V8 running on 4
 

Hi newbie here straight in with a problem !
I have a 98 Ford Econoline E 150 Day Van with a 5.4 V8 Triton Lump, 65000 miles , had it now for 3 years with no probs, but over the last month it has been starting every time but it is not fireing up on all cylinders (feels like 4, smooth ? )i have to keep my foot on the gas to keep it running, then after a few minuites it all fires up & runs fine until the next day when it does it all over again.
Now, for the last 4 days it will start up straight away & stay running on what seems to be only 4 pots (as long as i keep my foot on the gas) but will not fire up on all cylinders, i have tried it at all times of the day but Ziltch !! which has now put me off the road :(
Anyone have any answers ???

Cheers, Bob.

Welcome to FTE Bob :)

I've moved your question to a more specialized forum for you. You should get more answers here.
How many miles on the spark plugs and fuel filter?

I would check the fuel pressure on start-up. This can rule out a fuel pressure problem.

Cheers Racerguy, smoothest move i've ever had.

Engine has now covered 65 thou, at last service i was told plugs will not need changeing untill 100,000 miles. Just checked my service invoice & the fuel filter was not changed !!


Hi Lx , how do i check fuel pressure on start up ??
Would low pressure only cut half the cylinders ? & then after 2 to 5 mins of keeping it running with the lightest of foot skill :) all of a sudden fire up & run like a dream all day long ?

Thanks for the fast replys guys.

If you need to keep your foot on the gas to make it idle, it might be the IAC (Idle Air Control). The IAC is on top of the throttle body. You can change it in about 20 min.

Hi Joe, will check the IAC, but Its not only to keep it idleing i can rev it to full revs it will still only be running on what seems to be 4 .

Would 1 or mabe 2 of the coil packs failing cause the ecu to cut fuel to one half of the engine ????

Failing coilpacks will not cause the EEC to cut fuel-it's possible that you've got some bad COPs,COP boots,or a combination of both. It's also possible that you got other mechanical issues-spark plugs being one of them-at 60K miles-I'd bet that they really need changing.
JL

Ok people thanks alot for all your help went throu every thing i could today & it turned out to be what Joe said the IAC. Its now running like brand new, nice one. :-X03

Next week is going to get a full service plugs, fuel & air filter, oil change & filter & any thing else i can think of including a new idle air control oh & i might even give her a go faster wash 'n' polish. :D

If you are going to do plugs I'd replace the COP boots at the same time.

Will do....