Im having a few issues with my new to me 1996 F250 XL 5.8L. I bought it to use as a plow truck but I am having a few issues I would like to work out. The truck has 108,000 miles on it and I know almost no history on it.

The first issue, I seem to have a misfire that is only apparent at low RPM's and when dropping into OD or lower RPM driving around 30 mph. I had a strong smell of raw gas in the exhaust and very very poor MPG, almost 1/2 tank to go 30 miles I replaced the Fuel Pressure Reg this evening and it seemed to clear up some of the nasty exhaust smell but the miss is still there. I have a CEL that will come and go but I have no clue how to pull codes from it. (Build date 11-95)

The second issue is while the truck is up to temp I can see into the junk converter and I can see red hot glowing spots. I know this is related to the above but I am at a loss. I don't want to keep throwing parts at it, just fix it. The PO said he did plugs, cap, wires etc but I always take that with a grain of salt. I think I am going to pull the cap tomorrow and from what I have read there should be a 1 stamped on the distributor where the rotor should be aligned to? Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks!

 

Not sure what a junk converter is but if it is either the catalytic converter, exhaust manifold or other part of the exhaust plumbing, hots spots are usually a sign of fuel burning in the exhaust and not in the combustion chamber. Because you said the previous owner worked on the cap, wires etc he very first thing I'd check is the firing order. It is likely printed on your radiator support frame.