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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 9:29:32 GMT -8
Just using this thread to dump stuff as I try to figure out WTF is wrong with my new (old) work van....
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 9:30:05 GMT -8
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 10:50:46 GMT -8
If it starts but won't stay running, it's the ballast resistor. If turning the key on doesn't power up the turn signals, it's the ignition switch.
Otherwise it's more complicated.
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 11:31:12 GMT -8
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 12:35:01 GMT -8
My phone hates that site.
Oh, it's the Ford. Never mind the ballast resistor.
I can only get as far as the six volt battery charger before my phone goes on strike. The white smoke was steam from the exhaust, right? I like the wires touched the exhaust manifold theory so far. When a vehicle acts sick it could be anything, but when it loses its damned mind, it's electrical. An intermittent short is something to consider. The voltage regulator is another--high voltage can fry components quickly enough to "let the smoke out" and make an odor, and also make the computer senile and toast the battery.
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 12:56:36 GMT -8
I'd say that could purely be the computer losing it's three cent grain of sand mind, but for the power windows. I don't think that computer performs the voltage regulator function.
Does this thing have a voltmeter?
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 13:03:32 GMT -8
I'd say that could purely be the computer losing it's three cent grain of sand mind, but for the power windows. I don't think that computer performs the voltage regulator function. Does this thing have a voltmeter? It has one, but I'm not sure how accurate it is. |
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 13:04:36 GMT -8
The battery isn't the problem.
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 13:08:06 GMT -8
Have you found any place where the wiring touched the engine or exhaust? Do you have a hand held voltmeter?
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 13:09:25 GMT -8
No and no. I had a voltmeter but can't locate it. I guess I better make a trip to harbor freight.
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 13:29:35 GMT -8
Yeah, one of those will detect either a voltage regulator frying systems (>>14 volts) or a short (<<14 volts).
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 13:31:03 GMT -8
My dad wired a voltmeter to a cigarette lighter socket plug. Handy.
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 14:02:09 GMT -8
My voltage regulator idea may be worthless. High voltage can mess with the computer and fry things, but shouldn't drain the battery--should fry it. Low voltage can mess with the brain and drain the battery, but shouldn't fry anything.
When you said it was only running on a few cylinders, it got me thinking of modern engines with multiple coils. But the early nineties 351 seems to have only one.
I want to blame the computer for causing unburned fuel (white vapor) one minute and misfires the next, but that wouldn't drain the battery. A bad ground could cause both, though.
The bad news is a head gasket could conceivably steam when the engine's warm, and cause a misfire instead after it cools. The good news is I don't see that draining the battery.
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Post by Origanalist on Nov 17, 2019 15:09:07 GMT -8
I thought it was a head gasket at first, but the immediate electrical problems was just too much of a coincidence. And the battery isn't drained, the power just isn't getting through as it should. Oh well, picked up a cheap volt meter at HF. Should keep me busy for a while.
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Post by acptulsa on Nov 17, 2019 15:14:34 GMT -8
Yeah, it will. Check it key off, key on and running if possible. Key on accessory, too.
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