idle problem

I HAVE A 1988 F150 WITH A 302 V8. IT RUNS FINE ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT WHEN I STOP IT SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE RETURNING TO IDLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL SURGE UP AND DOWN A FEW TIMES AND THEN SETTLE INTO A SMOOTH IDLE SPEED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT OFTEN STALLS AND DIES DURING THIS PROCESS.
ANY ADVISE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

my only guess would be to get it idled up - i would have a mechanic do it b/c if you move the parts a hair to much you can blow your cylindars through the hood of the truck - have your "idler" if thats a word - checked - it is the round boxy looking piece where all of the spark plug wires connect together

replace the throttle position sensor if fuel injected.. should be, kinda borderline at 88

most likely, one of two problems

1. Idle Air Control Valve is sludged up. You can remove it from the throttle body, take the motor off, and clean the mechanical side of it.

2. upper intake gasket is leaking.

Those are the two most common problems that caue this with the late 80's 5.0 engines.

Hope this helps.

Try adjusting the timming. also check to see if you have any cracks in your distributor. if that doesnt work, check the fuel filter. :smoker2:

I have an 88' F-150 with a 351 in it and it would have a really rough idle, and when you barely gave it gas, it almost felt like a dead miss. I replaced the air idle control valve on the driver's side of the throttle body and it fixed it. You might try that, It cost's about $60 but if it don't fix it you can always take it back, it's real easy to take off.:frog:

I have an '88 F150 w/ EFI and had rough idleing until I took off the hoses to the throttle body and cleaned it out w/ carb. cleaner and a brush.