87 4.9 Engine Stall
#1
87 4.9 Engine Stall
I just became the owner of an 87 F150 with the 4.9 six cylinder. I have two issues I'd appreciate input on.
- When first started the engine will idle fine but after a couple of minutes the idle will "surge" down and back up and eventually stall. It will start right back up just fine. If I start it and rev it up slightly for a minute or two it will stay idling fine and drive great. Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting are appreciated
- I've read conflicting info on whether this truck has OBD ..some say it doesn't and other say it does but doesn't have a check engine light to let you know it threw a code. Can anybody clarify that?
#2
I just became the owner of an 87 F150 with the 4.9 six cylinder. I have two issues I'd appreciate input on.
- When first started the engine will idle fine but after a couple of minutes the idle will "surge" down and back up and eventually stall. It will start right back up just fine. If I start it and rev it up slightly for a minute or two it will stay idling fine and drive great. Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting are appreciated
- I've read conflicting info on whether this truck has OBD ..some say it doesn't and other say it does but doesn't have a check engine light to let you know it threw a code. Can anybody clarify that?
#3
I had an 87 a long time ago . it's obd 1 . on the driver fender there's a large connector and a small single wire connector . these are for diagnostic . you can get a scanner for it real cheap . when you turn the key on you should see a check engine light until it s running . if everything's ok . if it has dual tanks it has 3 fuel pumps and a reservoir on the frame rail under the driver seat . mine would always act up . if you unplug the sensor by the thermostat it'll speed up and smooth out the idle . a 20 dollar Chilton manual will help a ton . with some care I 've seen over 300k on those engines .
#4
Thanks Midwest Bird and Tormenta. I've ordered the OBD 1. I've located the scanner connector and tried using both a indicator light and analog meter but don't trust what I'm reading so have ordered the code reader you recommended. Have not had time yet but will definitely check the FPR.
#5
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OBD-1 was a rare GM protocol, but the name is frequently MISused for any system before the global OBD-II standard. These trucks use EEC-IV, and it DOESN'T require any scanner to read codes. Most scanners sold for EEC-IV don't work reliably, so I recommend you return that one ASAP for refund. This caption explains how to read codes:
(phone app link)
But even on modern vehicles, codes are not the crystal-ball most people think they are. On these early trucks, codes rarely help with such a vague symptom as surging idle. Start with thorough maintenance, including fuel system cleaner (I like Berryman's B-12 pour-in, & Chevron Techron) and BATTERY TERMINALS. Click this & read all the captions:
(phone app link)
I also highly-recommend that you get a Haynes manual & read it cover-to-cover at least once:
(phone app link)
(phone app link)
But even on modern vehicles, codes are not the crystal-ball most people think they are. On these early trucks, codes rarely help with such a vague symptom as surging idle. Start with thorough maintenance, including fuel system cleaner (I like Berryman's B-12 pour-in, & Chevron Techron) and BATTERY TERMINALS. Click this & read all the captions:
(phone app link)
I also highly-recommend that you get a Haynes manual & read it cover-to-cover at least once:
(phone app link)
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Smyrna Jeff (08-24-2018)