 |
|
|
|
Next: Check engine light question??
|
| Author |
Message |
External
Since: Mar 03, 2008
Posts: 4
|
(Msg. 1) Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 6:09 pm
Post subject: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues
Archived from groups: alt>trucks>ford (more info?)
|
|
|
I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
Problem 1:
I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't
much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen any
holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could be bad
and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there any way to
check this?
Problem 2:
The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine
when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets warmed
up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the engine is
completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always dies....again
until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine also.
I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I first
start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra fuel. No, I
haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY winter, too
cold...)
Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the carb.
need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
--
Tom |
|
| Back to top |
|
 | |
External
Since: Mar 12, 2007
Posts: 33
|
(Msg. 2) Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:07 pm
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
news:47cc853e$0$22816$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
> For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
> Problem 1:
> I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
> haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't
> much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen
> any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could
> be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there any
> way to check this?
I would suspect that the activated charcoal in the canister is saturated.
You can remove it and if it is really heavy turn it upside down and see if
fuel runs out. Other than that I don't know how you would test it... Sorry.
> Problem 2:
> The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine
> when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets
> warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the
> engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always
> dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine
> also.
> I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I first
> start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra fuel. No, I
> haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY winter, too
> cold...)
> Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the
> carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
Sounds like the choke linkage/mechanism is sticking. Possibly the flex hose
from the manifold oven to the air intake might be leaking or disconnected.
Easy check and easy fix, that....
DaveD
> Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
>
> --
> Tom
> |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Sep 27, 2007
Posts: 45
|
(Msg. 3) Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:05 am
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
news:47cc853e$0$22816$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
> For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
> Problem 1:
> I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
> haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't
> much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen
> any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could
> be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there any
> way to check this?
> Problem 2:
> The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine
> when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets
> warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the
> engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always
> dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine
> also.
> I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I first
> start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra fuel. No, I
> haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY winter, too
> cold...)
> Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the
> carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
> Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
>
> --
> Tom
>
The float valve may not be seating properly- that will cause a small amount
of gas to leak into the intake and cause the puff of black smoke on
start-up. Though not cheap any more, I'm sure a carb rebuild kit can be
found. RockAuto has one listed for $104 for your truck.
Good luck,
SC Tom >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Mar 03, 2008
Posts: 4
|
(Msg. 4) Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:39 am
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
I thought of just replacing that canister. I've seen them in LMC truck. The
manuals says it is supposed to be good for the life of the truck, but what
do they consider the life?  The truck is 22 years old, but only has 87000
miles.
I checked to see if the choke was sticking and sprayed some cleaner around
it. It seemed OK, but I didn't check that hose. I'll look at that next.
Thanks!
--
Tom Clark
"Dave and Trudy" <dtdodson RemoveThis @acsalaska.net> wrote in message
news:47ccf527@news.acsalaska.net...
>
> "Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
> news:47cc853e$0$22816$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
>> For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
>> Problem 1:
>> I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
>> haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't
>> much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen
>> any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could
>> be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there
>> any way to check this?
>
> I would suspect that the activated charcoal in the canister is saturated.
> You can remove it and if it is really heavy turn it upside down and see if
> fuel runs out. Other than that I don't know how you would test it...
> Sorry.
>> Problem 2:
>> The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine
>> when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets
>> warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the
>> engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always
>> dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine
>> also.
>> I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I
>> first start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra
>> fuel. No, I haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY
>> winter, too cold...)
>> Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the
>> carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
>
> Sounds like the choke linkage/mechanism is sticking. Possibly the flex
> hose from the manifold oven to the air intake might be leaking or
> disconnected. Easy check and easy fix, that....
> DaveD
>
>> Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
>>
>> --
>> Tom
>>
>
> >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Mar 03, 2008
Posts: 4
|
(Msg. 5) Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:40 am
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Would the float problem allow it to run normally, but idle bad when cold?
I wasn't sure whether to consider a rebuild or just buy a new one. I've seen
the rebuild kits at Summit, or new carbs from a few places.
I don't think it's ever had a rebuild so that might be a good idea in any
case.
Thanks for the info.
--
Tom Clark
"SC Tom" <sc.DeleteThis@tom.net> wrote in message news:O1azj.139$eP5.71@newsfe06.lga...
