Ford F150

I have a 1989 Ford F150. The problem is that it starts fine but will not take a load after warm-up. The Ford dealer says he doesnt service trucks over 7 years old. The engine is a 300 ci 6 cylinder.Any help is appreciated. GW

 

There are many repair shops out there that will work on used vehicles - usually cheaper than the dealer

When was the last time it was tuned up? fuel filter changed?

 

I wonder if that dealer has his sales people tell potential buyers about his 7 year cutoff.

I would start with the filter/tuneup as Mark suggested. From there test the fuel pump pressure. You can usually rent or borrow the pressure gauge from an auto parts store. Pressure on a Ford is usually around 40 psi. You may have to get a manual for the exact specs. Those are around $12.00 and good to have around anyway.

If you have good running pressure, turn off the key for about two minutes and watch the gauge fall. If it drops off significantly, you could have leaky injectors or a bad fuel pressure regulator. However, if it starts well without cycling the key and you have good running pressure, you're probably OK on fuel pump/pressure regulator/leak at the injectors.

With a good fuel system and tuneup (plugs, cap rotor, wires) I would think about a restricted exhaust then the MAP sensor.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

Those older Ford V6's are infamous for being a POS, I'd say get rid of it , either switch to a V8 5.0L or just get rid of the truck altogether.
Sorry to sound so radical but that happened to me on an old Ford Cougar, it was rebuilt twice and it just never performed, my uncle had an '86 truck with the same issues, ditch it !

 

300 ford engines are not a V6, it's an I6, one of ford's best and longest running engines

 

what do you mean won't take a load. it won't take off, it won't rev up, it dies under excelleration(still/moving). that is one of the best engines ford ever made. check for a BAD vacuum leak(or many small ones).is the carb(?) tight? does the choke come off? is it automatic or standard?

 

Thanks for all of your input. I have tried all except checking restrictions in exhaust. It is a six inline and is mechanically bullet proof. I have had it a long time and its like an old pet. I will post final outcome. GW

 

Sorry my bad I misread the post, yes straight 6 are good no doubt I've seen them first hand, also those 302 ci 5.0 L, no complaints there.

 

IT WAS THE COMPUTER!!!!!