85 2.3l Just died... Engine ideas?

[Dustinicus]

The other day, my truck got a nasty misfire, I checked plugs coil etc... and it didnt get better. The truck died the next day, just shut off. Since I have it out of commission i decided that i would go through the entire fuel system, engine, electrical, brakes, and engine management.

I figured that since the truck seemed to have been running a while with a lean condition that I should take the head off and get a good look at what everything looks like, then i can decide whether or not im going replace the engine or just rebuild the head(unless inspection proves it to be damaged), as long as the cylinder walls look good and there isnt any excessive wear on the head, ill go though and make sure it in tip top and toss her back on.

Anyone got any suggestions about work i can do and suggestions about things to check on the head?

-Dustin

 

[RonD]

Is it Fuel injected(EFI) or Carb'ed?

It will have a distributor and TFI spark system, these did have problems when they got older, as we all do, lol.
Good read here on how to test that system: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

2.3l used a timing belt and it needed to be changed every 80k miles or so, how old is yours?

EFI needs 30-40psi of fuel pressure at the injectors, there is a test port called a schrader valve, looks like a tire's air valve because that is a schrader valve as well, and it works the same way.
Low fuel pressure will cause lean running, low pressure can be caused by fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump itself, even fuel filter if it is clogged up.

 

[zekew64]

FYI, Ford's timing belts can stretch prematurely when cold, due to engine torque.

Also, the older style square-tooth belts can have teeth shredded due to the metal corners of the pulleys used. I've changed four belts in five years because of belts stretching when cold.