i have a hard starting long cranking condition. very bad fuel smell from exhaust. replaced plugs same condition. replaced coils n boots problem fixed for two days replaced coils again and it lastedv three days. replaced coils a third time three days later same condition setting a code for random cyl misfires rough idle fuel smell. coils? injectors? cam phasers and timing chain? its a 4.6l please help its pissing me off now

 

It could be as simple as the fuel pump module that sits just above the spare tire. These modules are known for cracking due to poor design and create problems such as you describe. Try reading these threads and see if any of them help:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-no-start.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-only-one.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...hat-is-it.html

And welcome to FTE!

 

not doubting you but i have good fuel pressure

 

i cant see three sets of coils going bad could it be a crank or cam sensor?

 

Unclear, Is the engine eventually starting and then running after the long start/crank/rough idling?

If it is starting (eventually) and running, does the engine start OK if shut down then restarted when warm? ( ...is it a cold start only problem?)

I believe you've ruled out the plugs and coils as an issue.

Can you post the code[s]?

 

It starts up. It will start back up. If it sets for a little hope. It's the long cranking. Always idles rough. The code is random cyl misfires. Hot or cold is about the same. Black smoke for a min after it starts. Stinking exhaust

 

Why does it start good for a few days after new coils

 

Sounds like an extreme rich condition, which could damage the catalytic converters. Air temperature sensor?

 

I'm not trying to randomly throw parts at it

 

did you figure it out? mine had a no start,extended cranking condition twice. first time was a fuel pump module and second was a crank sensor.

 

Unless something is killing the coils, they're probably not bad.

Could just be that they're just a little hotter at first -- which gets you running. After a couple of days, they slip slightly and you have issues.

Would be nice to see how they worked in a different truck.

But, the coils do have some issues that I've read about. They can be damaged (from what I've read) if there's metal ( especially a metal point) within a 1/4 inch or so. I would assume that the metal would have to be grounded.

What kind of exhaust smell -- not the famous rotten eggs, signalling a cat that's on it's way out, I hope.

I'm guessing that it's fuel or mechanical, but that's only a guess. Would be interesting to see the fuel trims even though it's not throwing any rich or lean codes.

Good Luck,
hj