>
> "Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
> news:47cc853e$0$22816$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
>> For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
>> Problem 1:
>> I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
>> haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There isn't
>> much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen
>> any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister could
>> be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there
>> any way to check this?
>> Problem 2:
>> The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it fine
>> when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets
>> warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until the
>> engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always
>> dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine
>> also.
>> I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I
>> first start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra
>> fuel. No, I haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY
>> winter, too cold...)
>> Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the
>> carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
>> Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
>>
>> --
>> Tom
>>
> The float valve may not be seating properly- that will cause a small
> amount of gas to leak into the intake and cause the puff of black smoke on
> start-up. Though not cheap any more, I'm sure a carb rebuild kit can be
> found. RockAuto has one listed for $104 for your truck.
>
> Good luck,
> SC Tom
>
> >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Dec 04, 2007
Posts: 35
|
(Msg. 6) Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 9:18 am
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
"Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
news:47cd34d8$0$6138$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>I thought of just replacing that canister. I've seen them in LMC truck. The
>manuals says it is supposed to be good for the life of the truck, but what
>do they consider the life? The truck is 22 years old, but only has 87000
>miles.
You may have a combination of minor problems.
22 years with only 87000 miles tells me it has probably spent a fair amount
of time sitting once or twice. Could be some varnish in the carb or some
jets partially plugged.
Partially plugged or plugged idle circuit could caus it to idle poorly.
Sticking choke or improper choke operation could cause it not warm up
properly. Sticking float valve could cause a variety of problems, like a
little gas leaking over when sitting.
Also at that age rubber under the hood could be dry rotted causing vacuum
leaks. Fixing vacuum leaks might fix your running issues. The smell of gas
is probably something else though. Maybe the carb as another poster
mentioned.
First, completely go over all of your vacuum lines to make sure they are in
good shape and not leaking anywhere. Look for cracking when you flex them
near connections.
Second, consider carb rebuild.
--
Bob La Londe
Fishing Arizona & The Colorado River
Fishing Forums & Contests
http://www.YumaBassMan.com >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Mar 03, 2008
Posts: 4
|
(Msg. 7) Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:37 pm
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
Excellent suggestions, thank you.
I wondered the same thing. I know it had the "normal" maintenance, brakes,
exhaust, oil changes, etc. but I don't think it ever had a carb. rebuild, or
new hoses, or anything like that.
I'm really very happy with it, it runs great going down the road, almost
zero rust. It's not a daily driver, but I'd like to make it reliable enough
to be if I want. It's more of a "fun drive" vehicle for me.
It was never a work truck. A lady owned it for a few years in texas, then
the previous owner bought it. He used to put his boat in the lake in the
spring, and take it out in the fall.
He moved to New York and garaged it for the winters, drove it only some in
the summer.
Thanks again.
--
Tom Clark
"Bob La Londe" <nospam DeleteThis @nospam.no> wrote in message
news:fqjsq5$46u$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> "Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
> news:47cd34d8$0$6138$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>>I thought of just replacing that canister. I've seen them in LMC truck.
>>The manuals says it is supposed to be good for the life of the truck, but
>>what do they consider the life? The truck is 22 years old, but only has
>>87000 miles.
>
> You may have a combination of minor problems.
>
> 22 years with only 87000 miles tells me it has probably spent a fair
> amount of time sitting once or twice. Could be some varnish in the carb
> or some jets partially plugged.
>
> Partially plugged or plugged idle circuit could caus it to idle poorly.
> Sticking choke or improper choke operation could cause it not warm up
> properly. Sticking float valve could cause a variety of problems, like a
> little gas leaking over when sitting.
>
> Also at that age rubber under the hood could be dry rotted causing vacuum
> leaks. Fixing vacuum leaks might fix your running issues. The smell of
> gas is probably something else though. Maybe the carb as another poster
> mentioned.
>
> First, completely go over all of your vacuum lines to make sure they are
> in good shape and not leaking anywhere. Look for cracking when you flex
> them near connections.
>
> Second, consider carb rebuild.
