I have a 1995 Ford F150 with 351 5.8L. When I crank the truck it doesn't idle right, when I give it a little gas it hesitates, and feels like it has no power in drive. Black smoke and liquid (not sure if it is gas or water) comes from the tailpipe. I've already replaced the fuel filter and the fuel pump seems to be working fine. I'm wondering if it is the EGR valve or something.

Anyone have any suggestions? Anything would be appreciated!

 

Sounds more like a bad Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR).
Pull off the vacuum line on top of the FPR and turn the key on and off with a cold engine. If any fuel comes out of the nipple on top it is bad.

 

Thanks, but I just tried that and no fuel came out...so I still don't know what's wrong

 

You need to run the self-test and see what codes you have.
Post if they are KOEO, CM or EOER codes.
If you do not know how go to the link below.
Ford Fuel Injection » How To Run a Self-Test

If no codes you may have a bad TPS.

 

Sorry to revive a very old post, but I have the exact same issues. I have a '95 F150 4.9L EFI with E40D. Experiencing the same issues as above. Sluggish after it warms up. Hard to get it over 30-40 without really giving it gas. Hard start, hesitates when accelerating. Codes I get are the following:
KOEO
Tested 111 with CM codes of
181 - (Trucks ONLY): HEGO (HO2S) sensor fault unable to switch / lean during part throttle
327 - EVP/EPT circuit below minimum voltage

KOER
Tested the 6 Cyl with codes of
172 - HEGO (HO2S) sensor fault/lean
412 - Cannot control RPM during KOER high RPM check

The EGR looks to be working properly when you give it gas. Checked all the vacuum lines. Cleaned all the connectors on sensors just for the heck of it. Only thing I've done different recently was replace the transmission cooler lines. My first guess is it's the EGR valve that's clogged/dirty maybe or HEGO Sensor is dirty/bad. Any opinions/suggestions?

 

In a post yesterday, a user had very similar symptoms you have. I think the key code is the 412. A very expert user said the issue was the throttle position sensor. TPS.
Here are some common symptoms of a bad or failing throttle position sensor to watch for:

• Car won't accelerate, lacks power when accelerating, or accelerates itself. ...
• Engine won't idle smoothly, idles too slowly, or stalls. ...
• Car accelerates, but won't exceed a relatively low speed, or shift up.

 

Sounds like the new op should start with fuel pressure

 

I tried the test SubFord mentioned above on the FPR.

Edit....
So i took a picture of the TPS so i could find a match at the auto parts store and lo and behold, what do I find?
I'm missing a screw!

 

While I am certainly not disagreeing with you I am Just trying to widen my knowledge base. What is it you detect in his symptoms that would cause low fuel pressure? Sandy

 

it has just as much to do with "order of operations" as it does an evaluation of his symptoms. Fuel pressure tests are so easy that it should be checked, along with codes, before going into testing everything *****-nilly.

Symptoms that I'd want a fuel pressure test to shed some light on: hesitation and lean primarily.

 

Great. Thanks for the additional help. Sandy

 

You got it!