Hl All,

This is my first time on the forum and was hoping for a helping hand on my problem. I have been working on automobile, tractor and motorcycle engines since I was 11 and have been VERY successful at it. I read through some of the posts on this forum prior to my post to gather info.

I have a '99 E250 van with the 4.2l V6, 140k miles. I've owned the van, with no issues, as part of a fleet for my now defunct electrical company (had to get a 9-5, bad economy). Anyway it has sat for about 4 years now and had a bad fuel pump, which I recently replaced and got it running again. I do recall that it began a pinging problem prior to the pump going out (wasn't gradual, just went out one day).

Ok, so when I begin acceleration, the engine clatters, quite badly. Not really dependent on RPM's, it just clatters badly on ANY acceleration. This acts as if the timing is WAY advanced and or pre-ignition, but on these engines there is no distributor to troubleshoot that. This is NOT a bad rod or top end bearing noise.

I checked the IMRC bushings and there was a missing one where the arm was disconnected from the right side. I fixed that and thought that would do the trick. No change. I don't see it moving when I accelerate and wouldn't know how to check it (i have the cover off when driving). Some say it could be the EGR valve, some say dirty MAF sensor. I have had NO "check Engine" light to pull codes from. I plan on cleaning the MAF, EGR and replacing the plugs and wires because the plugs are shot. I'm at a loss and need some direction, just to make sure I'm not barking up the wrong tree.

Also, another issue I have is the front end and steering wheel shakes like CRAZY at 50 mph. Tires are fine. Ball joints? Tie Rods? how do I check them??

Hope this is not too much to ask!!!

Thanks and Blessings!!

 

The noise could be a cracked / loose exhuast manifold or gasket issue..could also be a weak valve spring .....or burn't valve..I cant tell you from the computer...
For front end issues , check radius arm bushings / springs for wear .......Then Jack the truck up , with both wheels of the ground... for Tie rods grab tire at 3 and 9 O'clock and move it ..if it moves Tie rods are toasted..For Ball Joints put hands at 12 and 6 o'clock grab tire and try to move it..If any play at all up and down ..ball joints are toast.... It also helps if you have an assistant turn the wheel while you lay underneath the truck and look for excessive play in the steering linkage amd steering box /Pitman arm.....I also cannot stress the importance of a FACTORY manual if you intent to do your own repairs ...and a GOOD Torque wrench... And replace ball joints in pairs....

 

Thanks for your reply! I'll check the front end as you described. I have done this on other vehicles but not on the Ford Vans. Was making sure there wasn't anything odd about checking the front end on this one.

take care!

Jerry.