Idle Problems With a 1992 F-150
 

Im having idling problems with my 92 4.6l auto F-150. After sitting in traffic at low idle for 20min the engine starts to surge, then cuts off. I can re-start it no problem but have to keep reving it in neutral to keep the engine running. I've replaced the spark plugs, had a oil change, put in new rotar w/wires, changed the fuel filter, cleaned the fuel injectors. If i let it sit for 20min, it seems to reset itself to run normal again.

From friends i've been told it can be the idle air control valve to the mass air sensor. This is a older truck with 195,000 miles on it but it's in primo condition as i've changed-out almost every component over the years. I've had the fuel gauged to show a normal fuel flow rate as well. As long as i don't hit traffic it seems to run well. Can i get any ideas? Thanks!

Not posted in the correct area... moving.

Ignore the guy who said it was your MAF. You don't have one
It sounds like there's something going on with your idle air control that's just not right.
Does it run hot when you're stuck in traffic and cool back down when the traffic clears? The IAC is controlled in part by the engine coolant temperature sensor so there could be a fault in either of those devices

Mr StrangeRanger,
Thank you for replying. Yes, it does seem to be a heat related issue. When im caught in slow trafffic say for 20min, it does "shudder" and die. If i pull off and wait 20min, it starts and runs no problem. I had dropped it off at the Cutter Ford dealer where i purchased it new and they called today saying they're getting 6-codes all inter-connected with the operation of the EGR valve. I already purchased a IAC valve so will just install it. Cutter won't work with "after-market" replacements. The manager also warned it "might" be a PCM problem, but wasn't sure. So tomorrow i'll see my brother who used to be a mechanic to install both EGR & IAC. Will also get vac hoses and brake cleaner(already checked for line breakage but none/will have trying to get old vac lines off though). Should i also get a Engine Coolant Temp sensor as well(where does that go)? Again thanks for your helpful suggestions! Chris

What engine do you have? 4.6L wasn't an option until '97. Yer choices are the 4.9L inline six, or 5.0 or 5.8L V8s.

Adrianspeeder

Im sorry, hit the wrong key. It is the 4.9l V6 automatic. I tow a large 20ft fiberglass inflatable w/twin 60hp Mercs, maybe around a 1,300lb set-up weight roughly up a mountain to my home at 1,175ft. My current truck doesn't feel the load but today will look at a 2005 4.2l V6 automatic F-150 w/93,000 miles on it. Owner is asking $6,500 and was told it is cherry. Kinda worried about the size of this smaller engine if it'll be a strain as it's no strain for my current truck.

Your current engine is an I6 not a V6 and it will tow worlds better than the 4.2 V6 you're looking at.

I got the black 2005 F-150 with the V6 for $6,500 today. Engine was cherry. Guy brought it over to Oahu from Kauai a year ago. Has 93,000 miles on it. Dual exhaust and lifted. Has slight cosmetic scratches and will have to re-paint the lava liner black. When i engage the OD i can scream up Makakilo hill in drive with the boat w/no strain. It is a gradual climb, not steep(sorry, should've said that before). Had my mechanic check it out and said compression was good. But now that the installed EGR/IAC/Temp Sensor smoothed out my white 92 F-150, im stuck with 2 trucks. Kinda cool to have a black and white truck. Just paid the Geico on the 2nd one and will order Wet Okole seat covers on Monday. Yes, the 92 was a straight 6. Might keep that to tow and cruise with the other one. Thanks again StrangeRanger. Mahalo!