I am wondering if the ECT may not be doing anything at all. Found out how to test it. Will try that.

I don't know where the temp guage gets it input from. It works so I don't know if there is another sensor for the guage. It may be that it is not reading high enough. The guage is barely into the normal even with the hot weather and low speed driving I do alot of.

I guess first thing is now to figure out if I have a bad switch/solenoid/starter/battery/alternator. Thought was switch/solenoid.

Allen

Got home. Battery didn't seem to take a charge. Connected a good battery that is alittle low and it would attempt to start with that.

So its looks like it is battery replacement time.

Allen

the temp sensor should be right by the thermostat housing . that sensor makes the gauge read and it also sends a signal to the computer saying how cold the engine is . if it fails or doesnt read properly it will cause the truck to run REALLY rich

I wouldn't say it is really rich. Probably need to check the thermostat. Who knows. It may be missing like the mazda.

Still have to solve the battery problem. I charge up another battery and will give it a try.

Allen

Did some work today. Battery problem. Bad connection on positive terminal. Clean it good and truck fired right up.

Did some more looking. Found the ECT and the connection didn't look right. It wasn't connected. Pushed it on and took it for a ride. Hot starts just fine now. Guess when the PO installed the used engine he didn't get it connected well.

Also the power is much better. Even with the AC on I can pull most hills in 4th gear at 45mph. Got some big ones here in the foothills.

Feels like I picked up 10hp. This should help the mileage issue out too.

The AC is colder than the 05 chrysler.

Allen

thats great . funny how little things can gine someone so much trouble huh .

I didn't even have to spend money. Both things were free. Still have a high idle though. Thats next.

Allen

Did the IAC show up yet?

Yep. I put it on and it didn't change anything. Actually it idles higher with the new one. I am wondering if someone had tried turning the idle adjustment screw an it won't return to a slow idle. I need to see if it is hitting the stop when up to temp.

They may be something else not quite right. At least now when I go to start it after its warm it fires right up and doesn't puff a smoke cloud of smoke.

Keep fidling with it and you'll get it right. Sounds like it's almost there now. I wonder what else effects the idle system?

The idle screw (not suppose to be adjustable) was tight against the throttle arm when fully warm. I backed it off about 1 1/4 turn so that it was idling about 800 rpm. Still starts just fine hot.

Will see if it changes anything as far as starting or driving it.

Allen

I am wondering if Reveen is right about that intake gasket. It seems to be fine once warmed up, but will have a funny idle. Would make since that it is too lean on cold start to keep running. I installed a new 195 thermostat yesterday.

Probably plan on a gasket replacement alittle later. Won't hurt.

Allen

As soon as you lift the plenum you will see if it is good, or not, there is no mistaking it.

A 195 (if I remember correctly) is too cool, I *think* stock (factory fresh) is 205, I can make an effort to check, on Monday, if you like?

The computer at the parts store said a 195 was OE. My temp guage read a the bottom of m in normal or almost halfway up. That is the hottest it has ever ran. It was barely getting warm before.

Thanks for tip on the plenum gasket. I will probably need to check and replace it just to rule it out.

Truck is running better than ever though. My mileage is getting better too.

Allen

Well 5000 miles on the budget Ford. Still haven't checked that gasket, but I believe that is my problem. Getting harder to start as the weather gets colder and takes along time to warm up.

Also the temp gauge will not get to the midway point like it did in warmer weather.

I have been averaging 22.5 mpg driving in surburbia so not bad.

Allen