Rough idle when engine is warm
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New User
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Rough idle when engine is warm
First, I'm not a mechanic. I purchased an '08 F150 about 6 months ago, and have a problem that two mechanics haven't been able to solve. The truck has a 5.4L engine. Unfortunately, I bought from an auction and the 30 day warranty expired before I realized the problem.
After a longer drive (30 minutes to work) the engine is warm, and I always back into my parking spot or driveway. In low gear, it begins to idle very rough and the engine shakes. If I leave it long enough, it will stall. Usually I pop it into neutral, give it some gas, and its fine. I just bought a camper trailer, so I'll need to use the lower gear when backing up.
So far, the engine has been flushed twice, the solenoid replaced and phaser replaced. The second mechanic has recommended I contact a dealer, but haven't had luck with them with my previous Explorer.
Any thoughts on what it could be? I will be getting the diagnostic paperwork this week.
After a longer drive (30 minutes to work) the engine is warm, and I always back into my parking spot or driveway. In low gear, it begins to idle very rough and the engine shakes. If I leave it long enough, it will stall. Usually I pop it into neutral, give it some gas, and its fine. I just bought a camper trailer, so I'll need to use the lower gear when backing up.
So far, the engine has been flushed twice, the solenoid replaced and phaser replaced. The second mechanic has recommended I contact a dealer, but haven't had luck with them with my previous Explorer.
Any thoughts on what it could be? I will be getting the diagnostic paperwork this week.
New User
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I have a 2007 F-150 with a 5.4 doing the exact same thing. 2 ford dealers and 2 seperate mechanics and it isnt resolved. just finished changing the entire timing assembly... I need help too. I have spent well over $6000 and still nothing is fixed... cam phasers seemed to be working fine.. HELP!!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Henrico, VA
I am at a lost guys you really haven't provided enough information for anyone here to give you anything we would all be taking shots in the dark.
I also think doing the phasers was the wrong route to go as both of your trucks should not of had phaser issues. Anyway if the guys have not already start checking out the intake system, the spark plugs, COP's, and injectors. I am not saying these are your issue but with what we have I would look that way next.
I also think doing the phasers was the wrong route to go as both of your trucks should not of had phaser issues. Anyway if the guys have not already start checking out the intake system, the spark plugs, COP's, and injectors. I am not saying these are your issue but with what we have I would look that way next.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,743
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From: Henrico, VA
I have a 2007 F-150 with a 5.4 doing the exact same thing. 2 ford dealers and 2 seperate mechanics and it isnt resolved. just finished changing the entire timing assembly... I need help too. I have spent well over $6000 and still nothing is fixed... cam phasers seemed to be working fine.. HELP!!How many miles are on your truck so far?
New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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I have around 130000 on mine, started this about 80000... I am at wits end... I have changed injectors, cop's, all timing parts, vct solenoids, cam position sensors, still same thing. I just unplugged the cam pos. sensors and it won't do it... Will that hurt anything?? Saw to do that on another post and can't find it now.
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What other information do you need. I can get as detailed as you want. After it warms up in an idle it sounds like the timing chains are beating the front cover off and will die. That is why i changed all the timing parts in it. 1 tensioner was seized and a guide was broke. but with all new parts it is the same exact thing!! i am so lost i don't even know what to do other than trade.
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As I mentioned in my first post, I'm not a mechanic, so I don't want to get screwed when I have someone working on it. I was hoping someone had similar issues, and could point me in a direction.
I was speaking with someone today, who mentioned block oil pressure (I think). I'll get more details, and post tomorrow.
I was speaking with someone today, who mentioned block oil pressure (I think). I'll get more details, and post tomorrow.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 26,106
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From: Near Cal. Avenue
1st do a vacuum manifold test. Make sure the manifold has good vacuum. Then do a compression test. See if all cylinders have even good compression. A leak down test will tell you if a cylinder has a valve bad or rings bad. Check all your vacuum hoses for cracks or one that has come off. This sounds like a very simple problem, or this sounds like a very bad problem. Your freeze frame data from 43 frames will tell a lot about the operating systems. You may have a bad MAF or air temp sender. Most of this will throw codes along with not functioning well on the PID's. Check the temperature of your cats. They should be very hot, a cooler one would be partially plugged. Again your running data from your OBD II, can save you mucho Bucks. The OBD II will offer up many pages of running info and freeze frames. The freeze frames from the times it idles rough should show the PIDS areas of malf when compaired with the times it idles smooth. Even the O2's will affect it by not changing the fuel system from closed to open cycle. What does the engine oil pressure look like?
