Is THIS What Killed My Bullnose..?

[@Thecraig909]

I made an ooopsie! You guys were right 1985 was the first year you could get EFI on a 5.0 as an option. 1986 it was standard equipment. Whoops haha. Apprecite the insight.

[@ElCheyenneazul5.7]

I used to have that problem with my 92. It was probably the map sensor on yours.

[@Cheezeball99999]

I would never have attempted repair on an EFI Bull. I hate, hate, HATE the early EFI from '86 clear through '95 and take any issues at all as an opportunity to carb swap. Good on ya for trying to keep this gem originalish, I could never.

[@eflanagan1921]

agree not easy but workable I'm on 4 th or 5th

[@Thecraig909]

I plan to upgrade in the future for sure, just hate doing things twice. So this was a good band aid until we progress further with the build.

[@Cheezeball99999]

Do NOT R134 convert. Propane runs in R-12 systems flawlessly, and it's colder than R134 could ever dream to be. It's super cheap, more environmentally friendly than any auto refrigerant ever, it's cheap, and it requires no modification whatsoever to an R-12 system. Did I mention it's cheap?

[@Skitter302]

r290?

[@Cheezeball99999]

@ Yessir, that's what they call it. Very common use in refrigeration, and no more flammable than R-134, R1234, etc.

[@erikcarrillo7951]

And then, kaboom.... 😂jk but nice facts!

[@Thecraig909]

Note taken! thank you

[@SullyThePanda]

So I was *just* dealing with an 18C code on my Bricknose. Oddly enough what fixed it was that I ran a brand new wire from the ECU to where the spout plug is (that you unplug to time the distributor). Just spliced it in between to essentially replace the wire (while keeping the spout connector functional). Not the best or most professional repair, but it works lol. My best guess is that it had a short somewhere in that wire between the ECU and the spout plug that was causing it to not function properly. It did the same thing your truck did, very rough start then it would somewhat even itself out. But in general, it ran like shit. Died on the road quite a few times. But yeah - if the problem comes back, check that wire lol.

[@Thecraig909]

See thats the wild thing is that was one of the first things that I had checked and repaired. No change. Wish I got that lucky haha. Oh well.

[@SullyThePanda]

@Thecraig909 Ah, gotcha lol. Well, hopefully it's all squared away now with the new ECU!

[@jdedmnds1]

If you have trouble with the ECM more that once, you may need to replace the starter solenoid with the proper one if it doesn't have the original. There is a diode inside it that without the diode it will fry part of the ECM.

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Good job on the repair! Had 86 f250 HD with 6.9 international diesel. The motor was so heavy it squatted the front end after some time. So...a lift kit was the cure 😊. 4" in the front....2" in the rear on the massive dana 60 axle. Looking forward to seeing this truck more

[@allenlindsey1175]

Over the past 2 years I have fixed my 85 4x4 bull nose up. Everything new from a new 302 to new exhaust gas tank...new lines etc etc. The first 5 months of breaking my moter and parts in my truck would go from running/driving exactly how I envisanged....to randomly dying over and over. It seemed to not be getting gas....after several months of chasing this problem I randomly drilled a vent hole in my gas cap. 3 months of excellent trouble free driving. Hopefully the person that needs to read this has the same problem and it fixes your problem. In my build I went with a mechanical fuel pump ,carberator, and h.e.i. conversion. I have by passed the computer completely and that it what had confused my so much with my randomly sputtering and stopping issue.

[@Thecraig909]

Appreciate the insight. I have a vented cap on all of my trucks to help alleviate this issue.

[@Grady_OBS]

This beyond opened my eyes to my 91 f150 that’s giving issues. 5.8L e4od, was having a problem where it would run bad when hot, traced it back to a bad ECM/ECU, replaced that and problem just now started back up. I didn’t even think to double check the wire harness. Maybe my problem was there the whole time.

