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Engine stumble

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Old Jun 21, 2020 | 10:52 PM
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Engine stumble

my 95 f150 5.0 is stumbling under load. runs fine otherwise but climb a slight grade with a load on it and it starts to stumble.
has anyone had this problem? what was your experience?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2020 | 07:34 AM
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When it is under load and stumbling, if you press down on the gas harder, does it make it worse?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2020 | 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jas88
When it is under load and stumbling, if you press down on the gas harder, does it make it worse?
Yea, slightly worse but not much difference. Did you have a similar problem? This is a low mileage truck...108000 original miles. I bought it new and have never parted with it. Its been a good truck with a few problems over the years, but that is to be expected.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 08:18 AM
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fuel pressure at idle, fuel filter changed, last tune up, checked for codes with truck at operating temp, even if CEL isnt on, could have stored codes
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 08:48 AM
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If it gets worse, that indicates fuel delivery to me. Have you changed the fuel filter?
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 09:23 AM
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I had that exact problem on my '91 5.8 (140k). Unfortunately I changed a few things at the same time so I solved the problem without pinpointing the exact problem (never the best thing). I suspected the PiP sensor and as it was as inexpensive to change the distributor as the parts I did that. Of course I got a new PiP sensor and ICM with the distributor. I also re-set the timing. I would start by re-checking the obvious - fuel pressure, vacuum lines, plug wires etc. Codes of course. I think some diagnostic testers can check the PiP sensor if you have access to a shop that has the right one.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 09:28 AM
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Could be starving for fuel. Clogged sock, clogged filter, marginal pumps, bad regulator, clogged injectors....Or could be leaning out to various vacuum leaks
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 10:13 AM
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I changed the fuel filter approximately 20,000 miles ago. Probably should do it again although this should be done every 50,000 I believe.
It does have the original pumps and the fuel pressure was about 32 psi and like 38 psi running. (both tanks tested)
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 10:26 AM
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Does the needle drop sharply when punching the throttle? Does pressure drop under load? Really the way to do this pull codes, compression check, fuel pressure check, check timing, read manifold vacuum, smoke test for vacuum leaks. If that doesn't work you then begin component level testing with volt-ohm meter, plug wire resistance, TPS, IAC, CTS, IAT, keep going then you look for signal coming from PIP.

A bit of work but that is the right way to go about it. If you are more inclined to throw parts at it, The PIP commonly causes stumbling under load until it dies completely. Mine was so bad people were telling me the transmission was shot.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by jackietreehorn
Does the needle drop sharply when punching the throttle? Does pressure drop under load? Really the way to do this pull codes, compression check, fuel pressure check, check timing, read manifold vacuum, smoke test for vacuum leaks. If that doesn't work you then begin component level testing with volt-ohm meter, plug wire resistance, TPS, IAC, CTS, IAT, keep going then you look for signal coming from PIP.

A bit of work but that is the right way to go about it. If you are more inclined to throw parts at it, The PIP commonly causes stumbling under load until it dies completely. Mine was so bad people were telling me the transmission was shot.
Perfect advice. I ended up changing my distributor, without proving the PiP was faulty, as it was suspect circumstantially. It was $70 or so and included the PiP and the ICM. Bear in mind that if you do go for the PiP replacement it has to be pressed off the distributor shaft if it's the same as the 5.8. Someone can clarify. Worth doing after 25 years.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 03:46 PM
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MikeyMikeymike,

Not sure you saw my Thread post yesterday about the same problem you're encountering, so I'll quote on this post.
"Resolved my former stumble. My problem was a bad fuel filter, which I kind of suspected from the beginning. As I mentioned last month (May) I changed the normal tune-up components (spark plugs, Plug wires, Distributor Cap and Rotor) in preparation for the first fishing trip of the 2020 season. I had to store the truck while having a two truck garage built, truck had about 12 plus months of old gas in the tanks and for whatever reason I didn't add a fuel stabilizer, probably because from the on-set of storing the truck, I didn't expect it would 12 months. Incurred 12 months storage duration mainly because my City is difficult to get building plans approved (took three sets of plans revisions). So my problem was a bad fuel filter.
I checked out from work our fuel system test kit and at idle it read 30 PSI, at 1,200 RPMs it read 30 PSI and at 2,000 RPMs it read 31 PSI, which re-enforced my thinking of a semi-clogged fuel filter".
Hope yours is an easy detect and fix problem. I drove my truck into work today, first time since acquiring it back in December 2008 (it's not my daily driver), want to ensure It running without any lingering issues before heading back up to the mountains fishing next month.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 08:04 PM
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I should add I just recently went through this with a 95 chevy. The tank was so nasty that it clogged a brand new sock filter in a week. Assume nothing about your filters.
 
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Old Jun 23, 2020 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by EQCMCAT
MikeyMikeymike,

Not sure you saw my Thread post yesterday about the same problem you're encountering, so I'll quote on this post.
"Resolved my former stumble. My problem was a bad fuel filter, which I kind of suspected from the beginning. As I mentioned last month (May) I changed the normal tune-up components (spark plugs, Plug wires, Distributor Cap and Rotor) in preparation for the first fishing trip of the 2020 season. I had to store the truck while having a two truck garage built, truck had about 12 plus months of old gas in the tanks and for whatever reason I didn't add a fuel stabilizer, probably because from the on-set of storing the truck, I didn't expect it would 12 months. Incurred 12 months storage duration mainly because my City is difficult to get building plans approved (took three sets of plans revisions). So my problem was a bad fuel filter.
I checked out from work our fuel system test kit and at idle it read 30 PSI, at 1,200 RPMs it read 30 PSI and at 2,000 RPMs it read 31 PSI, which re-enforced my thinking of a semi-clogged fuel filter".
Hope yours is an easy detect and fix problem. I drove my truck into work today, first time since acquiring it back in December 2008 (it's not my daily driver), want to ensure It running without any lingering issues before heading back up to the mountains fishing next month.
Okay thanks for your feedback. I changed the filter about 20,000 miles ago but i'll change it again. I will also change the
fuel pressure regulator as it is the original and, after 25 years may be worn out although i did not detect any gas when the vacuum
line was disconnected. It figures i'd have this problem while on a vacation out of town. Will do these items when I get back home.
Hopefully I won't be on the side of the interstate waiting for a tow!
 
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