mnealtx 0 #51 October 15, 2005 Depending on the age of the truck, you could have cracks in the spark plug wires - it might be worth changing them out...one of the electronic spark modules could have an intermittent fault, as well.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #52 October 15, 2005 I already replaced the spark plug wires and spark plugs. It is a 4 cyl with 2 ignition coils and 8 plugs. If one dropped out, it would still run ok, like an airplane on one magneto. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #53 October 15, 2005 It would come on intermittently.Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 42 #54 October 15, 2005 Have you checked the tail light fluid? "Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #55 October 15, 2005 QuoteIt would come on intermittently. Ya, the CHK ENG light doesn't come on at all. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #56 October 15, 2005 QuoteHave you checked the tail light fluid? LOL! Thanks a lot.. I found a USB cable that will hook up to the computer to a lap top and display everything the computer is seeing, temps, RPM's, pressures, etc. It's only $160. I'll get that and see what is going on. I'm tired of chasing ghosts Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #57 October 15, 2005 QuoteI found a USB cable that will hook up to the computer to a lap top and display everything the computer is seeing, temps, RPM's, pressures, etc. Let us know what you find. I'm going with the vacuum leak.Keith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #58 October 15, 2005 Also could be air leak at base of throttle body or intake manifold. The USB cable for the laptop sounds like the plan. If you have an air leak it may not show up on the computer, the Manifold Absolute Press. Sensor might pick it uo though. The suggestion about spraying water/carb cleaner/starting fluid around and listening for changes is good. If you use carb cleaner/starting fluid be careful there is risk of fire if ignition spark is getting "out" somewhere. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #59 October 15, 2005 I saw that diablopilot had checked fuel pressure, Hook were you able to check yours? Can you hear your fuel pump makeing a whiny noise from the tank? If so listen to a similar vehicle to see if sounds the same. When the whining gets louder it is getting ready to go and may not be makeing full pressure all the time. Sorry to keep harping on this one it has just bit me in the ass to many times. Diablopilot, intake air temp sensor or engine coolant temp sensor could be the problem. If the computer thinks either one is warmer than it really is it will cause your problems. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #60 October 15, 2005 QuoteAlso could be air leak at base of throttle body or intake manifold. I had to take off the intake manifold for the TPS, so I know it is OK. I'll check w/ the carb spray for leaks. I changed the fuel filter, I still need to check the fuel pump. I can just turn on the key and listen to the tank, right? Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith 0 #61 October 15, 2005 QuoteI changed the fuel filter, I still need to check the fuel pump. I can just turn on the key and listen to the tank, right? YepKeith Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #62 October 15, 2005 Quotetank, right? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yep Of course, if I check during the time it is running fine, I won't be able to tell it is sometimes bad Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #63 October 15, 2005 In my experience they will make noise even when the vehicle is running ok, I think the bushings in the motor go bad. The more you drive below approx 1/4 tank of gas the faster the fuel pump will die. It is actually cooled by being submerged in gas. Also it may only run a couple seconds if you just turn the key on you may have to start the truck for it to keep going, not sure on fords. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #64 October 15, 2005 QuoteIn my experience they will make noise even when the vehicle is running ok, I think the bushings in the motor go bad. The more you drive below approx 1/4 tank of gas the faster the fuel pump will die. It is actually cooled by being submerged in gas. Also it may only run a couple seconds if you just turn the key on you may have to start the truck for it to keep going, not sure on fords. I checked the book, a few seconds when you turn the key on, then continiously when the engine is running. It is going to be hard to check it. I could hook up 12V to it with the engine off and listen. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #65 October 15, 2005 If it's getting loud you will probably be able to hear it with the truck running, assumeing you have stock exhaust. With a new one I usually have to put my ear to the tank to hear with engine running, old bad ones from a couple feet away. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HydroGuy 0 #66 October 15, 2005 I just thought about this...have you disconnected the battery overnight? If the battery is disconnected for several hours it will reset your computer...it's a good thing to do after a tuneup.Get in - Get off - Get away....repeat as neccessary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thepollster 0 #67 October 15, 2005 Quote I checked the book, a few seconds when you turn the key on, then continiously when the engine is running. It is going to be hard to check it. I could hook up 12V to it with the engine off and listen. What did the book say about checking fuel pressure? That would be the way to diagnose the fuel pump, not by sound. It sounds like it would be cheaper for you to pay a professional at this point. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #68 October 15, 2005 Checking the pressure was def. mentioned by me earlier. The old ear check is just another way know that something may be "amiss" back there. It's also good general knowledge for people. If your fuel pump (electric in the tank) starts makeing noise and it didn't used to, it's probably on it's way out. Most multi port injection and some throttle body injection systems have a port that looks like a tire valve (schrader valve) on the fuel rail or in that area. Some throttle body units have to have the fuel line disconected and an adaptor put in. It is usually an easy check if you have the tool.(approx $50 for cheap one) I can understand the reluctance to take it to a shop, it's like admitting defeat. Once you've put in as much time as he has you want to win and defeat the problem. Atleast it's like that for me. I'm not saying it's the right thing to do just that I think I understand his reluctance. Some guys trucks are like a wife or even more important, letting someone else touch her is a no no, paying someone else to touch her. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #69 October 15, 2005 You have a good point here. After computer resets you may have to drive 10 miles or so for computer to "re-aquaint" itself with the various sensor readings. James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #70 October 15, 2005 QuoteMost multi port injection and some throttle body injection systems have a port that looks like a tire valve (schrader valve) on the fuel rail or in that area. Some throttle body units have to have the fuel line disconected and an adaptor put in. It is usually an easy check if you have the tool.(approx $50 for cheap one) Ya, I have a schrader valve, but not the tool. I am going to disconnect the battery to reset the computer before I drive it again. I'll get the cable and software and go from there. Quote I can understand the reluctance to take it to a shop, it's like admitting defeat. Once you've put in as much time as he has you want to win and defeat the problem. Exactly. If it wasn't drive-able, I would take it in. But as it is, I can drive it fine and I want to solve this myself. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crewkeith 0 #71 October 15, 2005 idle air control .The skies are no longer safe I'm back Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #72 October 16, 2005 Quote idle air control Already replaced and it didn't fix it. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloudseeker2001 0 #73 October 16, 2005 I had a 95 Ranger with the same engine-kinda hard to believe it is not the throttle body position sensor. Have you check every inch vacuum line? No holes in the vacuum cannisters? Measure how much vacuum is being pulled off the intake manifold and/or look for a clogged line......I think this is something obscure and simple.just a note....I got 190,000 miles out of my 95 Ranger and only 1 alternator, 2 batteries, 1 TBPS, a timing belt and 1 complete tune up! "Some call it heavenly in it's brilliance, others mean and rueful of the western dream" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cloudseeker2001 0 #74 October 16, 2005 QuoteI already replaced the spark plug wires and spark plugs. It is a 4 cyl with 2 ignition coils and 8 plugs. If one dropped out, it would still run ok, like an airplane on one magneto. Derek HAHA! It is not a Howard Hughes! It's a Henry Ford! "Some call it heavenly in it's brilliance, others mean and rueful of the western dream" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HydroGuy 0 #75 October 16, 2005 If you had a supercharger on this truck you would already have a vacuum/boost gauge and a fuel pressure gauge installed...it would have made this diagnosis much easier Every think your truck is merely shitting at the price of gas?Get in - Get off - Get away....repeat as neccessary Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
