Jul 21, 2022
I just flew down to San Diego (I live in Tri-Cities, WA) for an '88 Bronco. EB, 351 engine.
The seller was an older man, and the thing is immaculate/clearly been taken care of. It was registered in Arizona to avoid California's emissions req.
The seller did advise me that it would vapor lock on occasion when too hot, as well as the EGR valve was removed therefore rev while waiting at a light (put in N would neutralize that), and it also has a straight pipe with aftermarket cat.
After testing it out and what not, I got it, deciding anything mechanical is fixable, but finding one in such pristine condition was a rarity. Well, now I'm here for the mechanical issues!
I drove it around OC a few days, and even took the longer scenic route back north along the 1/101! The thing was FINE. Only vapor locked a couple times, which would fire back up after a few minutes of cool down. But now that I'm home, Tuesday evening it started feeling sluggish upon acceleration, lunging, and even a few "firecracker pops" which I can FEEL with my left foot, so these pops might be coming from the bottom left (driver's POV).
Spark plugs are brand new, and wires/dist. are good. Some buddies have suggested removing the cat altogether, and the thermostat as well (during summer) to aid in the vapor lock/cool down.
Anyone here have a more accurate idea of what these "backfire pops" and sluggish acceleration/stalling might be?? As well as how to fix the vapor lock.
Thanks in advance!
The seller was an older man, and the thing is immaculate/clearly been taken care of. It was registered in Arizona to avoid California's emissions req.
The seller did advise me that it would vapor lock on occasion when too hot, as well as the EGR valve was removed therefore rev while waiting at a light (put in N would neutralize that), and it also has a straight pipe with aftermarket cat.
After testing it out and what not, I got it, deciding anything mechanical is fixable, but finding one in such pristine condition was a rarity. Well, now I'm here for the mechanical issues!
I drove it around OC a few days, and even took the longer scenic route back north along the 1/101! The thing was FINE. Only vapor locked a couple times, which would fire back up after a few minutes of cool down. But now that I'm home, Tuesday evening it started feeling sluggish upon acceleration, lunging, and even a few "firecracker pops" which I can FEEL with my left foot, so these pops might be coming from the bottom left (driver's POV).
Spark plugs are brand new, and wires/dist. are good. Some buddies have suggested removing the cat altogether, and the thermostat as well (during summer) to aid in the vapor lock/cool down.
Anyone here have a more accurate idea of what these "backfire pops" and sluggish acceleration/stalling might be?? As well as how to fix the vapor lock.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by a moderator:
Jul 21, 2022