[@haydenrubly]

My favorite newer(ish) looking Fords, the bullnose. Hope to have one. But I'm good with my 83 Chevy and 89 5.7 swapped S10 (for now) haha

[@Mabirchell]

My 92 f150 was doing the same thing. It got so bad the truck wouldn’t even start. Chased ghosts for awhile and it turned out to be the ecu. At some point I’ll upgrade the truck to a sniper system. The OEM parts are getting harder to find and they are not programmable.

[@ford6]

The new computer has a different timing curve (for emissions) that could be causing your high RPM hesitation

[@Thecraig909]

I plan to either send my OG out to get repaired or buy another one of the correct computers because I'll admit it is definitely slower haha.

[@Skitter302]

ITs not the sheet metal rusting out that kills these trucks... its the wiring harnesses. And the Caps in the EEC for us EFI guys.

[@Green_Horn_Garage]

I don’t know how much well this would help you but I have a 95 Mustang GT it was doing the same shit but it turned out to be my distributor pick up but it’s a 302 car still OBD one car

[@Redeemeddaily]

That’s why I love my carb 😂

[@corybeaver1909]

The 1985 model year was the first year for EFI on the bull nose. However it was only available with the 302 (5.0 L). The 300 in-line six didn't have EFI until '87 & the 351 & 460 still had carburetors until '88

[@reggeckmann3993]

Get window seals then and repop badges willl make it look great.

[@jesseduke694]

85 efi was a option available on only the 5.0. 86 it wad standard equipment on only the 5.0.

[@Thecraig909]

Oof yep you're right thank you.

[@k5savage88]

My foxbody had a super similar issue , it ended up being throttle body base gasket letting cooling into the intake

[@Alpha515]

Hey Craig have you ever ran across any of the late 80s early 90s Ford Bigfoot cruiser trucks. I've looked for one since I was sixteen with no luck. Not sure how rare they are but I've only ever seen 1 90ish ranger brand new on a dealer lot and 1 f150 driving on the road. Just curious if maybe it was location, since I'm in ohio.

[@MikeRay1978]

We used to fight those computers. We’d grab spares from the junkyard and swap them out. Back when the yards were full of these.

[@renj6531]

they arent in yards like 20 yrs ago. Most are Appliances by now LOL

[@marcosmontoya1484]

I think you need a Obs F-150 next Craig.🤔

[@everythingpnw]

Thing needs to be painted

[@carsareaddictive7450]

I've got an 86 Eddie Bauer Bronco with the 5.0L EFI. I had lots of corroded/dryrotted wires on top of the motor, the sheathing wasn't good back then & the wires get green under the sheathing. I was testing voltages at the sensor & at the corresponding EEC computer pin, to see if it was having voltage drops in the wiring or connectors. A new main battery ground is also recommended. Also the distributors love to fail, & also the ignition switch in the column are known to go bad at this age. Replace every vacuum line, pull part the upper & lwr intake & replace the gasket. Clean out the fresh air intake in the cowl & behind the blower fan, it's a popular spot for rodents nests. Also, they run much better with a functional egr on them, better power midrange, and better fuel economy. I'm getting over 16mpg in my 86 Bronco. Pull your cowl off & see if the seam sealer has cracked, letting the water come in from the cracks.

[@justhes]

85 was the first year for EFI. My 85 came factory with a 5.0 aod and efi

[@throttleblip1]

New vintage USA makes some sweet gauges for those!

[@dumpsterguy85]

Glad to see the bullnose getting some attention

[@lonelydavid6703]

I have an 86 with the efi having the same problem can’t even changing to gear cuz it dies I’ve changed basically everything I was told to change the selector valve under the truck just havent had the time to she’s been down a year now

[@tylerrogers5575]

Would highly recommend a terminator x system for it, put one on my stock 86 fox and it fixed all my drive ability issues, lmr has has one for the 5.0 that’s pretty much plug and play.

