Have a 89 f150 5.0 that is sluggish and has a skip here and there. Sometimes cranks right up and will run near perfect for a few moments then it will begin to skip and sputter then back to running great lol the majority of the time it's skipping though. Could this be a fuel injector?

Also will newer 5.0 explorer injectors be an direct swap replacement??


Thanks guys!

 

Anyone???

 

Check for codes.

 

I'll tell you what I know. As far as the injectors are concerned they are rated by lbs and are color coded. I believe the are Orange, Gray and Blue. Wipe away the grime on one of yours and identify the color. If you search the web for injectors, you will see what I mean. Don't replace these yet. Read on.

Now for your problem. I've been there and asked those type questions. Chased my tail many times before I realized that there is no substitution for proper diagnosis. From what you've told me your issue could be any number of failed or failing components. I'll give you "*****'s Diagnostics for Dummies" step by step.

1. Get a Haynes manual. It's invaluable for walking you through the basic to the more complex diagnostic procedures.
2. As Sean says, pull the codes. There are instructions at the top of this forum on how to do this.
3. You might get lucky on this step. Do a Sea Foam procedure. If you search this forum you'll find out how to do this. Many people including myself report significant performance after using Sea Foam; better idle, peddle response, starting etc.. Might solve your problem.
4. Inspect/determine the health of the basics. Check the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel and air filters etc.. If it's been awhile since they have been replaced, or they look coroded you might to replace these to eliminate them as issues. These components are relatively inexpensive.

Hope this helps.
*****