>
> --
> Bob La Londe
> Fishing Arizona & The Colorado River
> Fishing Forums & Contests
> http://www.YumaBassMan.com
>
> >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
External
Since: Apr 25, 2006
Posts: 6
|
(Msg. 8) Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:56 pm
Post subject: Re: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
|
|
|
It might-- The mixture might be too rich, since the choke is closed with a
cold engine. Forcing the choke open might cause it to run better, sort of
confirming the over rich condition.
Some carbs also have vacuum operated metering valves that can get gummed up
and stick either open or closed.
This can also cause some really frustrating intermittent rich/lean symptoms.
> Would the float problem allow it to run normally, but idle bad when cold?
"Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
news:47cd352c$0$6154$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> Would the float problem allow it to run normally, but idle bad when cold?
> I wasn't sure whether to consider a rebuild or just buy a new one. I've
seen
> the rebuild kits at Summit, or new carbs from a few places.
> I don't think it's ever had a rebuild so that might be a good idea in any
> case.
> Thanks for the info.
>
> --
> Tom Clark
> "SC Tom" <sc.RemoveThis@tom.net> wrote in message
news:O1azj.139$eP5.71@newsfe06.lga...
> >
> > "Tom" <myemail@address> wrote in message
> > news:47cc853e$0$22816$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> >>I have an 1986 F-150 with the 351 engine, automatic, XLT model.
> >> For the most part the truck is in great shape and runs good.
> >> Problem 1:
> >> I have noticed that I seem to smell gas anytime I get near the truck. I
> >> haven't found any leaks and do not seem to be losing any gas. There
isn't
> >> much rust on the truck as it came originally from Texas, I haven't seen
> >> any holes in either fuel tank. I'm wondering if the vapor cannister
could
> >> be bad and allowing the fumes to just leak out into the air? Is there
> >> any way to check this?
> >> Problem 2:
> >> The engine does not like to idle well while in gear. I can start it
fine
> >> when it's warm or cold outside. It idles at high speed until it gets
> >> warmed up, but it seems that as the choke opens it wants to die until
the
> >> engine is completely warm. If I try to put it in gear, it almost always
> >> dies....again until the engine gets warmed up. It always restarts fine
> >> also.
> >> I've had people tell me they can see black smoke out the pipe when I
> >> first start it. It doesn't seem to burn oil, so it sounds like extra
> >> fuel. No, I haven't had a chance to pull any plugs and check them (NY
> >> winter, too cold...)
> >> Going down the road the engine runs perfectly, no problems. Could the
> >> carb. need adjustment, or rebuild or ???
> >> Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
> >>
> >> --
> >> Tom
> >>
> > The float valve may not be seating properly- that will cause a small
> > amount of gas to leak into the intake and cause the puff of black smoke
on
> > start-up. Though not cheap any more, I'm sure a carb rebuild kit can be
> > found. RockAuto has one listed for $104 for your truck.
> >
> > Good luck,
> > SC Tom
> >
> >
>
> >> Stay informed about: 1986 F-150 Couple of Issues |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
| Related Topics: | 1985 F-150 Gas tank & Master cylinder issues - I Just bought my first Ford truck a few weeks ago (4.9 liter) and am trying to address all sorts of issues in fixing her up. Only 2 questions for now though. 1. Ive got a broken fuel gauge and plan on dropping the gas tank tomorrow to make repairs. It ha...
F-150 4WD - Bought a well used '87. Need to remove and replace the drain plug in the front differential. I'm told it's just "free spinning" and can't be removed with a wrench. I'm pretty sure there's no fluid in the gears. What do I need to do to get that ...
Is there a repair manual for Ford F150 Lightnings? - I am trying to find a repair manual, Chilton or other, that covers the 1999 F150 Lightnings... Anyone know? Can you send me a link? Thanks in advance!
2004 F150 Rear End Noise....WHAT NOW? - I've got a 2004 F150 that had minor rear end noises at around 8,000 miles. That was supposedly due to the clutches in the limited slip rear (groaning noise on slow turns). Had it in 3 times for that. I think they quieted that noise with more frictio...
Need to buy antenna for 1975 F150 - Any idea where I can get OEM or NOS antenna (and other parts) for my 1975 F150? I've tried lmctrucks.com and jcwhitney.com and searched the web for days with no luck. Thanks |
|
You can post new topics in this forum
You can reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Profile
Private Messages
Log in
