My 1989 e150 WITH 302 AND DUAL TANKS. has started an issue where, the engine starts fine from being cold. gets up and goes! like nothing is holding it back! Acceleration is fantastic! Then, when the engine temp begins to rise and reaches the first 'white line' on the dash's temp gauge, the engine will suddenly and completely, die! Engine will crank over, but will not restart, and it has been observed that white smoke comes from the exhaust pipe while engine is cranking over. ( un-burnt fuel) the engine will restart after an hour or two of just sitting. (cooling down)

Has any one else experienced this before? Have you a solution?

I have been experiencing this issue , and trying to resolve it for a month now. and have found no solution.

Help!

What I have discovered so far from testing is: I hear the fuel pumps start when I turn the ignition key. I replaced the inline fuel filter in Aug of 2020. That made no improvement. There is fuel pump pressure, I hear the pumps, and the engine starts up easily from a cold start.

In Aug. of 2020, I replaced the ignition modal that is on the outside of the distributor, with a brand new one from Auto zone. This has not made any improvements. yes I applied the 'white grease' to the mounting area of the module..

Could cause be a faulty 'mass air flow sensor'? Does the vehicle have one of those? and where? And How do I test it?

I am now wondering and concerned that maybe the culprit is the ignition pick up unit, that is inside the distributor?? Maybe it is failing? How to test it?

I greatly appreciate your help!

 

If the ignition coil has never been replaced and is the original coil, they were known to cause problems once allowed to heat up.

It is easier to replace the ignition coil than the pick up coil in the distributor. Either one could be the cause and there are tests you can perform to confirm if either one is malfunctioning. Not knowing what kind of test equip you have to work with, consider replacing the ign coil.

 

Sounds like vapor lock. I know it can't be but.

 

Have you actually determined if you are losing spark or fuel? Hearing the fuel pump doesn't mean there is enough pressure. Hang a gauge on the valve when the engine is unable to start, you should have 30-45 psi. Use a spark tester or an old spark plug during the same conditions and make sure there is an absence of spark. You can use circuit cooler on the dist. pickup coil and ignition coil and see if the engine starts. A sensor is not likely going to prevent the engine from starting. My belief is to test suspect components instead of blindly replacing parts.

 

Back in the 1970s, an old mechanic told me, the day will come when there are no mechanics, only parts exchangers. They will change parts until it works.

 

I agree we should test and not guess.

Do we know if the gent with the vehicle problem has the test equipment and the knowledge how to use them?

We can throw out all kinds of tests and ideas ,but they won't do any good if they can't be utilized. Unless he tells us he can do the tests, which so far he has not, how are we helping him?
Just changing parts can get expensive and very disappointing if that's all you can do.
I suggested replacing the coil because I maintained a fleet of 160 of those animals, plus others,and had to learn the hard way, so I was hoping to share my experience and save him some trouble.