Could be temp sensor since it gets better after warm up

 

ever think about cleaning the MAF or trying one off a buds 4.3? Or maybe a local parts store would let you try it on the off chance they will sell it to you if it works-don't know your relationship with your local store. Jerry-just a thought........

 

Sounds like some sensor is stuck in open loop mode?

-OSS

 

Im very surprised at the cost of some of those scanners! I bought one online from walmart for $140! It does everything I want it too plus some. It hooks to my pc, does live data and will do ABS if i update it ect. Mudcat, I realize this is new tech to you. I bet you are one of the few that can actually set points and set timing by ear on an older motor anymore! You have a very simple problem that sounds like it can be solved relatively cheaply as long as you gather information and diagnose the problem with your truck without guessing. Ive already read some pretty expensive solutions being suggested to you that i dont neccessarily agree with. There is no way anyone can tell you what is wrong with your truck with the amount of information we have. A few people on this forum are very good at suggesting (Correctly) what is wrong with the limited amount of info they have. Others make suggestions that are WAY off base. Just be careful and dont throw parts at the problem hoping you will accidently correct the problem. Gather more information. With the age of your truck, an INEXPENSIVE scanner that will show live data would be a wise investment. If you use it 2 times it will have paid for itself. Good Luck!

 

Problem kept getting worse. Rough idle, mileage dropped to 16 city/hwy; plus the acceleration problems mentioned in first post. Only thing I could do myself was to clean the MAF sensor; everything else would have to be hired out. So, what the hell I'll give it a try... I took that mother off; sprayed it with electrical contact cleaner; I mean, I sprayed the hell out of it several times. Every thing turned from a dull gray color, to a bright shiny chrome look. Thinking that I just wasted time, I reinstalled it and to my delight & amazement, all and I mean each and every problem was solved.....

I am now on my 3rd tank of gas, and not one incident. Idle is smooth, throttle response is great; no more hesitation, and gas mileage is back up to 18.9 city/hwy which is what it was when new.

A hail Mary, shot in the dark, that I would never have believed, but is the truth.



Thanks to all responders, you saved me mega bucks!!!!

 

Now I have to try this!

First I gotta go look up how to find the MAF and how to remove it. It's the square thung after the air filter with the wires going to it, right?

 

That's it. Very simple operation. Just unplug the electrical fitting & remove the 4 small (screws) bolts to remove the sensor; then spray the hell out of it, until it shines like chrome.

 

OUTSTANDING !
I'm gonna clean mine too!

 

Go for it. All you have to lose is 1/2 hour labor and the cost of a can of electrical cleaner spray. Going from 16mpg back to 18.6mpg is saving me big bucks on fuel.
Let us know if it helps you.

 

Hmmmmm..............Im very surprised at the cost of some of those scanners! I bought one online from walmart for $140! It does everything I want it too plus some. It hooks to my pc, does live data and will do ABS if i update it ect. Mudcat, I realize this is new tech to you. I bet you are one of the few that can actually set points and set timing by ear on an older motor anymore! You have a very simple problem that sounds like it can be solved relatively cheaply as long as you gather information and diagnose the problem with your truck without guessing. Ive already read some pretty expensive solutions being suggested to you that i dont neccessarily agree with. There is no way anyone can tell you what is wrong with your truck with the amount of information we have. A few people on this forum are very good at suggesting (Correctly) what is wrong with the limited amount of info they have. Others make suggestions that are WAY off base. Just be careful and dont throw parts at the problem hoping you will accidently correct the problem. Gather more information. With the age of your truck, an INEXPENSIVE scanner that will show live data would be a wise investment. If you use it 2 times it will have paid for itself. Good Luck!