Torque/engine problem? HELP!!
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From: Chesapeake USA
Torque/engine problem? HELP!!
I have a 2000 F150 with 179,000 miles, auto/4.6. Recently had a problem with the check engine light. Thanks to this site, I found the problem in the EGR ports being plugged up. Cleaned them out 7 changed the fuel filter, runs much better. Thanks!!
NOW, another problem. Just returned from a 2000 mile road trip from VA to FL to pick up my daughter from college. (Got 19-22.5 MPG) Truck seemed to run great until I would start up a long incline. At 70 -75 mph at 2100 RPM, as it got about halfway up the incline the truck would start bucking and as soon as I pushed the pedal down to give it more gas it would smooth out somewhat, but I could still feel a slight surge. On level ground and downhill it seemed to be much better, but I believe I could still detect a bit of bucking or fishbiting, though I'm not sure of that. I'm not sure if it's a torque/tranny problem or a weak injector/COP problem. I have not changed the trans. fluid in a while and I probably should do that. Any ideas out there?
One last thing...it did not get worse as the trip went on.
Thanks for any input!!
NOW, another problem. Just returned from a 2000 mile road trip from VA to FL to pick up my daughter from college. (Got 19-22.5 MPG) Truck seemed to run great until I would start up a long incline. At 70 -75 mph at 2100 RPM, as it got about halfway up the incline the truck would start bucking and as soon as I pushed the pedal down to give it more gas it would smooth out somewhat, but I could still feel a slight surge. On level ground and downhill it seemed to be much better, but I believe I could still detect a bit of bucking or fishbiting, though I'm not sure of that. I'm not sure if it's a torque/tranny problem or a weak injector/COP problem. I have not changed the trans. fluid in a while and I probably should do that. Any ideas out there?
One last thing...it did not get worse as the trip went on.
Thanks for any input!!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
Sounds like the slow increase in load and a weak spark. Start with the spark plugs and or COP boots,possibly a COP with an intermittent issue. If you have access to a code scanner-check for any stored codes-there may be codes without a CEL.
JL
JL
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OK, I took the truck to Advance Auto and they hooked up the scanner, found no stored codes. Is it possible that a weak coil/spark plug/fuel injector would not throw a code? The fellow there was really pushing Seafoam fuel additive. He is one of the older employees there and seems to be pretty sharp on the older vehicles. He mentioned the new fuel with 10% ethanol could be causing the problem.
About 30,000 miles ago I installed new Motorcraft plugs and replaced a couple of coils.
This thing has me puzzled. It runs great around town and I really did not notice a problem until the trip. However, the land is pretty much flat around here and there is not much of a way to put in under load like it was on the trip.
About 30,000 miles ago I installed new Motorcraft plugs and replaced a couple of coils.
This thing has me puzzled. It runs great around town and I really did not notice a problem until the trip. However, the land is pretty much flat around here and there is not much of a way to put in under load like it was on the trip.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by Bosaw
OK, I took the truck to Advance Auto and they hooked up the scanner, found no stored codes. Is it possible that a weak coil/spark plug/fuel injector would not throw a code? The fellow there was really pushing Seafoam fuel additive. He is one of the older employees there and seems to be pretty sharp on the older vehicles. He mentioned the new fuel with 10% ethanol could be causing the problem.
About 30,000 miles ago I installed new Motorcraft plugs and replaced a couple of coils.
This thing has me puzzled. It runs great around town and I really did not notice a problem until the trip. However, the land is pretty much flat around here and there is not much of a way to put in under load like it was on the trip.
About 30,000 miles ago I installed new Motorcraft plugs and replaced a couple of coils.
This thing has me puzzled. It runs great around town and I really did not notice a problem until the trip. However, the land is pretty much flat around here and there is not much of a way to put in under load like it was on the trip.
JL
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From: Chesapeake USA
Originally Posted by Johnny Langton
Intermittent spark issues may it be plugs,coils,etc..will not always set a code. Seafoam is not as good as those parts sales guys try to make you think it is. It's OK,and does help a bit,but nowhere near as much as they'd try to get you to believe.
JL
JL
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by Bosaw
Thanks for the reply. Here's the $10,000 question. If the intermittent plugs,coils, injectors will not throw a code, how can I test them to be sure? I know I can test the coils,but if they are breaking down under a load or are intermittent, I'm not sure I will get good test results. Is there a positive way to check these components, or should I just bite the bullet and replace everything. OUCH!!!! That hurts just thinking about that option.
I'd start with a fresh set of plugs,and I'g get a couple of COP's,and change 1 and 2.Save the old ones and mark them so you can replace them and move the 2 new ones around(3 and 4,5 and 6,etc..) until you find the offending COP(s). Might take awhile,but you'll definitely get it that way. I know where you can get the OEM COP's for around $50 each unless you have a good local hookup on them.
JL
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
The easiest way to find a misfire is to have your dealer run a cylinder power balance test. It can be done on the road, under load. The problem cylinder/s usually shows up easily.
I don't know of anyone other than a dealer that has a scan tool capable of showing cylinder power balance on these engines.
I don't know of anyone other than a dealer that has a scan tool capable of showing cylinder power balance on these engines.
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From: Chesapeake USA
Thanks again! That sounds like a plan. I'll check my local source tomorrow and I might get that info from you on the source for the COP.
Thanks again, Bob
Thanks again, Bob
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