Miss or Stutter when in drive...

[Weazel]

Ok, so as I move through my Bronco build I keep coming up with new problems...this is an old one but one I cant figure out...I have an 89' XLT 302 EFI auto that idles just fine...however when it's warm and I shift it into drive it begins to "miss" or "stutter"...Ive taken it to a few shops and they all claim to find nothing wrong with it, but I still find the issue...guess they just dont want to work on the older Bronco...

 

[Weazel]

By the way, I have a really loose fitting distributor cap...could this cause this problem??

 

[miesk5]

yo W,

That loose cap needs to be addressed.

also, by Ford;

from

1993 Bronco/Econoline/F-Series Workshop Manual - = to your 89
Section 03-07: Engine Ignition General Service
 
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Distributor Cap 

Removal

miesk5 Note, note spark plug wire placement & routing before removing each wire.  Snap pics.

1. Loosen distributor cap hold-down screws. Lift cap straight off distributor to prevent damage to rotor blade and spring.

1. Wash both inside and outside surfaces of the distributor cap with soap and water. Dry cap with compressed air.

1. Inspect cap for cracks, broken carbon button or carbon tracks. Inspect cap terminals for dirt and corrosion.

1. Replace the cap if it is damaged.
   
   
   
   
    

 
Installation

1. Position distributor cap on distributor base noting the square alignment locator. Tighten hold-down screws to 2.0-2.6 Nm (18-23 in-lb).

1. Reinstall any ignition wires that were removed, noting their correct locations on the distributor cap.

Distributor Rotor Removal and Installation With distributor cap removed, pull rotor upward to remove it from distributor shaft and armature. Wash rotor with soap and water. Dry with compressed air.Inspect and replace rotor if cracks, carbon tracks, burns or damage to blade or spring are observed.

Align locating boss on rotor with hole on armature.

Fully seat rotor on distributor shaft.

Reinstall distributor cap.

Spark Plug Wire Routing & Firing Order TSB 94-04-10 for 87-93 5.0  - engine miss, spark knock, buck/***** surge and other driveability concerns; MIESK5 NOTE; The firing order for 1987-1993 5.0Ls is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. If #7 and #8, or #2 and #4 spark plug wires are routed next to each other at the separation bracket, an induction crossfire condition can occur.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/adchambers3398/2008-09-03_215346_78wire.pdf

 

[miesk5]

yo,

Also,

Try a Self Test for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)s by my pal, BroncoJoe19

http://broncozone.com/topic/14269-code-reader/?&pid=74587&mode=threaded

The engine temperature must be greater than 50° F for the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) Self-Test and greater than 180° F for the Key On Engine Running (KOER) Self-Test.
Run it around to heat the engine up and shift thru all gears incl Reverse. Then turn off all accessories/lights, etc.

Make sure A/C is off and transmission is in Park (automatic) or in Neutral for a Manual & release clutch.

Do Key On Engine Off (KOEO) portion first.

And Post em here according to:
KOEO
&
KOER          

 

[Weazel]

Thanks for the info!!  Ill update later on results!