Need some help... While driving down the road 60 mph, my X hesitated/bucked once then the motor quit... Luckily I was able to pull over to the side of the road. Tried to restart... The 6.8 turned over but didn't start. I turned it off, sat about a minute, it started no issues.

Same thing happened again except this time I smelled an electric component smell... Like after running a new computer... before the motor quit.

The check engine light is not lighting up when the issue happens. No codes.

The issue has happened 3 more times. Twice, minutes between episodes... another time, 150 miles between episodes. All times I smelled "the smell" just before it quit.

Will the PCM (computer brains of the X) shut down if it overheats due to an issue... Thus the computer component smell.

I have been trying to do a search... What is the exact name of the computer brain in a 6.8?? What does it take to swap in a new one?? I have read that the PATS system is effected if changing out the brains (PCM).

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue more than a PCM issue. I think a fuel pressure check is in order first. Hook up a gauge to the schrader valve on the fuel rail and see what happens.

When was the fuel filter changed last?

 

"Great minds think alike"... Lol

Changed the filter yesterday... X stalled out again this morning. I don't have a fuel pressure gauge.

The "electronic smell" that occurs right before the stalling has me puzzled.

 

This sounds like the fuel pump might be dying on you.

 

Classic symptoms of a dying fuel pump, good to check that fuel pressure.

 

I disagree, I think the fuel pump is probably going out... wait... nevermind.

 

Have you tried tapping the tank with a rubber mallet to see if it will start after.

 

Fuel pump is easy. 2 guys 4 bolts and an hour its out new in and bolting back up. Only hard part is the filer neck. Its a pain.

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12782162

 

Thanks Sean!

I believe I'll be doing this soon.

It sure is nice to be in a group that helps each other out. I know that when I spent a lot of time on here (when my sons were much younger) I really enjoyed trying to help people out when I could. Especially regarding factory 20's on our X's, replacing ball joints and air horn installs.

Karma is a good thing!

 

Just an FYI, when I did my fuel pump replacement I was able to just remove the 3 screws on the filler neck right at the gas cap, from there I was able to carefully thread the filler neck between the floor and frame rail as I lowered the tank. I have read reports from others on what a pain it was get the hoses on and off the filler neck, so I figured I try to avoid the extra headache and it worked out well.
Also be sure to order the correct pump, my EX has no markings or stickers identifying it as being Cali compliant, so I got the regular pump. Turns out my rig is a Cali compliant unit (3rd O2 sensor after cat) and the fuel pump (complete assembly) is different as it has a vapor pressure sensor built into it, returning the first pump for the correct one extended my repair a little, otherwise it a pretty straight forward job.
Good luck!

 

Thanks Tom. I got both assemblies from Amazon... Will return the one I don't use.

Regarding the filler neck... I may try your method. Thanks again.

Reps to you. (As to all who have replied to my thread.)

 

Was NOT the fuel pump. Finally got the opportunity to switch out the fuel pump... The fill tubes were a challenge.

Well, job was done, refilled with fuel, started right up no issues.

Same stalling out issue... Once again, I smelled that computer component smell right before it stalled out... That smell has me puzzled

Going to take it to my mechanic... Hopefully he'll find the problem.

I still think it has something to do with the PCM (the computer brains).

Any other thoughts from the membership???

 

Interesting about the fuel pump not changing it. Do you have a scanner or scan gauge? A way to look up pending codes or live data may help.

 

A burnt smell shouldn't be hard to track down. Follow your nose! Sniff the steering column so as to rule out shorted wiring there like an aftermarket alarm or something.