To start, I recently had been trying to figure out what has been causing my hard start/misfire issues on my 87 302. I had bought the truck about a month ago and just have been tuning her up to be my new daily. I had bought it knowing it was misfiring and hesitating, as well as having a hard time starting up. What I failed to look at when I bought the truck was the wiring situation for the OBD1 self test connector, to keep it short mine wasn't wired up at all, nor does it have a good check engine light. This made it very hard to diagnose any problems. I am also not a real mechanic, I just enjoy projects in my free time and learning new things. If your situation is anything like mine, let me try and save you some time on trying to find your misfire/hard start issues.

First thing to check is the ECT sensor, in fact if you have the means just get a new one to be safe. Next big thing is the MAP sensor, which again if you have the means, just replace the old one. And Third is the IACV, one more time check it, and if you can, just replace it! These first three things should fix most peoples issues, and if you go to the junk yard, you can find those part super cheap. Also if you want to be more certain and want to buy new parts, RockAuto is amazing and has really good pricing on all of those parts!

So you fixed those but the problems persist...
Check your vacuum lines now using these other threads - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html & http://www.fordtruckclub.net/forum/s...ad.php?p=48736
Now check your fuel pressure on the fuel rail (if low check filters, FPR, and fuel pump, replace anything necessary)
Also now I would check/replace the TPS.

If this still hasn't cured your trucks issues then you are having the problem I had (most likely).
TFI Module & Pickup Coil - these are both so cheap and easy to do. New pickup coils are around $30 and the TFI Module is $10 junkyard parts. after doing these you might as well confirm your trucks timing is set to 10 BTDC if you have access to a timing light.
After I replaced the TFI and Pickup Coil my truck is running like a top!

As I said before I am not a real mechanic just a happy go lucky DIY project man, so Im not saying this is the best way to find your issues, this is just what my process was (but slower because I had to search/learn). Plus please remember I had no way to read codes (that i know of) speaking of, if anyone on here knows what I should do about my OBD1 not being wired in let me know!

Thanks and I hope this write up helps someone!

 

Bad advice.What you are suggesting is to just wildly start replacing parts without proper diagnosis.Most of the time those Chinese made aftermarket parts are junk and do not perform as good as working original parts you are guessing with replacement. That behavior usually results in more problems, an empty wallot and a truck which remains down and out. You got lucky "this time".Next time you likely won't be so lucky. You will learn more by properly diagnosing a problem, testing and knowing what part failed and why.