Hi all, this is my first post on the site and sadly I joined this site due to my 5.4 F250 with 200,000 miles having many problems... It all started a few months ago, when the cam needed to be replaced, and a cam phaser was also replaced at the same time. It ran fine after, then threw a code for cylinder 3 misfire. The guy I took it to said it was due to the huge crack in the exhaust manifold and that was messing with the o2 sensor coming up as a cylinder 3 misfire. So, got the new manifold and it was good for a few weeks. Now, starting the other night, Friday the 13th, it threw a CEL when I was coming into the driveway. It had been throwing a code every once in a while, and I brought it to school to scan it Friday the 13th but there was no code. So, I assume that it is an intermittent problem, no big deal. When I go to get in my truck to go to work a few hours later, the 5.4 cranks... and cranks... and cranks. I get it to fire up, and it dies again. Run codes, and it says that the cam positioning sensor is broken. Replace both of them, still acts up ie. doesn't start when it does start it runs very rough and stalls. Get it up to my uncles shop, and replace fuel filter.. Still runs like trash. Run codes now, and it says rich/lean in bank 1.. My uncle tells me to move my truck out of the shop, so I start it up, and it runs great. No hiccups, it idles perfect as I move his truck out of the shop first. I park my truck outside and let it idle for about 10 mins, and when I come back out it is still idling, perfectly fine. I get in, put it in reverse, and get about 20 feet when it dies and will no longer start back up. Does anyone have any idea what could be going wrong?! Sick of throwing money into this thing! At one time while started up in my uncles shop, it was blowing black smoke, as if it was a diesel! Any help would be greatly appreciated, sorry about the story but I feel that the info is needed to help you all better understand my problem!

 

Anyone? Injectors were removed and engine was cranked for about 5 seconds.. Huge puddle from just 5 seconds of cranking... I'm guessing this is why it does not start most of the time... Engine is flooding itself? What would cause this?

 

Who did the cam work for you ? Reputable shop ? Ford? A Friend ?

Matt

 

A friend did it... Could it have been installed incorrectly causing it to dump too much fuel in?

 

If the cams were set up incorrectly when installed, the phasers might be moving the cams in and out of the "zone" where they work. This might explain why sometimes the engine runs fine, but other times it struggles to start. But it would not explain the black smoke.

Black smoke would indicate a rich condition. Bad O2 sensor, stuck injector, bad MAF sensor, bad temp sensor, weak ignition.....a number of things could be causing your issues.

What you need is a GOOD scanner, capable of reading PENDING CODES and reading all sensors in real time. Throwing parts at the truck in the misguided hope that you stumble upon the offending part isn't a very good strategy, unless your hobby is wasting money.

 

What do you recommend for a scanner that can do this? Is it cheaper to go with one that hooks up to a laptop?

 

I am not recommending this tool, just using it as an example.

You need something like a Mac Tools ET123 or equivalent.

Products

Why? Because it reads "Enhanced Data Stream for ABS, SRS, Transmission, and Engine"

 

Looks good to me I understand the importance of a good scanner just don't know enough about them to buy the right one. I was afraid it was going to be over $500 for one. That ones going on my wish list going to try to find one on craigslist or ebay.

 

One thing to note about the 2005 5.4 was an issue with fuel injectors failing causing too much fuel being injected as the injector is stuck wide open. I believe there was a TSB for this as well as the warranty on the injectors was extended. I believe this was only for the 2005.

 

Black smoke would point toward a stuck injector, right? Could this lead to cylinder walls getting washed and ring problems and possible hydro-lock?

I just had my '05 F250 5.4 fixed today. For 4-5 months it would bog under load. Then last week it threw a CEL. Bank 1 lean, #1 injector circut open, #1 misfire. I replaced the #1 injector and it still ran like crap. I did not have any smoke though - just way down on power. Took it to the shop and they found a broken wire going to the #1 injector. After fixing that the truck immediately ran much better. While they had the truck I had them replace the plugs. Original plugs at 10+ years and 91,000 miles. NONE OF THEM BROKE! Anyway - now it runs great. Can't wait to see if my MPG increases from the 8.2 I've been seeing...

 

I have access to a "good" scanner, what are you suggesting I look for with this scanner?