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why does my car not respond well when accellerating?
Sent to Car Experts July 18 03:06 PM

When I accellerate between 1.5 and 2.0 RPM, the truck ('88 F-150) putters and jerks as if it's getting short intervals of gas or something. Also when I'm cruising at 1.8 RPM or so, the same symptom occurs. The engine is cutting back and it jerks the vehicle back and forth-like.

 

Optional Information:
1988 Ford F-150 4.9L Straight 6

Already Tried:
New Fuel delivery system, tried Fuel Inj. cleaner.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 18 3:07 PM (1 minute and 43 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

I have a few thoughts I would like to share with you. Hopefully this advice will help to eliminated the problem you’re having.

Fuel Problems & Related Issues: In recent times, I have seen many problems with fuel filters clogging, poor running conditions and other fuel related issues. This is due in part form the rise in fuel prices and demand for fuel. Some service stations have run out of fuel several times over the last few months. This is where some of the problems start; we are at the bottom of the tank where the water will be found. Moisture and condensation plus any water that may be part of the delivery will find its way to the bottom of the storage tanks. In some cases, the water will rise above the pick-up tube of the tank and mix with fuel that enters your tank when you re-fill your vehicle. This will definitely create a problem with engine resulting in poor performance. The only way to correct this problem is to remove all the contaminated fuel and renew with good fresh fuel. (I recommend that a trained professional perform this task to eliminate possible injury.) Another way is to let the fuel cycle through the system while suffering with poor performance and the possibility of replacing your fuel filter in the process.

Fuel System Warning: If you perform any type of work to the fuel system, including a fuel filter, it is recommended to use extreme caution, Wear Eye-Protection, Nitrile Gloves (unless allergic) and keep a Fire Extinguisher close by. Gasoline is highly flammable and dangerous, use extreme caution. If you are not confident, rely on a trained professional to perform the diagnostic work or repair.

Something else to consider:

Coolant Sensor The water temperature sensor communicates information to and from the computer. If this has failed to work properly, it would definitely create issues like the one you described. Before we condemn the sensor let’s make sure the coolant level is correct and the antifreeze is properly mixed. The antifreeze should be 50-50 one part antifreeze and the other part water. If the mixture is wrong, it could affect the sensor. Most people do not pay enough attention to this little device, which can give you many problems. Learn more about Coolant Sensors, Click on the link provided below…

http://www.mightyautoparts.com/pdf/articles/tt67.pdf

Another thought!

Chevron Professional 3-Step Fuel System Cleaner
Chevron Professional 3-Step Fuel System Cleaner provides three critical engine cleaning formulas in an a three-step application.

§ Step 1 – TECHRON Concentrate helps clean deposits from fuel injectors, carburetors, ports, valves and combustion chamber. It also reduces knock, ping, and run-on and helps lower emissions.

§ Step 2 – Induction Cleaner helps remove harmful carbon, varnish and gum deposits

§ Step 3 – Throttle Body/Air Intake Cleaner cleans throttle body and air intake systems




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Reply
July 18 3:15 PM (7 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dan's Post: This answer is not really helpful because i have used Techron and these other products in an attempt to clean out the fuel lines and fuel injectors. The gas tank is new, the fuel pump is new, the in-line fuel pump is new, the fuel filter is also new. there should not be a problem with any of these devices, nor should there be anything in the gas tank other than gas. What is the next step? What do I do next?
Answer
July 18 3:21 PM (6 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hi

This could possibly, if fitted, be a problem with a sticking EGR valve.

Can you just as a matter of interest, tell me what ignition system your truck has fitted. Does it have a distributor, or has it got the wasted spark system?

I ask this because you may well be losing two cylinders on and off.

Regards

Geordie


Please ensure that you are totally happy with any advice before clicking ACCEPT. Advice is decided upon from what you tell me, and you must be totally sure before accepting
Answer
July 18 3:22 PM (1 minute later)
         
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Reply
July 18 3:24 PM (2 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
Reply to Geordie's Post: It's a 4.9 Fuel Injected straight-6. There is a distributor.
Reply
July 18 3:34 PM (1 minute and 16 seconds later)
         
Reply to Geordie's Post: I honestly couldn't tell you. How can I find out?
Answer
July 18 3:41 PM (6 minutes and 47 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Look under the bonnet at the injectors. If they have seperate fuel pipes to each injector and no electrical connectors to them, then follow the fuel pipes. They should take you to the area of the air filter housing, and they will all terminate in a strange looking contraption known as the FUEL DISTRIBUTOR.

Cheers

Geordie


Please ensure that you are totally happy with any advice before clicking ACCEPT. Advice is decided upon from what you tell me, and you must be totally sure before accepting
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July 18 3:42 PM (57 seconds later)
         
Reply to Geordie's Post: OK i'll have to check that out when i get home.
Answer
July 18 3:49 PM (7 minutes later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Okay.

Let us know what you see and we'll take it from there.

Best wishes

Geordie


Please ensure that you are totally happy with any advice before clicking ACCEPT. Advice is decided upon from what you tell me, and you must be totally sure before accepting
Reply
July 18 3:50 PM (50 seconds later)
         
Reply to Geordie's Post: OK i'll be back tomorrow

Thanks!
Answer
July 18 4:05 PM (14 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
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