[@RestorationCar24]

Whoa, this is intense! 😱 It’s always so tough when something goes wrong with a beloved vehicle like the Bullnose. I’m really curious to find out what the cause is and how it all played out. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of work into this, and I hope you figure out what happened. Wishing you the best of luck in getting it all back in shape! 🔧🚗

[@AnchovyTheItalianStallion]

I think it's interesting that we both have 86 Ford's that are both XLT Lariat's and both are the same exterior and interior colors Except mine is a F-150, has the 300 6 and is a short box

[@greggoett]

I have an 86 F250 with 460 that came with 4 barrel. After pulling the carb to rebuild.. talking to a carb guy, the number of jets I'd need to buy to have on hand to properly tune, having to deal with a choke. I called FiTech and went EFI. I'm surprised you didn't swap intakes and put on a Sniper. HA

[@joshuahartford9329]

Same car wash qweg was pushing kevins cali wagon that was a add oil type motor

[@thatmaverickguy859]

Good afternoon craig, im gonna be starting the build on my 1974 ford Maverick and you're part if my inspiration to do so, thank you and merry Christmas

[@montanatrucker2188]

I wish I knew more about those. I have a 1993 F150 with the 5.0. I put in a new computer and ignition module. Found out my distributor is bad now.

[@jefferyhamilton8099]

Love to see you, paint it back to original tone

[@kennethbrown5784]

Check the ecm open up and check the caps

[@HammerWrench]

My new 83 F250 has a 460 and I’m learning the ways of the carburetor! 🛠️

[@garrettmonk8432]

If it gives you any more issues just put the fox body engine and computer system in it

[@brentunderwood7600]

good video! and 85 f150 was first year for efi my 85 was factory efi i swapped it to carb.

[@ericb8867]

My 86 had that same issue ours ended up being loose wiring to the alternator

[@ericb8867]

And ours was a short bed 4x4 Manual

[@FORDCAMPERSPECIAL]

I have those same mud flaps on my 68 f250

[@haydenrubly]

All Advanced Auto is closing. I'm going to check them out haha. Washington, Oregon, California , Nevada, and New Mexico!! Take advantage of it I guess

[@deaneads3098]

If its got a EGR system check it out running bad would make your oil gritty and durty too.

[@Chopshop573co]

So thankful my Lexus oil changes are not expensive. Especially cause my filter is just the OEM Toyota filters which are $7 😂 my Duramax is a different story

[@kennethbrown5784]

Mass air swap!!!!!

[@kellyhansen6496]

Have you deleted the egr yet? Are you able to do that down in California?

[@johnwheeler8964]

Put the poverty caps on it awsome ride best truck ever

[@____MC____]

Answer to the title-> aftermarket......well the surging could be emi from that goofy wiring by the distributor. Was almost right lol.

[@brianbarney2262]

Have you tried your throttle position sensor?😊

[@danielhayward7214]

My ford Granada mk2 has similar looking wiring cracked and disintegrating hope to get it fixed 2025

[@joetheman357]

My 96 300 truck was having idle and running issues, ended up being the fuel pump

[@birdsnestfishing698]

Don’t go to r134 run propane it works better and is much colder on the older systems

[@tylercovell8440]

SODA!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Karlrodg88]

Cool you’re trying to fix with stock parts but honestly, throw a Stinger PIMP plug n play megasquirt ecu in it and move on. Did this on my Foxbody SVO mustang and it was a night and day difference

[@jacobelmore5354]

Would love to buy the heat shield stuff but the nearest guy is 250 miles from what they're tracker says, kinda sucks that I cant buy from them directly.

[@BenSymington]

[@ConnieA-r4u]

Ford had a better idea !

[@MrNBlackwood]

I battled similar issues with my Bricknose. At this point I have 3 vacuum lines on the motor and 5 wires controlling the motor. My issue was always battling high idle probs. Now it runs perfectly with no CE lights. I also now know what every single wire and vacuum line does and what all the stuff I removed did. Keep up the great and motivational videos. I'm 65 and wish I could work as hard as you do!

[@Linda-cn3yx]

Take all that 80s electronics off and replace with an aluminum intake and 4 barrel carb.

[@JasonMyers-c6z]

Sorry Cwaig but, those mud flaps would look stupid on your truck.

[@brando7655]

We don’t wanna see the bug we wanna see foxbody

[@rawdyrider]

Put some nice wheels on it.....Bullnose probably the best lookin Ford truck