Rough running truck when accelerating
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Rough running truck when accelerating
Hey guys
I have a 1998 F150 4.6 2wd regular cab with 255,000 miles on it. Lately it has had some problems. The first is that it will run really rough when under a load, meaning when I step on the gas. It runs smooth at idle and at cruise but when I step on the accelerator it bogs way down and almost shuts off. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs and fuel filter. Now I'm thinking maybe fuel pump? Any suggestions??
The other issue is that when the truck is having to work a little harder (i.e. pulling a trailer or running in the summer with the AC on) it will start to run hot. I have changed the thermostat, flushed the coolant, cleaned out the radiator, etc. and it still does it.
Could both of my issues be related to a fuel problem??
Thanks in advance guys
I have a 1998 F150 4.6 2wd regular cab with 255,000 miles on it. Lately it has had some problems. The first is that it will run really rough when under a load, meaning when I step on the gas. It runs smooth at idle and at cruise but when I step on the accelerator it bogs way down and almost shuts off. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs and fuel filter. Now I'm thinking maybe fuel pump? Any suggestions??
The other issue is that when the truck is having to work a little harder (i.e. pulling a trailer or running in the summer with the AC on) it will start to run hot. I have changed the thermostat, flushed the coolant, cleaned out the radiator, etc. and it still does it.
Could both of my issues be related to a fuel problem??
Thanks in advance guys
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 9
From: NE Iowa JD Country
Hey guys
I have a 1998 F150 4.6 2wd regular cab with 255,000 miles on it. Lately it has had some problems. The first is that it will run really rough when under a load, meaning when I step on the gas. It runs smooth at idle and at cruise but when I step on the accelerator it bogs way down and almost shuts off. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs and fuel filter. Now I'm thinking maybe fuel pump? Any suggestions??
The other issue is that when the truck is having to work a little harder (i.e. pulling a trailer or running in the summer with the AC on) it will start to run hot. I have changed the thermostat, flushed the coolant, cleaned out the radiator, etc. and it still does it.
Could both of my issues be related to a fuel problem??
Thanks in advance guys
I have a 1998 F150 4.6 2wd regular cab with 255,000 miles on it. Lately it has had some problems. The first is that it will run really rough when under a load, meaning when I step on the gas. It runs smooth at idle and at cruise but when I step on the accelerator it bogs way down and almost shuts off. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs and fuel filter. Now I'm thinking maybe fuel pump? Any suggestions??
The other issue is that when the truck is having to work a little harder (i.e. pulling a trailer or running in the summer with the AC on) it will start to run hot. I have changed the thermostat, flushed the coolant, cleaned out the radiator, etc. and it still does it.
Could both of my issues be related to a fuel problem??
Thanks in advance guys
Cycle the key on and off a few times when testing the fuel pressure...watch to see if the pressure slowly rises.
but on a simpler note.... did ya ever change the air filter?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 9
From: NE Iowa JD Country
How to clean the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) in a Ford F150
Part 1 -How to Clean the MAF Sensor (Ford 4.2L, 4.6L, 5.4L).
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 0
From: Great Falls, Montana
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Alright, so I got the coil packs and plugs (auto lite platinums) tested. Everything was good. Fuel pressure tested good as well. My number 4 plug wire was popping off, so I took a pair of pliers and crimped it down slightly. I also cleaned my mass air flow censor. What a difference that made! I took mine all the way out before cleaning it but probably could have just cleaned it without taking it out. Simple and cheap fix but made a big difference. Time will tell if it cures my other problem of overheating when under a load, but it sure made it run smoother. Thanks for the help guys.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I just wanted to ask a quick question. I have heard before that you cant clean the mass air flow sensors while the engines warm or has been ran. I have heard the engine has to have been sitting for several hours before you can clean it. Is this true ? I don't mean to ask this on your thread but I would really like to know so I can clean mine very soon
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 544
Likes: 2
I just wanted to ask a quick question. I have heard before that you cant clean the mass air flow sensors while the engines warm or has been ran. I have heard the engine has to have been sitting for several hours before you can clean it. Is this true ? I don't mean to ask this on your thread but I would really like to know so I can clean mine very soon
There is a small heated element that might be a problem but should cool rather quickly
I have cleaned them right after a hesitation diagnoses and have never had a problem
Maybe someone else will chime in
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Uncle Al
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
10
May 10, 2016 09:19 PM
McDonous
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Oct 22, 2011 08:43 PM
frenchb85
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Apr 25, 2011 10:44 AM