Rough running truck when accelerating
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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
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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).
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From: Great Falls, Montana
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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.
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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
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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
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