1989 Ford E-Series Van Engin spits and sputters Idle issue

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JIM WBER
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  • 2 POSTS
Engine Performance problem
1989 Ford E-Series Van Two Wheel Drive Automatic 145K miles

I have a 1989 Ford E150 w/ a 302ci - 5.0 liter v8 3/spd-OD trans. 145,000 miles (45K miles since engine rebuild)
Over the last couple months, my engine will sputter periodically while driving and sometimes will stall in traffic when I stop. I restart the engine and drive away ok but sputter continues. It's most noticable at speeds at or below 45 mph. I also smell unburnt gas fumes and fuel mileage may be suffering too.

The engine light comes on until engine warms then goes out.

Also, sometimes when I come to a stop, my engine is still racing at high idle. When I hit the gas - as if to get the idle to come down - the engine races higher instead and have to hold the brake pedal hard. So, when I turn off engine and then restart, the idle is normal again.

Any ideas? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.
Nov 4, 2010 at 7:14 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Hi Jim Wber, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Clean out the throttle plate-Check and test the idle speed control air bypass solenoid and the throttle position sensor-

Try extracting code/s from the computer
Nov 4, 2010 at 8:43 AM
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JIM WBER
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Where is the computer self check connector located? I know its under the hood... my engine compartment is very cramped and cannot find it.
Nov 14, 2010 at 7:30 PM
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