Ford problems

[ZJohnson]

My son has a 1993 F-150 8cy 5.0 302 2wd with 80,000 miles on it. It has been a good truck, but has given him two little problems. One, after the engine has gotten hot, and has been shut off for a SHORT period of time, you have to run the starter for EVER for it to finally start. (Note that it starts perfectly easy in the cold.)I have changed and done everything to it I can think of, and I give up. Any suggestions?
Finally, this truck has 2 gas tanks and a switcher for them in the cab. The gas gauge works fine for one, but after switched to the second tank, it always says it if full. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
sorry for any bad grammer and spelling

 

[GMBoy]

As for the starting when warm - check the timing. Then, check for vapor lock.

 

[wander2039]

TFI module.. grey module on the side of the disty. Surprised it restarts though.

 

[mechtech2]

I'd check for spark when trying to hot start it.
Electronic components can work OK cool, and fail when hot.
If there are no engine codes, I'd start with the ignition module first, like Eric said.

As a test, a shot of starting fluid when hot will tell you if you are fuel starved. If she pops, it is a fuel problem.

 

[Virtuoso]

Originally Posted By: Eric Smith
TFI module.. grey module on the side of the disty. Surprised it restarts though.


+1 I'd check that first.

 

[brianl703]

I'd suggest checking the idle air control valve. Some of them had problems sticking when they got hot.

 

[punisher]

In the days before environmental concerns, we diagnosed TFI modules by spraying freon on the module and seeing if that fixed the problem.

 

[demarpaint]

Ford had problems with the TFI Modules and a class action lawsuit resulted. I believe your F-150 was part of it. I would check for spark when the engine fails to start and look toward replacing the TFI Module if you have no spark.

 

[crw]

My Ford of that vintage used to leave me stranded when hot, because the ignition control module (IIRC) was mounted directly on the valve cover. When it got too hot, it wouldn't start.

 

[crw]

I forgot to mention, I had a Chevy dealer install a Delco part (out of emergency), and that took care of it!

 

[StevieC]

I would check the TFI module first by checking for spark when the truck is hot. You can do this by removing a spark plug wire, and puting a screw-driver in the end of it and hold the screw driver very near to a grounded surface on the engine (away from fuel/oil) and watch for a spark to jump. If it does then you have spark...

Make sure you don't crank the starter too long without short brief stops to let it cool or you will wear it out quickly.

If you have spark then I would check your fuel pressure. It may be bleeding the pressure back into the tank because the check valve in the pump / fuel filter (not sure where it is) may be faulty.

An easy way to check this is to turn the key to the on position without cranking/starting and try to hear if the fuel pump runs for a short interval and then stops (priming). If it does, this is priming the system. Try priming a couple of times before cranking to start the engine... If it starts then this is your problem. If you truck's fuel pump doesn't prime, try a few brief cranks with a rest period in between and see if it works this way.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: punisher
In the days before environmental concerns, we diagnosed TFI modules by spraying freon on the module and seeing if that fixed the problem.


You can get freeze spray or dispense canned air upside down to do the same thing these days.