Seeking Bronco II Mechanic near Vegas

[VegasRob]

Hey all...so I picked up a nice '87 Bronco II near L.A. and drove it back to Vegas. Had a small oil leak so I took it to a mechanic who repaired the oil leak, but then the vehicle wouldn't start. Ended up replacing starter and they messed with it for weeks...they put a new computer in the dash and it finally started, but only firing on about 3 cylinders...undriveable.
Just weeks before the engine was completely rebuilt...
- New Cam bearings, Cam shaft, Pistons, Lifters, Push Rods, Timing Chain and gear set, oil pump, Alternator, Starter, Belts, Radiator, Thermostat, plugs, Power steering pump, Wires cap rotor, Battery.
Factory Heads replaced with FPPP set (new valve springs et al).
Transmission completely rebuilt...basically everything under the hood is brand new. I have no idea why this mechanic could not figure out the problem, ended up towing back to my garage. It drove great from LA to LV...not sure what could have happened. Need a smarter Ford mechanic who knows more then the last shop I tool it to...seems simple, like computer or distributor??
Any suggestions or references in Las Vegas?? Thanks!

 

[Rustytruck]

check for spark on all cylinders then check for fuel pressure on the injector rail.

 

[Pa PITT]

There's got to be some good tech in Vegas.
...
..... CALL Adams Drive shaft in Vegas... I bought a front drive shaft to swap a Jeep Grand Cherokee over to a different style drive shaft.
.... The young man I talked to there was the most Knowable tech help fellow . I'd ever had. & I'd called about 6 more drive shaft shops across America . & Adams was not cheap. 375.00 for new shaft & the pinion yoke & nut. But they knew every piece I needed. Some one like that could also tell you a couple of shops thee in VEGAS .

 

[VegasRob]

check for spark on all cylinders then check for fuel pressure on the injector rail.

I'll mention that to the shop I take it to...thanks!

 

[VegasRob]

There's got to be some good tech in Vegas.
...
..... CALL Adams Drive shaft in Vegas... I bought a front drive shaft to swap a Jeep Grand Cherokee over to a different style drive shaft.
.... The young man I talked to there was the most Knowable tech help fellow . I'd ever had. & I'd called about 6 more drive shaft shops across America . & Adams was not cheap. 375.00 for new shaft & the pinion yoke & nut. But they knew every piece I needed. Some one like that could also tell you a couple of shops thee in VEGAS .

I'll call them...appreciate the referral!

 

[Broncobowsher]

Half the cylinders. That engine is a batch fire EFI. There are 2 pulses that fire the injectors, each pulse fires 3 at a time.

First thing, pull codes. There should be something going on in there.
Run a compression test. New engines can be bad. Will never fix a mechanical issue with fuel injection parts.

The computers of this vintage are failing. I would look into getting a rebuild kit for them. Pretty much just putting new capacitors in it.

The bad part is you had someone not knowing what was wrong messing about with it. Trying to figure what they did and undo what they likely screwed up will be the worst part.

Since I bought my books they have changed. '87 is the same or extremely close to '88 for these. I have an old Ford EFI book that is worth it in gold. Looks like the nearest book is https://www.amazon.com/Ford-Injection-Electronic-Engine-Control/dp/0837603013/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1 if not the prior years is also available for '80-87, but that is going to be mostly old CFI stuff. But might be the right info. You are so close on the years.

 

[jerry]

Broncobowsher has a great point. Glad someone chimed in that's more familar with that powertrain.

Having an 88 mustang myself and playing the "why is it running poorly game"... I've got to ask have you pulled any of the codes yet?

https://www.broncocorral.com/forums/index.php?threads/scan-tool.152187/

links to

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.shtml
(Analog Voltmeter or MIL methods)

Which may help.

Good luck!

Jerry