Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Throttle body

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 4, 2025 | 08:55 PM
  #1  
Big Horn 2's Avatar
Big Horn 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 299
Likes: 238
From: Brighton, IL
Club FTE Silver Member

Throttle body

Greetings,

I have a 2002 F150 4.2 with 265,000 on the clock. It’s not licensed and I only drove it around the farm for firewood.

It sits for great lengths. It wouldn’t start. I disconnected the fuel line and put it in a plastic bottle. It pumps good fuel with the key is turned on.

If I disconnect air intake to the throttle body, and pour some gas in it, and reconnect the air intake, it will fire right up until starving itself of the force fed fuel.

I’ve never messed with a throttle body before. If I remove it, is there something I can clean up on it, blow out passages, or something else to get in running?

I’ve thought about scrapping out the truck but it’s nice to just have a beater on the property.

Advice is welcome. I’m always working on my F350 and 7.3 power stroke and thought maybe you all could help out. Thanks!

 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2025 | 10:09 PM
  #2  
BareBonesXL's Avatar
BareBonesXL
Fleet Mechanic
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 383
From: WA
It wouldn't be a throttle body problem. The TB just controls air flow, the fuel injectors control fuel (gasoline) flow.

Is the THEFT light flashing? As I understand things the PATS (anti-theft) system on these years shut off fuel injection to stop theft. I don't know if they stop spark or not. But, either way, if the THEFT light is flashing the engine won't start. That would be the first thing to confirm.

Beside that, when it "doesn't start" do you mean it doesn't even give a pop or two? Completely dead? Or it catches a few times but won't stay running. You saw fuel flow but did not measure fuel pressure. The system needs around 35-40 psi to work right.

The 4.2 uses a really simple old early fuel injection system. It should be fixable.
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2025 | 10:32 PM
  #3  
Big Horn 2's Avatar
Big Horn 2
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 299
Likes: 238
From: Brighton, IL
Club FTE Silver Member

Right, no pop or anything. It acts like when a fuel pump is bad……I’ve replaced them on chevy 1/2 ton W/T in the tank.

No, I haven’t put a fuel pressure gage on it but fuel stream is forceful. Fills the plastic soda bottle fast!

The truck was running when I shut it off last before this issue. I know I have rodent damage so who knows.

ill check dash lights for “anti theft”

TY!

 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2025 | 06:02 AM
  #4  
RLXXI's Avatar
RLXXI
Lead Driver
Community Influencer
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 7,128
Likes: 1,945
From: Sportsman's Paradise
Originally Posted by Big Horn 2
I know I have rodent damage so who knows.
Fix THAT first, then come back if you still have issues.
 
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2025 | 08:11 AM
  #5  
manicmechanic007's Avatar
manicmechanic007
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 2,664
From: Near Salt Lake City
Club FTE Silver Member

Buy a cheap scan tool online and scan it
Test the fuel quality
Make sure you can burn a house down with the stuff
Letting the truck sit is a considerable detriment
Consider driving it once a week at least or you will constantly have problems
Make sure the battery has aove 12 volts when you do try to start it
Repeated cranking will fire the injectors and fowl the spark plugs
Consider replacing the spark plugs and see how wet with fuel (or not) the old ones are
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
05truckguy
2004 - 2008 F150
34
Feb 19, 2011 12:40 PM
dirtmonkey11
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
4
Jan 31, 2010 05:38 PM
JakeTheSnake
Performance & General Engine Building
5
Sep 7, 2006 02:51 AM
JAYW
1997 - 2003 F150
1
Feb 23, 2005 04:59 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:35 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE