Need info on tuning up an old 5.0 engine in an F-150

[2002GreyGT]

So my dad got a new truck and gave me his old 1990 F-150. It was a work truck, but I wanted a pickup to work around the house and all...plus its an american made 5.0 which I may some day put in my stang...maybe.

So the truck runs rough, pings a little when going up hills, misses sometimes, etc.

I am familiar with tuning the 4.6L's but I have not worked on a 5.0.

What is suggested for the tune up?

My ideas:
Plugs
Wires
Fuel , air filters
Tranny fluid change (Auto)
brakes

~K

 

[vristang]

Is that a MAF engine or SD?

Pulling the codes is always a good place to start...






jason

 

[86bluecobra]

1990 is a SD 302. yes pull codes but what you have suggested is always a good thing to do. Start with the basics.

 

[5.0 con-vert]

I've heard both good and bad about changing the tranny fluid on the AOD. Some people say they have burnt them up right after the swap. I don't know. When I had my 89 crown vic with the 5.0, I did pretty much what you said, just basic tune up stuff. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, check fluids, maybe coolant flush depending on how everything looks, and an oil change. have fun.

 

[Maryland Stang]

A few tanks of gas with fuel injector cleaner is a good idea too.

 

[sunil6784]

Check the timing

 

[sunil6784]

Oh and seafoam maybe, personally I've had good luck with the stuff.

 

[2002GreyGT]

How do you check the timing on the 5.0? I'd need a timing light wouldn't I?

I drove the truck down from NY, and put some fuel system cleaner in it, did not help much.

Seafoam is a definite, I love that stuff.

~K

 

[Maryland Stang]

Just how many miles are on this jewel? Pics, we need pics!

 

[2002GreyGT]

I don't have any pics yet, I'll try to get some this weekend, by the time I am home at night is dark already.

The truck has 130K, spent most of its life on a beach carting around workers and tools, etc. Its nothing pretty, but seems to runs ok. The speed limit on the island is 15mph, so the majority of its life has been slow driving around the streets or on the beach.

My plan is to see how good I can get it running, then worry about the rust / body work.

~K