jb59

Have had this truck just a short while using it for trips locally. Decided to take it into town for supplies, about 200 mile round trip. As I was coming off the freeway it started running real bad. Sounded like not hitting on all cylinders. Finally found mechanic to look at it and by then it was running ok again. He pulled codes and said nothing that would be associated with this. So drove home and as I approached the house it started again running rough. took a break and then went to gas station to refill it and it ran decent again but now has a lifter (i believe) tapping on passenger side. never heard this before. where do i start???? mechanic said the plugs, wires etc all look original and would start with tune up but what about the (lifter) ?? it has 81K on it. thanks

88xlt

I would guess a (almost) clogged fuel filter on the bad running part. Don't know about the lifter part. The fuel filter is easy to change on a 1988.

andretti05

How reliable is your mechanic?

Pick up a code scanner for 35 bucks and run the codes yourself. These could be very helpful in determining the problem. Running rough could be a ton of different things. A bad sensor somewhere could cause this. A bad lifter could cause it, but so could a 100 other things. When the truck is running rough, does the engine light come on, and then go off when you start up the truck the next day?

This is a long shot without hearing what your codes are, but my guess is a timing issue with the ignition system. The lifter could be ticking because you have a cylinder not firing, or firing at the wrong time. Check that you have spark at all of your cylinders, check timing, try replacing distributor cap and rotor.

jb59

Thanks for the info and will start with the basics..plugs, cap and rotor, timing, check spark and fuel filter. I need a service book and a scanner, suggestions for these? and Napa parts are they ok? not simple anymore buying parts as there are lots of options...example: basic plug wires for this year listed = wires w/eec iv, wires w/o eec iv also w/eec iv w/ single battery and one w/o eec iv w/ single battery.......holy smokes!

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

You can pull codes yourself with a 4" piece of wire. Read "justcallmesean"'s post at the top of the page.
You could well have a sensor acting up, but given your usage style I would suggest starting with the fuel filter. The long trip pulling all the way into the tank and all. Also the bit about fresh gas making it run better.
I'd suggest an oil change (you checked the level of course ? long trip and all...) and a can of seafoam engine treatment - 1/2 in the oil, the other half in the gas tank.
Next tank of gas put a pint of methyl hydrate in it (available in the paint department for cheap). That will absorb any moisture in your tank and allow it to be pulled through and burned off.
Just a good set of high energy ignition HEI wires will work fine. No point cheaping out on those. Bargain spark plug wires aren't a bargain if you have to get new ones every 6 months.

jb59

Going into town tomorrow and will get the seafoam, new plugs, methyl hydrate and fuel filter. The seafoam goes in the engine after the oil change> is this right? ( i suppose I should check the oil and see what kind of shape it is in, the previous owner thought it should be good for awhile) LOL just kidding! Being a new vehicle to me I watch it like a hawk, was clean and full when I got it and after the driving I have done it is still to the good. Thanks.