Bronco II running funny..

[B288]

so, my 88 Bronco II has some running problems. when i go to crank it up the first time that day it takes about a minute for the fuel pump to kick on, then i have to try two or three times to crank it up. after i get it cranked it idles low like its going to shut off then idles way up then levels out. My Bronco II is and Eddie Bauer Overdrive model. my Overdrive has a messed up first gear, so i have to run it in drive until i get into second or third gear then shift it up into over drive. is this a normal problem? and my tip top speed is 55 miles an hour, is that normal? and i can also smell gas when i shut it off. its a stock 2.9L engine (from 1988) with about 600,000 miles on it. could it just be because its about 24 years old? if anyone can help me with any of these problems just let me know.

 

[jhammel85]

600,000 miles?! whoa. That might be the problem...Just tired!

Seriously though, have you checked for codes? It could be many different things.

 

[B288]

600,000 miles?! whoa. That might be the problem...Just tired!

Seriously though, have you checked for codes? It could be many different things.

yeah, we have checked codes and everything. my sisters husband and his father run a mechanic shop here and neither of them can tell me what else to do besides just an engine swap or just blow it up. but yeah, shes defiantly tired.

 

[jhammel85]

That's amazing though....Have you checked compression. If that's fine, then look elsewhere. Frankly, to me, it sounds like it could be something electrical. I know... Electrical is the fun stuff..

 

[B288]

compression is good. we have replaced everything we can think of. wether we though it could fix the problem or not. i'm starting to think shes more trouble than shes worth. i mean, i'm thinking if i do an engine swap that would fix my problems, but i dont have the money for that now, so i'm trying to figure out how to patch it up for now.

 

[Shran]

If you can smell gas, I'd start by checking the seal around the tank sending unit, the filler neck hose, injector o-rings, and fuel pressure regulator. Those are pretty common leak areas.

"Checking codes" is going to do nothing for you as OBD-1 computers do not give you much relevant information that you can't figure out with basic troubleshooting anyway.

I would also look at your fuel pumps, make sure they are both working 100% of the time, often the one in the tank fails and you get a lot of interesting symptoms from that. The 55mph top speed could be related to that, and your idle issue as well.

I think you are probably looking at multiple issues but the fuel system is highly likely and the best place for you to start.

 

[B288]

i found my gas smell late last night, the holes in the tank we patched opened again. so theres that.
i replaced the pumps when i bought it and they seem to work fine. like i said though "seem".

 

[Shran]

Borrow or rent a fuel pressure tester and get a reading. Normal is around 30 at idle, and should get up around 40 when you crack the throttle. Anywhere out of those specs indicates a problem, and it should stay pressurized for quite a while after you shut the engine off.

Make sure your tank pump is working, you can do this with the engine running and the dowel or mechanic's stethoscope trick (put it up against the tank and you should be able to hear a distinct, quiet whine.)