Sounds like what happened on my Mustang whenever the spark plug wires needed replacing. How old are yours? What about the plugs and do it have a distributor that you can replace the cap on?

Good luck,
Tosh

Yeah it does have a distributor that I can replace the cap. I am going to due a full tune up on her next week, plugs, wires, cap. The wires don't bad at all, but I wanted to rule out everything.

I am not sure that you can get the fittings. However, you can cheaply get a piece of vacuum line with the correct inside diameter (id). The fittings themselves are not neccessary.

cool thanks, I'll try that in the morning. Anything unusual I need to be aware of when I do the tuneup? Any specific plug/wires recommended? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

sounds like ignition system from your description of events, but that is a SWAG and I am stumped <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.

It will be interesting to see if the plugs, wires, cap and button cure it. JL

I think I am going to try and replace the coil too, just to rule all of that out. It is only like $15 at auto zone. There is only one right? I read something about 3 coil packs and troopers, but I am figuring that is the late model ones?

I think i posted this in your original thread. If you haven't checked cap and rotor, I might not have.

Here's the common fixes for your problem, culled from many posts like yours.
http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB86&Number=591821

Thats kinda high!! Mine idles at 800rpm. Back when my timing was screwed up it idled that high. I'd atleast check the timing. Does it seem like you lost alot of low end power?? Mine stuggled until it got to about 3000rpm then it had lots of power. I would also change the fuel filter. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I think you might have found the problem: cracked vacuum hose fittings, on carbon cannister.

4.3 TBI's have a set screw, which can be adjusted to hold throttle butterflys open slightly. It is on the firewall passenger side, near throttle cable linkage, behind a metal plug, which you can drill out. I think the 2.8 tbi also has one. I set my 4.3 tbi butterflys,at lowest possible idle, with the set screw and passed Colorado emissions and drove it up Interstate 70 thru the tunnel at 11,000 feet and on out to Steamboat. This was with a broken Idle Air Control Valve, so I know you can at least keep the truck running, if you can adjust the set screw. Predrilling the plug out, at home, also gives you more possibility of performing emergency fixes, on the trail, if you need to.

I have found colored plastic tubing in all the sizes needed to replace the vacuum hoses, on my 3.1 with 4.3 TBI. The plastic will probably last longer than rubber, which cracks, when exposed to oxygen. The purple color also makes it easier to trace vaccuum hoses against black coolant hoses, fuel lines, wiring harnesses and a black engine.

Good luck [color:"blue"] [/color]

Alright, Lord willing it will stay resolved! I just got through doing a full tuneup, plugs, wires, rotor, cap, and I replaced that cracked vacuum line. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> She is running smooth as a top now. I drove her around for about 15 minutes without any sputtering at all, even let it get real low rpm in gear and not even the slightest one.

It is still idling a bit high, but it is now at aleast idling high and smooth, and once it warms up it drops down to about 1000 RPM at idle.

Anyway, thanks for the insight and keep me in your prayers that it will stay resolved! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />