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BII Keeps Cutting Off


BroncBro2

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First off I would like to introduce myself. I'm Eric, I have an 88 BII with a 2.9l manual. I just joined the forum, but have surfed this site for years,especially recently doing extensive research trying to figure out my issue. Still haven't gotten any answers, which is why I started this thread,so I apologize if this is one of many, but this is getting old and I need to find the source of my problem.
Okay so originally I had an issue for months where the truck would crank, barely start up, and then cut off immediately. I'd crank it again and it would start, run, and drive with no issues. Eventually it got to a point where it took many more times to get it started again, so I knew it was time to address the situation. I had a similar problem with a wagon I recently had, replaced the fuel filter, and all was well, so, naturally thats what I did to my truck. Drove it for a day afterwards with no issues (filter did not fix the problem), but the day after that is when shit went downhill. It would repeatedly cut off. Runs fine when it does, but eventually it will just quit. At idle, on the road, you name it. When I'm driving it will sputter, struggle, and if u dont hammer down on the gas pedal, it'll quit. At idle, it just eventually cuts off. Sometimes it fires right back up, other times I'll crank it for awhile and have to wait. I've done so much research which led to me replacing basically the entire ignition system (TFI, distributor, coil, plugs and wires have maybe 15,000 miles on them). I'm leaning towards a fuel pump issue, however, I can hear the pump buzz slightly when I key on, so to me, that sounds good. I've been told it could be a vacuum leak, but the engine doesn't run rough to resemble one IMO. Has anybody had this exact problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated, I need to get my turd road worthy for the summer. Thanks.
 


RonD

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Welcome to TRS :)

When you have a crank but No Start on any gasoline engine, you should spray some gasoline or Quick Start(ether), into the intake and then try to start it.
This tells you instantly if its a fuel or spark issue, 50/50 test

If it starts then the No Start is lack of fuel
It it doesn't start then spark is the problem, or Compression...........

1988 2.9l will have 2 fuel pumps, low pressure pump in the tank, and a high pressure pump in the frame rail under drivers seat area, this 2nd pump was added for Fuel Injection.
Yes, each time you turn the key ON you should hear fuel pumps running for 2 seconds, they only get power for 2 seconds to prime the system, then will start running full time after start up, above 400rpms.

You can cycle key on and off as much as needed to make sure both pumps are running, won't hurt anything, it also builds up any lost pressure if system is leaking pressure.
You can unplug the high pressure pump, and cycle key on and off to hear the pump in the tank, it is not quiet both pumps have a hearable HUMMMMM

Without buying more parts try the 50/50 test and narrow it down to spark or fuel issue
 

BroncBro2

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Welcome to TRS :)

When you have a crank but No Start on any gasoline engine, you should spray some gasoline or Quick Start(ether), into the intake and then try to start it.
This tells you instantly if its a fuel or spark issue, 50/50 test

If it starts then the No Start is lack of fuel
It it doesn't start then spark is the problem, or Compression...........

1988 2.9l will have 2 fuel pumps, low pressure pump in the tank, and a high pressure pump in the frame rail under drivers seat area, this 2nd pump was added for Fuel Injection.
Yes, each time you turn the key ON you should hear fuel pumps running for 2 seconds, they only get power for 2 seconds to prime the system, then will start running full time after start up, above 400rpms.

You can cycle key on and off as much as needed to make sure both pumps are running, won't hurt anything, it also builds up any lost pressure if system is leaking pressure.
You can unplug the high pressure pump, and cycle key on and off to hear the pump in the tank, it is not quiet both pumps have a hearable HUMMMMM

Without buying more parts try the 50/50 test and narrow it down to spark or fuel issue
Thanks! Definitely a helpful reply, I will try the 50/50 test first tomorrow after work before I do anything else. I'll let you know the results, hopefully it will be narrowed down quite a bit.
 

rusty ol ranger

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Bad/weak/failing in tank fuel pump.

These have two pumps, a high pressure frame rail mounted pump, and a low pressure in tank "feeder" pump. The high pressure one youll hear, the in tank you wont.
 

truckerdawg

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Sometimes a bad map sensor and in combination with a bad IAC valve/sensor -sometimes it may be just one of those 2.
 

fyre82

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There's the power of reading the forum.

I was just getting ready to post this same question.


I have the exact same issue with my '88 2.9.

It runs beautifully but will just quit at the Murphy moment.
I did notice that fuel pressure was weak at the fuel rail valve
until the pumps were cycled a few times. Then off down the road.

Thanks guys, for asking and answering my question.


Rich
 

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