Engine Idles rough/stumbles

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Sep 23, 2000 | 03:15 AM

#31

MARC

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From: Sonoita

Engine Idles rough/stumbles

POSSIBLY TRY AND SEE IF THE HARMONIC BALANCER IS WORN OUT.. MY 91 WITH 351-W WOULD STUMBLE AND IDLE REALLY ROUGH DUE TO THE COUNTERBALANCE ON THE BALANCER ROTATING OUT OF LINE

Sep 24, 2000 | 12:07 AM

#32

gustakeout

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

How is the ignition system on your truck?
I used a timing light on each of the wires on my truck and noticed a definate pause in the flashing on some of them at idle. I just put new plugs in so I think it's time for new wires . seems like they're only good for 2 years or so.
Maybe replace cap and rotor too.
Anybody,
What are some of the better brand of ignition wires ? you know , the ones that make a definate click when connected to the plug correctly , and last longer than 2 years.
John..
1993 F150 4.9 E4OD 2WD

Sep 24, 2000 | 09:08 AM

#33

hanar

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Did you check the timing chain and gear?

Sep 24, 2000 | 12:57 PM

#34

jeaniebear

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Have you taken it in to a dealer? I have an F-150 Lariat 1990 with 85, miles on it and it just stopped running. Had it towed to a dealer and he replaced about what you have done, but it still stops. Just recently took it to another dealer and he said it was a corroded coil wire. Replaced it and it ran fine for 2 days then just stopped. Had it towed again to the new dealer and they said they have to order new test equipment because the computer they put it on says the truck is fine, but it won't run for 2 min without stopping. They even tested the dual fuel pumps. I am waiting to see what the outcome is. May have to trade for a Chevrolet. There is a stink too about the TFI module installed in the models from 83 to 95. The module is mounded on the distributor near the engine block, where it is exposed to high temperatures. My ford dealer says no problem, but I am suspicious.

Sep 24, 2000 | 01:44 PM

#35

Guy

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Yes i brought it to the dealer and I may just have well brougth it to some guy walking down the street and he could have done better. The TFI module on my truck is remotely mounted (on the driver side fender). I am not sure what year they started to do this. I tested my ignition system and it checks out as per procedure in the Haynes.

Thanks ....Guy

'92 F150 XL 4x4, 5.0L AOD, Headers, K&N Air Filter, 3.55 Gears, 31x10.5x15 Tires.

Sep 24, 2000 | 01:49 PM

#36

Guy

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

I did not figure I had to check the timing since the timing is right on and there is no backfiring of pinging. Before the idle starts to swing and sputter the engine runs smooth. If the radio was on you probably couldn't tell it was running!

'92 F150 XL 4x4, 5.0L AOD, Headers, K&N Air Filter, 3.55 Gears, 31x10.5x15 Tires.

Sep 24, 2000 | 01:56 PM

#37

Guy

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Gustakeout, I spent a day going through all the connections of the ignition system and it checks out fine. I just replaced my wires with Accel wires although I did not notice any difference form my 3 year old regular wires. I think wires can last more than 3 years if they are routed properly, ie away from extreme heat.

'92 F150 XL 4x4, 5.0L AOD, Headers, K&N Air Filter, 3.55 Gears, 31x10.5x15 Tires.

Sep 24, 2000 | 02:07 PM

#38

Guy

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

I have a description of my idling problem and if this makes any sense to you lplease tell me what you think might be wrong. Start the truck, drive down the road, get to a stop and idle will start to swing, engine stumbles and strugles to stay running. I'll put it into neutral and problem persists, apply light gas pedal pressure thinking it will go away but it's like there is a choke on or something(although it's fuel injected) sputters some more and then it clears up, idle goes up without any extra pressure being applied to the gas pedal. Problem returns at next set of lights. I don't know!!

Guy

'92 F150 XL 4x4, 5.0L AOD, Headers, K&N Air Filter, 3.55 Gears, 31x10.5x15 Tires.

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Sep 24, 2000 | 08:21 PM

#39

snowy8160

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

I have a 1993 F150 2 wd with e4od transmission started to run rough the check engine lite came on while trying to get home the front seal on trannie started to leak bad the TCP WHEN OUT A BLEW THE FRONT SEAL ON TRANNIE I KNOW OF A 97 F150 THAT HAS SAME PROMB WATCH DRIVEING IT WILL COST ANY WHERE FROM $850 TO $3700 DOLLARS TO HAV RE BUILT OR REPLACED

Sep 25, 2000 | 12:55 AM

#40

gustakeout

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Have you checked for an exhaust leak somewhere around the O2 sensor. It could fool the sensor into adjusting rich . Just a thought.

Sep 25, 2000 | 08:06 AM

#41

braddotcom

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Have you recently replaced the battery? Sounds weird I know but on '87 F-150's you'd lose the idle settings in memory when you removed the battery and you would have to have it "relearn" the proper idle speed.

Sep 28, 2000 | 08:43 PM

#42

Guy

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Thanks to everybody's input into this problem I have had for almost a year. I figured out what was wrong with the idling of my engine. I reinstalled the original o2 sensor for the heck of it and that did it. It's been 4 days of driving and the engine is running normally with an abundance of power. Gas mileage has gone up 50% too. I can just say that this web site is a very informative resource and in my opinion, if allowed, puts to shame all the dealings with the Ford dealership i have had here in my home town. They said I neede a new PCM!!

Fuel injection is a little tricky to diagnose but if you have a bunch of spare sensors, tools, and PCMs like I have, and spent a thousand bucks canadian, (2 or 3 us dollars) you're bound to find the problem. Thanks

Guy

'92 F150 XL 4x4, 5.0L AOD, Headers, K&N Air Filter, 3.55 Gears, 31x10.5x15 Tires.

Sep 29, 2000 | 11:29 AM

#43

jeaniebear

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Well, fixed the problem of my 1990 F150 Lariat, traded it in for a new explorer. Bought a 72,000 mile warranty, should last me for another 10 years.

Sep 29, 2000 | 11:57 AM

#44

gustakeout

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Engine Idles rough/stumbles

Guy,
I'm very suspicious of these dealers and incompetence abounds in this industry.

Personally I think an independent tech with the right equiptment ( and knowledge to use it)would have solved the problem a long time ago.
The Problem is finding a tech like that.
glad to see the problem is solved.
John..