1988 Ford E350 Service Manual

The 1988 Ford E350 is a full-size van designed for commercial and personal use, featuring robust construction, various engine options including the 5.0L V8 and 7.5L V8, rear-wheel drive configuration, and heavy-duty chassis components. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, repair instructions, and specifications for the 1988 model year E350 series. Below are key sections for technical data, maintenance schedules, engine systems, electrical systems, chassis, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Systems 4. Fuel System 5. Electrical System 6. Brake System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Transmission 9. Cooling System 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for the 1988 Ford E350 including dimensions, capacities, and performance specifications.

Specification	Description
Wheelbase	138 inches (standard)
Overall Length	220.3 inches
Gross Vehicle Weight	8,500 - 10,000 lbs
Engine Options	5.0L V8, 5.8L V8, 7.5L V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
Fuel Capacity	25 gallons
Oil Capacity	5 quarts (with filter)
Curb Weight	4,800 - 5,200 lbs
Payload Capacity	3,300 - 4,800 lbs
Towing Capacity	Up to 10,000 lbs

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

Oil and filter change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Air filter replacement: Every 15,000 miles
Spark plugs: Every 30,000 miles
Coolant flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Transmission fluid: Every 30,000 miles
Brake fluid: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Timing belt: Every 60,000 miles (if equipped)

WARNING! Always use recommended fluids and follow torque specifications. Use jack stands when working under vehicle.

Engine Systems

Detailed service procedures for engine components and systems.

Engine removal: Disconnect battery, drain fluids, remove accessories
Cylinder head service: Torque sequence 65-72 ft-lbs
Valve adjustment: Hydraulic lifters - no adjustment required
Timing chain: Replace if slack exceeds 1/2 inch
Oil pump: Pressure should be 35-65 psi at 2,000 RPM

CAUTION! Allow engine to cool before servicing. Use proper lifting equipment for engine removal.

Fuel System

Fuel Pump: Mechanical or electric depending on engine
Fuel Pressure: 5-7 psi (carburetor), 35-45 psi (fuel injection)
Carburetor: Holley 2-barrel or Motorcraft 2150
Fuel Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles
Fuel Lines: Steel and rubber components
Tank Capacity: 25 gallons standard
Fuel Type: Regular unleaded (87 octane)

Electrical System

Battery: 12V, 650 CCA. Alternator: 65-100 amp output. Starter: 1.4 kW.

Wiring: Color-coded harness with fusible links. Fuse panel located under dashboard.

Charging System: Test alternator output 13.5-14.5V at 2,000 RPM. Starting System: Minimum cranking voltage 9.6V. Lighting: Sealed beam headlights, replace as assembly.

Brake System

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Hydraulic system with vacuum booster.

Brake pad replacement: Minimum thickness 1/8 inch
Rotor thickness: Minimum 1.220 inches
Drum diameter: Maximum 11.090 inches
Brake fluid: DOT 3
Bleeding sequence: RR, LR, RF, LF

Tip: Always replace brake components in axle sets. Test brake system before road use.

Suspension & Steering

Front: Twin I-beam independent suspension. Rear: Leaf spring solid axle.

Ball joints: Check for play every 15,000 miles
Tie rods: Replace if movement exceeds 1/4 inch
Shock absorbers: Replace if leaking or weak damping
Alignment specs: Camber 0° to +1°, Caster +2° to +4°
Steering gear: Manual or power steering available
Wheel bearings: Repack every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Use jack stands when working under vehicle. Torque lug nuts to 100-120 ft-lbs.

Transmission

C4 3-speed automatic or T18 4-speed manual transmission options.

Fluid capacity: 10 quarts (automatic), 3.5 pints (manual)
Fluid type: Type F (automatic), 80W-90 (manual)
Band adjustment: 10 ft-lbs plus 2 turns (automatic)
Clutch: 11 inch diameter, replace if worn to rivets
Shift linkage: Adjust for proper gear engagement

CAUTION! Transmission fluid hot - allow to cool before servicing. Use proper safety equipment.

Cooling System

Radiator capacity: 18 quarts. Thermostat: 192°F opening temperature.

CAUTION! Never open radiator cap when hot. Use mixture of 50/50 coolant and water.

Safety Information

Always disconnect battery before electrical work. Use jack stands - never rely on jack alone. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Follow all environmental regulations for fluid disposal. Keep work area clean and organized.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, ignition, fuel	Check battery voltage, spark, fuel delivery
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat, water pump	Check coolant level, thermostat operation, pump flow
Brake pull	Calipers, hoses, alignment	Inspect brakes, replace stuck components
Transmission slip	Fluid level, bands, clutch	Check fluid, adjust bands, inspect clutch
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Test charging system, clean connections

Technical Support: Ford Motor Company Service Department

Parts: Genuine Ford parts recommended for optimal performance