Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Code 181

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 06:46 PM
  #1  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Code 181

Here's what we are working on :
91 F250 4.9 4wd 5spd ZF , 3.55's

Getting the occasional check engine light , codes are 111 and 181 with the KOEO test. Truck runs great cold start or hot. This started after an hour drive on the highway several days ago , happened when I pulled off the exit ramp just about the time I got to the light. Now doing the same thing in city driving when I get to a traffic light, all vacuum lines are new , including the juice can , can't find any obvious problems , thinking I throw a exhaust sensor at it. Any idea's or follow the plan and go with new sensor ?

Thanks ,

Volks
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2010 | 10:33 PM
  #2  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
181 is a Lean Condition...Check fuel pressure,vacuum leaks and air induction leaks..How many miles on HEGO Sensor?
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2010 | 10:29 PM
  #3  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Today I replaced the hego , looked to be the original anyway. Still have the now and then check light , only code present is 181. My fuel pressure gauge has apparently disappeared , so tomorrow I will get another gauge and a FPR while I am at the parts house. Looked high and low for a vacuum leak , can't find anything , and I have sprayed every possible place with cleaner to see if the engine speeds up and it does not. all vacuum lines are new , including the juice can. The truck runs great hot or cold , load or no load , this one has me going in circles. Any ideas ??
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 10:29 PM
  #4  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I have now replaced the FPR and the ECT , checked fuel pressure from both tanks , all is within spec , still getting that darn ck lite. My next move is to pull the throttle body and IAC , clean them up and replace the gaskets. Still have yet to find any vacuum leaks , and the gauge shows 21" at idle. Only other idea I have is maybe the canister purge solenoid is stuck open ?? Going to check that tomorrow morning. Anyone ever have the CANP solenoid go bad ??
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 10:38 PM
  #5  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
21 psi is not enough pressure..On 92 4.9liter pressure should be 50 to 60 engine not running...45 to 60 engine running with FPR Vacuum hose connected..The pressure should increase 5 to 10 psi with engine on and Vacuum hose diconnected..I am suprised it is running well or is it?
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 10:39 PM
  #6  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
The HEGO Sensor is doing its job..
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 10:40 PM
  #7  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
I think i read your post wrong,you ment 21 inchs Merc ?
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 10:41 PM
  #8  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by trvcampbe
21 psi is not enough pressure..On 92 4.9liter pressure should be 50 to 60 engine not running...45 to 60 engine running with FPR Vacuum hose connected..The pressure should increase 5 to 10 psi with engine on and Vacuum hose diconnected..I am suprised it is running well or is it?
vacuum was 21" ,fuel pressure was over 55 either pump , sorry for the confusion !
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 11:06 PM
  #9  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
I cant picture that setup..Should be Speed Density..Check the Egr system,cracked egr pipe,egr seating all the way ect..Connect fuel pressure gauge and verify it can hold good pressure--Turn key on and off a couple times without starting engine does it hold for at least 60 seconds?..Also check specs on Map/Baro Sensor if equiped..Check voltage to battery ground at any two injectors,make sure they are the same...
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 11:10 PM
  #10  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
Also check canister purge solenoid for stuck closed condition..Check that the PCV valve is operable..
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 11:13 PM
  #11  
trvcampbe's Avatar
trvcampbe
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
Well thats all i can think of tonight..Its after midnight in Fla..Gotta change a heater core on 97 town car tomorrow,gonna be a long day..Good luck..
 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2010 | 11:35 PM
  #12  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
All egr related componets are new/last fall. Just replaced the MAP sensor a couple of weeks ago. Complete tune up last fall , all motorcraft stuff , including the pcv valve. Has to be a vacuum leak somewhere , the brake booster vacuum line and the pcv line are the only 2 remaining original lines. going to pull them in the morning and check them out. Could it be ??? naw , I never get that lucky !! Lol ! Thanks for the input ! Going to check the CANP solenoid also tomorrow
 
Reply
Old Mar 4, 2010 | 10:23 PM
  #13  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
The CANP solenoid tested good , checked and rechecked for vacuum leaks , snugged any bolt I could find intake related , didn't help , then I got to wondering if maybe the IAC might be sticking sometimes , well I put a new one on today , haven't seen a check light since , but I have only driven it back and forth to work , no more than a 50 mile round trip.
 
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2010 | 07:06 AM
  #14  
volks's Avatar
volks
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
And the Winner Is ...

The throttle body base gasket. I finally had a day off and decent weather outside , so I pulled the throttle body to clean it up. Upon removal I discovered the gasket had disintegrated from the inside. That explains why it didn't show up on my spray test when kooking for vacuum leaks. Cleaned up the TB and replaced the gasket , smooth as silk now and NO ck engine lights. Hope this may help other I6 owners out there. Oh yeah , 1.79 for the gasket and about a half hour job. EASY FIX !
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
roboto65
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Oct 11, 2016 08:31 AM
Lewis18
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 1, 2016 08:22 AM
quincyj34
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jun 14, 2016 05:29 PM
Jrock909
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Sep 12, 2007 11:07 AM
msanders
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
5
Feb 25, 2005 03:26 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:13 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

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


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE