8 psi if it has a carb, like 36 psi if it is injected. But 87...I belive that it has a carb.

 

I haven't tried the fuel pump, but that's high on my list of suspects. There are two fuel pumps, one internal and the other external. Any ideas which one to go first? The truck is EFI, no carb.



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1987 F150 with 67000 original miles.

 

I'd check out fuel pressure and also volume; cheapest possibility is that the it could be that the fuel filter is largely plugged, causing a no-flow condition. Outside chance could also be a fuel vent, but this would typically run longer than a minute.

Do check the fuel pump for voltage to ensure the relay's not dying and releasing.

 

Thanks for your help. I just replaced the fuel filter, pretty easy and only 7 bucks. I think the external fuel pump would be next likely suspect.

 

open up the fuel cap and listen in the tank for the fuel pump buzzing noise if its quite then you know its the internal pump

 

You say you just replaced the fuel filter. You didn't install it backwards did you? I'm not trying to insult your inteligence but i have seen it happen.

-Jon

 

Thanks for your input, just went out and double checked it's on in the correct direction.

 

Would the buzzing sound be on even if the key was in the off position or do I need to turn it slightly to just before the engine would start?

 

Your 87 has 2 pumps, 1 low pressure in tank and a high pressure on the frame rail under the driverside cab. It is EFI, and will require at least 25psi of fuel pressure to start, so I think your problem is with the in tank pump. 1st check for any blown fuses, then find the pump relays,(driversside under hood, toward the back of the aircleaner assy)listen for the pumps running, on the frame rail and in the tank, if they seem to be operating, check your fuel pressure on the fuel rail, there is a fitting(like a tire valve.shrader valve)cycle your pumps,35- 40psi.Then check for bleed down( it should not go down right away, should hold for 15 min's), possiably a bad regulator. Most fuel pump problems give a hard start condition, which you are not having. Other thing you may look into are TFI module, bad distrubtor(hall sensor) or even the coil. there is a way to run the pumps with the key off by jumping conections on the EEC test plug.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "Fully equipt, and Superchip'd!"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

www.kenne-bell.com/owners.asp
http://www.corral.net/cgi-bin/member...p00000403&p&p0


86 Kawasaki ZG 1000 A-1 Concours

 

I would have to agree with Jstang on this one. Glad somebody brought it up before I did. But I would have your ignition module checked out, if you have an Advance Auto near you they will do it for free. I have see nthe case where when the ignition module seems to warm up or get hot, it will make the car stall. If the truck is starting I would not think it would be the fuel pumps, but it could be ( i have even seen a case where when the fuel pump would get hot it would stall the car). Also the vent suggestion was good too. If the tank is not vented right you could be getting vapor lock. Other than that it could be a 100 different things causing those syptoms.

 

Any possibility there may just be bad gas in the tank? My son had just filled up the tank. I would expect if the gas was bad, it would sputter before stalling, but it's a "clean" stall, just as if the key was turned off.

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1987 F150 with 67000 original miles.

 

Kinda sounds ignition related, however its impossible for me to tell via computer. If you would like to test the TFI module at home, and have a good multi meter there is a way, I will post it. however a quick trip to the parts store is much easier.

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2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "Fully equipt, and Superchip'd!"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

www.kenne-bell.com/owners.asp
http://www.corral.net/cgi-bin/member...p00000403&p&p0


86 Kawasaki ZG 1000 A-1 Concours

 

Thanks for your input. Without sounding stupid, what's a TFI module?

 

Thin Flim Ignition module, located on the distrubtor where the wiring harness plugs in. If the Hall sensor is bad in the dist, it will cause the TFI to fail.The TFI has had its share of problems.

------------------
2001 F-150 XLT S-CAB 4.6 "Fully equipt, and Superchip'd!"
96 Taurus GL
93 Kenne-Bell Supercharged Mustang
"Injection is nice, but I perfer being blown!"

www.kenne-bell.com/owners.asp
http://www.corral.net/cgi-bin/member...p00000403&p&p0


86 Kawasaki ZG 1000 A-1 Concours