New FICM
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: Fallon,NV
I recently had my FICM updated by Innovative Diesel and I too noticed a change in smell, it was somewhat stronger. Then I took my cousin to lunch two weeks ago and he complained so much that I went and bought Cinnamon oil and poured some in my tank. Now it smells much better and hopefully he'll shut up about it. I figured that it was either the new FICM tune or the Stanadyne additive that I've gone back to.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: Fallon,NV
Um, I doubt there are any lubrication benefits to using the cinnamon oil ( I still added the motorcraft cetane booster for that), I just used it solely for ridding the strong, rancid smell. It was so expensive that I added maybe 1-2 oz for the tank. If I could find it cheaper, I'd put more. But at $7/ 2 oz bottle, I figured that had to suffice. If you're using the 2-stroke lube for the injectors, stick with that since it will be much cheaper.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
Um, I doubt there are any lubrication benefits to using the cinnamon oil ( I still added the motorcraft cetane booster for that), I just used it solely for ridding the strong, rancid smell. It was so expensive that I added maybe 1-2 oz for the tank. If I could find it cheaper, I'd put more. But at $7/ 2 oz bottle, I figured that had to suffice. If you're using the 2-stroke lube for the injectors, stick with that since it will be much cheaper.
I don't know about the $7 for a 2 oz. bottle, but I buy the 1 gallon container from Ford for about $37. Thats about 29 cents an oz.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
From: Fallon,NV
I only did the cinnamon oil once to try and alleviate the unusually strong exhaust smell. Weird idea, I know.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 813
Likes: 6
From: Up Nort Minnesota
My ficm was just changed too, different smell for me too. like.... rich smelling.
and my MPG is in the toilet.
latest flash.
I'm not happy.
and my MPG is in the toilet.
latest flash.
I'm not happy.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
What was the MPG prior to the new FICM vs now?
Resident smarta$$
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 9
From: Oaks,PA
Mine is at Ford right now. They called me at 2:30 to say the aftermarket warranty company I have is OK'ing $130 towards a new alternator, said they found one online reman for that price and thats all they would pay towards it. Dealer didn't have one in stock but will have one tomorrow a.m. and then they can see if the FICM is bad. Also said #6 and 8 injectors were "dropping out" but they said it could all be due to the bad alt. I tested it when I tested the FICM last Sat and it was putting out 14.1, he said it was only at 11.7. This bill feels like a whopper, I better grab my ankles! 
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
Mine is at the Ford dealer also but not for running issues. If you look at all those ceder trees in my picture, one of them tattooed my right fender back in the summer while I weave in reverse left and right so I can back in my side yard to wash the truck. I guess I forgot about one of them. Oh well it's only $485. + a rental car for 3 days.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
D8, how can they test the injectors without knowing if the ficm is good or bad first? Mine wouldnt start this am 22volts, thankfully it was at the mechanic. New ficm, then tested the injectors 2 not fireing 100percent till fully at operating temp. My guy told me they could fail tomorrow or next year but wont hurt to drive as is for now, also stated cost for labor is the same to replace all 4 at same time on that side. Oh and happy to report smells better starts fast, idels fine no more lope and chug, quieter,no white smoke and once the temp is up the pedal responce is night and day with new ficm.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
Im not a tech FAR from it but I would consider asking that question .After having severall face to face conversations with the tech I used. I asked a bunch of questions I knew the answer to and watched his eyes. LOL Ya I dont trust to many people character flaw I guess. But at 260 a pop I would mess with em a little so I could feel I got somthing out of it.