New member here!

My father-in-law bought this ole girl back in 1987 brand new right off the lot. When my wife turned 16 and started driving, he gave it to her. She drove it all through high school and some college. She ended up buying a Honda Civic in 2007 for something with better gas mileage.



The truck has sat in my father-in-laws yard ever since. I think he used it occasionally, but for the most part, it just sat. Fast forward to present, the truck is now sitting in my yard - recently towed it 3 hours down I-95. Needless to say, it needs a lot of work - which is why I joined up on here!

1987 4x4, 5.0L 302

Current known problems:

-something going on with the duel gas tanks set up. Currently only able to use the front tank. I'm hoping the switch is the problem....but i'm skeptical

-front gas tank will not accept fuel, dispenser clicks off constantly. I'm guessing this is a venting problem. I don't believe the problem is in the neck. I've narrowed it down to possibly the charcoal filter in the engine bay is clogged up and/or the fuel vent valve on top of the tank is clogged up.

-The valve cover gasket on the right side of the engine is leaking a lot of oil, after driving it for 10-15 mins, the leaked oil is burning off pretty badly and creating a lot of smoke....makes me nervous about a fire being started

-after driving for 10-15 mins and the truck warms up, if I shut off the engine it doesn't want to start back up again. I usually have to let it sit for about an hour before I can get it running again.

Any advice right off the bat is appreciated, but I'll be back to address each issue individually - and many more, I'm sure.

Dan