My '88 5.0 is having a major issue that I need some advice on. The problem isn't the way she runs, but in getting her to actually move. When I put her in gear, she starts bucking, lurching and sputtering. It gets worse as she gets warmer. After she's been sitting awhile, it's minor (sometimes no prob at all), but if trying to run errands, on the 2nd or 3rd restart, it gets really bad, and there's a strong gas smell while she's doing it. Once she's moving, she runs pretty good, only an occasional miss, but the acceleration is not what it was/should be. There's less than 151K miles on her, she doesn't smoke, leak, or burn oil, no check engine light, and has good compression on all 8 cylinders (2 @ 135 & 6 @ 140). Any ideas or advice on what to check first? My first thought is something with the fuel injection system (cuz of the gas smell), or maybe the computer or distributor. Any ideas or advice where to start? I had one shop tell me that the engine is "just done, and needs to be replaced/rebuilt", but I have a hard time believing that with the way she runs once she starts moving. Thanks for any ideas you might have!

 

i would look at the fuel pressure regulator and the map if u have one. have u done a fuel pressure test on it?

 

Thanks for the tips! Replaced the map sensor, but it didn't help. I'll have to check regulator.

 

Is this a TPI or TBI injection? If TBI, the regulator is built into the unit.

 

Great! Of course it's a TBI LOL I don't have the kind of luck that makes an easy(ier) repair

 

Maybe not. If it's never been done, it would be a good idea to rebuild the TBI unit. There may be some crud inside, or some worn leaking seals, etc. And, it's a heck of a lot easier to rebuild than a carb.