1987 2.9 problems

its been a progressive problem, at first it sarted fine, then it would start and die then start up fine, then i had to use gas after starting it to keep it running then it would take like a few cranks to get it to run (the tach would hit about 500 rpms and it would be firing and sounding healthy, just didnt start running on its own), now it doesnt wanna run at all (gotten lucky a few times but gotta crank it alot, same thing with the tach hitting about 500 rpms) spark plugs and wires are good, distributor looks good, battery looks like crap, really bad terminals, but it could be bad compression as these things are known for cracking heads but its been getting worse over months not all at once, could it me the starter? fuel pump?...

its been a progressive problem, at first it sarted fine, then it would start and die then start up fine, then i had to use gas after starting it to keep it running then it would take like a few cranks to get it to run (the tach would hit about 500 rpms and it would be firing and sounding healthy, just didnt start running on its own), now it doesnt wanna run at all (gotten lucky a few times but gotta crank it alot, same thing with the tach hitting about 500 rpms) spark plugs and wires are good, distributor looks good, battery looks like crap, really bad terminals, but it could be bad compression as these things are known for cracking heads but its been getting worse over months not all at once, could it me the starter? fuel pump?...

If you'r having to add something flammable into the upper intake manifold, it's probably a fuel delivery problem. Crank it over a couple times, take a look at the spark plugs.

Wet + No Spark = Ignition Problem
Dry + Spark = Fuel Delivery Problem
Dry + No Spark = PCM problem

Also try this: (Free code scanner :))
http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

Pete

how do i check for spark? and am i just pulling the wire off an looking at the plug or pulling out the plug?