Fuel injection cold to touch

[magicdave]

I have a 1988 F-150 that has a bad engine shake and ruff idle. However, when I put the gas on up to @ 1500 rpms the shake is not as bad. When I put it in gear it dies. I can smell some gas under the hood, but not seeing a leak anywhere...thinking it is not burning all the gas.

I've checked and not found a vacuum leak, but then again I don't have equipment just removing lines and feeling. I am going to try to replace plugs, wires, and look at distrib. this afternoon. Anyother ideas?


Here is my question, when I touch the top of the engine where it states
"fuel injection" and is flat, the front secition is warm, however toward the back above where the last two spark plugs are on either side, it is very cold and wet to the touch with condensation. It is in the low 90's here and I would guess the temp of the metal is close to 60.

Any ideas?

[rhandwor]

Use a flashlight and look at the fuel rails near the injectors. They sometimes get a bad o-ring and leak. Look for any wet spot on the intake. Use a can of carburator cleaner and spray around the injectors and along the edges of the intake manifold. If you hit an air leak the engine should smooth out. Pull the vacuum line on the fuel pressure regulator if leaking install a new one. It should be on the fuel rail.