Need help with my first Ford 4x4

[BigAlBue]

Hi and thanks for reading. I recently bought my first Ford pickup truck and I am having some issues hoping someone can help me with. Its a 1988 f150 4x4 with a 4.9L and a straight 6. Here is my problem. I was told that it was sitting for a while and so I changed the injectors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and coil. The truck idles perfectly and revs up great but my problem is when I try to drive. I cant get but 100 feet and it wants to die out on me. If I let it sit for a few mins it will start back up and run another hundred feet before dieing out again. I dont understand how it can idle just fine for over a half our but when I attempt to drive it it just dies. ANY help here would be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks again for reading. Al

 

[smokey]

Sounds like a fuel problem. What us your fuel pressure at the rail?
The fuel filters could be plugged up. At idle out is ok but when more fuel is needed starving the engine.

 

[BigAlBue]

I dont have a fuel pressure gauge but I did replace the fuel filter when I changed everything else, also double checked that it was on the right way

 

[smokey]

The pump might be weak our gummed up you really need to test the fuel pressure at idle and running under load.

 

[BigAlBue]

So are you thinking new fuel pump?

 

[smokey]

Maybe need to check fuel pressure first to be sure.

 

[primetime]

What he said, and to expand, if it has dual tanks it could be a problem in the resevoir. Which is the unit on the frame that all the fuel lines feed into. First thing though, is a fuel pressure test.

 

[kiwi f150]

Yes check the fuel pressure first like Randy and Justin are saying but i think that it sounds like the tank selector valve is jammed one way and you"re trying to use the opposite tank - if thats the case then either bypass it and just use one tank or replace the valve if funds permit.
Just go with the oe style one and don't get hung up on the electric one like i did - much cheaper in the end to stay oe ..... i just posted this thread up the other day showing how i did mine

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33699

 

[BigAlBue]

It only has one tank

 

[kiwi f150]

It sounds like fuel starvation going on there - you may have stirred up a pile of crud or rust from the bottom of the tank and blocked your new fuel filter or even partially clogged up the fuel pickup inside the tank meaning that the truck will idle and even rev up but when you go to move off you're just not getting ahigh enough fuel flow to the engine for sustained running.
start with a fuel pressure test and if thats ok try testing fuel flow.

 

[BigAlBue]

Ok now I know my next step. Thanks to everyone for your help. I will give an update as soon as I have it

 

[BigAlBue]

Well I had a fuel system pressure test done and it turns out the in tank pump is toast. Well I went to drop the tank and now my problem is that I broke the fuel line fittings off when dropping it ( I know I know stupid) so how can I fix the lines any suggestions? Once again all input is greatly appriciated!

 

[primetime]

How bad did you mess it up? Can you salvage the fittings and some of the line that came off of the tank? Do you have tubing cutters? If so, a compression union will probably get you by.

 

[Fellro]

You can get repair ends from the parts stores.

 

[Alvin in AZ]

You can get repair ends from the parts stores.

x2

Fellro aren't you a "parts guy"?

Either way, check this baby out, a nylon fuel line shover-on-er tool:
KTool's 75305...

That is one-really-nice made tool I tell you!

I was planning to make something similar since I'm planning to add a midship
tank to my '91 Bronco. All I can say is I wish I'd've bought it right away.

I did -way- too much messing around and some-cussing-even with the little
bit of nylon fuel line work/shoving I did do.

The autoparts stores-weren't-selling-these so they weren't renting them out,
had to buy my own. For me it worked out great cause I like tools, homemade
ones or not. LOL

Alvin in AZ is a retired ditch digger xD

 

[Fellro]

Used to be. Still know how to check things out to verify... I know we carried Ford ends at AutoZone. I tend to use silicone spray to help things slide on better, but there has been times that tool would have been good to have...