need i-6 help
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17
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need i-6 help
I need help with the mighty inline six. i have a 1989 f-150 and every time i step on the throttle (normal driving) i can watch my battery gauge go down. it just drains it and we i get out of it it goes back up.. its got a new batter a new alternator and a new starter solenoid. any ideas ?.............. Secondly my temp gauge is messed up it barely ever goes past the C .... it has a new temp sensor so i dunno what it is either. Also getting TERIBLE GAS MILEAGE like 9 to the gallon new air filter new fuel filter and new plugs.... what on these engines realy kills gas mileage ? Lastly anyone who has had a clutch replaced in a similar truck can you drop some numbers for me cause its going out and its 4 wheel drive so i aint doin it. Thanks.
Last edited by polyautobody; May 20, 2008 at 11:06 PM.
I Voted For Bill and Opus
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 9
From: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Problem 1: Check the belt tensioner sounds like it is bad
Problem 2: Did you check the thermostat, it may be missing or defective, replace it.
Problem 3. You have a OBD1 system get a code reading, you may have a bad O2 sensor. there may be other sensors that are out of wack as well. do you have a fuel leak?
Problem 4, It is not hard to replace the clutch yourself as long as you have a good transmission jack, those you can rent and the tool rental joints. Autozone has a clutch set for $135.95, which has all of the parts you need including the clutch pilot tool. It depends on how cheap you are and how much you like smash fingers and blood.
Problem 2: Did you check the thermostat, it may be missing or defective, replace it.
Problem 3. You have a OBD1 system get a code reading, you may have a bad O2 sensor. there may be other sensors that are out of wack as well. do you have a fuel leak?
Problem 4, It is not hard to replace the clutch yourself as long as you have a good transmission jack, those you can rent and the tool rental joints. Autozone has a clutch set for $135.95, which has all of the parts you need including the clutch pilot tool. It depends on how cheap you are and how much you like smash fingers and blood.
Last edited by transmaster; May 21, 2008 at 06:12 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,805
Likes: 480
From: Cape Girardeau MO
First - welcome to the site! Always like to see the owners of the older model years coming on board.
#1 - I'm with TransMaster in the thinking that the serpentine belt is slipping - whether it be due to incorrect tension, glazed belt, or whatever.
#2 - which coolant sensor did you replace? Not real familiar with the 4.9L setup, but on the 5.0L there are two sensors - one for the computer, one for the gauge. May want to check the gauge itself - IIRC, if you ground the sensor lead, the gauge should read Hot??
#3 - how do you drive the vehicle? Uphill both directions in snow with high headwinds while towing a trailer with a lead foot might yield these numbers - but, all seriousness aside, the mileage should be better than what you are experiencing - towards the mid-teens. A check of any computer codes would be a good start.
#4 - if you're paying a shop to do the work - a significant portion of the charges will be for labor. Just WAGging some numbers - expect to pay in the $600-$800 range. The 4WD adds an additional degree of effort - so my numbers may be a bit on the low side. Suggest to specify the use of good quality parts - this is a job you only want to pay for once in a long while.
Keep us posted on what you find.
#1 - I'm with TransMaster in the thinking that the serpentine belt is slipping - whether it be due to incorrect tension, glazed belt, or whatever.
#2 - which coolant sensor did you replace? Not real familiar with the 4.9L setup, but on the 5.0L there are two sensors - one for the computer, one for the gauge. May want to check the gauge itself - IIRC, if you ground the sensor lead, the gauge should read Hot??
#3 - how do you drive the vehicle? Uphill both directions in snow with high headwinds while towing a trailer with a lead foot might yield these numbers - but, all seriousness aside, the mileage should be better than what you are experiencing - towards the mid-teens. A check of any computer codes would be a good start.
#4 - if you're paying a shop to do the work - a significant portion of the charges will be for labor. Just WAGging some numbers - expect to pay in the $600-$800 range. The 4WD adds an additional degree of effort - so my numbers may be a bit on the low side. Suggest to specify the use of good quality parts - this is a job you only want to pay for once in a long while.
Keep us posted on what you find.