most of you know my truck,the '89. How do I check the O2 sensor on it? shes running kind of rough. like its not gettin gas but i know it is. I thought id start at something small like a sensor that hasnt had attention for a while. Thanks. Ok,For those who dont know,its a '89 F150. I6 300 Engine.

Get a can of WD40 and check for vacuum leaks first. Spray it on the hose ends and flanges with gaskets between them. If it runs smooth for a second or changes in any way after you spray a spot, that's a leak.

Pull the pcv valve out and stick your finger over the hole while the engine is running. If that makes it idle better then you need a new one.

Do that and check in with us.

Larry

Well,i took the sensor off and sprayed carb cleaner through it then blew it out. It only jerks when its goin.if it still does it,then ill do what you said cold. I heard u need to replace them sensors ever 50,000 miles. well,she has over 192,000 and i talked to the previous owner, He says hes never replaced it himself. But he also said hes had it in the garage a couple of times. The local parts house wants $41-45.00 for one new.

I'd say you might pick up a few mpg with a new O2 sensor. Unless the check engine light is on and your injection is operating in closed loop it won't be a big difference.

Put a new fuel filter on it too. If the fuel flow is restricted by a clogged filter it could cause it to run crappy while you cruising.

Larry

we replaced the fuel filter not to long ago. no lights come on. all my gauges read fine,and no lights. I have 2 fuel pumps. One in the tank and on the chassis. we replaced the air filters,changed the oil,put premium gas in it for inspection,and ive put the usual after the preium burned out. between this and the steering....i dont know anymore..... Oh yeah,ive got a left-right-left steering thing goin on. this truck doesnt like me obviously.....not since i had my gf in it. and we went riden that one night......

when you consider the hostile enironment that the o2 sensor exists in it's no wonder it needs to be repalced periodically. I have a 92 GMC with a 454. check engine light was on when i purchased the vehicle. ran it through smog testing, failed miserably. changed the o2 sensor, light went off passed with flying colours. It's the first thing most shops chnge before any other parts are even tested.

Well,she was inspected for the state about 4 weeks ago and passed. And she didnt run rough today comin home. but my damn e-brake light and rear ABS light came on. so I cleaned the rear wheels out like i done before and hopefully that fixed it.

Ok, she dont jerk anymore. and my brake lights (in the dash) didnt come on. now im doin a left-right-left for the truck to stay straight once i hit 60+. Ill check the air pressure tomarrow. it hasnt been drove that fast in a while.

Check the tierod ends, pitman arm, draglink and the arm on the steering box before you go scooting off down the highway. One or more of the ball and socket joints might be in bad shape.

It could just be a sloppy steering gear box too.

Larry

Thanks cold. I got so mad at it when i was at a stop light,i did that left right thing hard and it stayed straight for a while,then went back. Like I said,ill check the air pressure in the tire,and if its good,then onto other parts.

Holy smokes, I keep forgetting all these new vehicles have power steering.

The pressure valves in the box might be screwed. A lot of times all you have to do is flush the crap out of the pump and gearbox.

Try this, get a gallon of cheap transmission fliud, an empty gallon jug or a drain pan and a piece of hose the same size as the PS return line. Disconnect the return line from the gearbox or pump, whichever is easiest to get to. Hook the piece of hose to the fitting you just remove the return line from.

Poke a hole in the top of the fresh fluid and stick the hose connected to the pump into it about an inch or so. Make sure its a tight fit so it won't leak. Put the line from the gearbox into the drain pan.

Get a buddy to sit in the truck. Turn the fluid bottle upside down and poke a hole in the bottom. Start the engine and the pump will flush itself and the gearbox.

Watch the fluid because the bottle will empty quick. Get the engine shut off before the bottle is empty.

It seems like a lot of work but it's fairly simple to do.

Larry