Another "running rich" thread
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 7
From: Mableton, GA
Another "running rich" thread
I know there are several threads already about people trying to correct rich conditions in their F150s, but there hasn't been one recently so I thought I'd start a fresh one. I'm seeking advice from you guys, but I'll also use this thread as an ongoing journal of sorts which chronicles the things I do to my truck.
I have an '87 F150, 302, 4-speed manual, 4x4 with 145k miles. Overall, the truck is in very solid shape (no dents, very little rust, very good interior), but it has been used as a real truck, I'm sure. I live in Georgia, so it's pretty much a given that a 25 year old truck has pulled a trailer or two and been offroad quite a bit during it's lifetime.
The biggest problem I have is that the truck runs pretty rich and gets poor mileage. I average around 10 or 11 mpg, mostly around town. While I don't expect 20, I would think that a 302 should get close to 14. I don't drive it hard, and I don't spend time sitting in traffic--- just stop lights and stop signs here and there. And it's very obvious from the smell of the exhaust that it's running rich. There is no smoke and it doesn't burn oil, it just has very strong smelling exhaust.
I have an '87 F150, 302, 4-speed manual, 4x4 with 145k miles. Overall, the truck is in very solid shape (no dents, very little rust, very good interior), but it has been used as a real truck, I'm sure. I live in Georgia, so it's pretty much a given that a 25 year old truck has pulled a trailer or two and been offroad quite a bit during it's lifetime.
The biggest problem I have is that the truck runs pretty rich and gets poor mileage. I average around 10 or 11 mpg, mostly around town. While I don't expect 20, I would think that a 302 should get close to 14. I don't drive it hard, and I don't spend time sitting in traffic--- just stop lights and stop signs here and there. And it's very obvious from the smell of the exhaust that it's running rich. There is no smoke and it doesn't burn oil, it just has very strong smelling exhaust.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 7
From: Mableton, GA
So here's what has been done in the last year:
New distributor cap, plugs, wires, rotor
New O2 sensor (old one was removed by the previous owner when dual exhaust was installed--- exhaust system seems fairly professional and has cats)
New MAP sensor
Timing verified (aprx. 11 degrees btdc)
New air filter
New thermostat
That's about all I can think of right now as far as things which might play into the rich condition. The only change I've been able to notice so far was the smell of the exhaust did seem to improve when I installed the O2 sensor.
New distributor cap, plugs, wires, rotor
New O2 sensor (old one was removed by the previous owner when dual exhaust was installed--- exhaust system seems fairly professional and has cats)
New MAP sensor
Timing verified (aprx. 11 degrees btdc)
New air filter
New thermostat
That's about all I can think of right now as far as things which might play into the rich condition. The only change I've been able to notice so far was the smell of the exhaust did seem to improve when I installed the O2 sensor.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 7
From: Mableton, GA
So, now that the background info is out of the way, what else can you guys recommend as a possible culprit for the rich condition?
Here are the things I plan on doing soon:
Check/clean EGR and PCV valves
Replace engine coolant temp sensor
Replace TPS
Clean throttle body
What else should I be targeting? Any particular vacuum lines that would play a part in the air/fuel ratio? And other sensors? Any other indicators that might lead me to the problem that I haven't thought about?
Overall the truck runs smooth and seems to have decent power and response, it just uses too much gas.
Here are the things I plan on doing soon:
Check/clean EGR and PCV valves
Replace engine coolant temp sensor
Replace TPS
Clean throttle body
What else should I be targeting? Any particular vacuum lines that would play a part in the air/fuel ratio? And other sensors? Any other indicators that might lead me to the problem that I haven't thought about?
Overall the truck runs smooth and seems to have decent power and response, it just uses too much gas.