88 gt idle? timing problem

hi guys, I'm working on building a 460 for my 95 f-150 but this one's about my 88 gt, I put a stock 91 5.0 eng. in her about a year ago,dont drive her to much,, seem to be working alot ,, she cranks up really goodbut after she runs, and warms up good, she dont want to start too good,, could this be a timing issue,, or something to do with the intake stuff, those sensors on the t.body, any clues as to what might be wrong THANXS Rick

Have you tried to pull the codes?

Hi, not real sure what I need for that ? does the 88 have a port to plug something into ?

Pull the codes, if there is any, either post them, or you can also check them on fordfuelinjection.com
Here's how to pull the codes...since your's is an '88...I'm guessing it doesn't have a check engine light...unless it's a Cali car...then it might.
Ford Fuel Injection » How To Run a Self-Test

If you have a tfi distributor the tfi module could be bad. I keep a spare module in my 86. Another possibility is a short in the the hall effect sensor in the distributor if it is stock ford distributor. A short in the hall effect sensor wiring will not throw a trouble code. I had similar problems that I chased for about six months before reading about the potential for intermittent shorts in the distributor that only happened when the car was warm. After I installed an new distributor the problem was fixed. Montegoman351 is right though, reading the codes is the first easiest step. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by 04vert86lx

If you have a tfi distributor the tfi module could be bad. I keep a spare module in my 86. Another possibility is a short in the the hall effect sensor in the distributor if it is stock ford distributor. A short in the hall effect sensor wiring will not throw a trouble code. I had similar problems that I chased for about six months before reading about the potential for intermittent shorts in the distributor that only happened when the car was warm. After I installed an new distributor the problem was fixed. Montegoman351 is right though, reading the codes is the first easiest step. Hope this helps.

Arrrrgh, I had the same problem when I built my EFI, it would crank and crank...but no fire...had the module tested...it was good...chased down every wire...ohmed every wire...double checked everything...then I ran across a site on how to test the hall effect...600-800 ohms, IIRC, was good...mine was 1400 ohms...bought a new hall effect for $20, threw it in, and it fired right up...I about pulled my hair out over a $20 part...

Hey thanxs for the info, been working extra lately, so had not had a chance, to get out there and look at it, THANXS for the info

hi, got out there today, and figured out how to run my codes, I think,, what I came up with is, 2 blinks real fast on start of code them ---11-1---11-1111, then it repeats ---11-1---11-1111, -1---1-1--1-1-, and I think thats it, any input would be GREATLY appreciated, thanxs

The first blink signals the start of the codes and 11 is a pass code meaning their are no faults. Most readers blink the code sequence twice and reading them is a pain in the backside . I am assuming you're running the key on engine off diagnostic. I suspect you'll get the same result when you run the key on engine on as well but I'd run both to be safe. Bear in mind the hall effect sensor will not throw a trouble code. You can change the sensor but you'll need a puller to get the drive gear off the distributor shaft to remove the sensor. Then you'll need a press to properly reinstall it. If you're lazy and impatient like me you'll just buy a new distributor. I can't think of anything else that would cause this problem and not throw a code. Keep me posted on your progress.....
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86lx all option delete 5.0 notch/04 GT vert

hi, ok thats good no trouble with the codes, I went ahead and re-set the timing, to 10 degrees before TDC, like my manual states,, it seems to run just a touch better, and would actually crank after completely warmed up, allthough it still seems to turn over a little bit slow when warmed up,, but at least it will crank warm,, it does that surge thing, a little as well, the timing seems to float between 9 and 11 degrees ,,, not really dead on 10 degrees, would this also mean that hall sensor is bad ? thanxs for your help Rick and one more thing, I put a brand new batterie in it, a yr ago, when we installed a 91 stock 5.0, w/70 thou, miles I bought off flea-bay,, I have let her sit so long at times, the battery has died out several times, I charged it for like 3 hrs , and it cranked right up, my point is would using a battery like that, have a neg affect on how it runs, thanxs