I think my engine is dying...

I posted not too long ago about spitting and sputtering at start up, now after driving longer distances (60+ miles) she dies at idle. For instance, she has died at the same stoplight coming through town for the last 3 days. Today, I almost couldn't get it started back up! Any ideas as to what the heck is wrong? I do have an open element air filter, and the Ford Serviceman said that K&N filters will over time, damage the MAF especially that little tiny spring looking doodad inside the MAF. I am getting a tad fed up, can anyone help?

Crotteau

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1997 F150 4x4

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter
Factory 5-Speed
3.08 Gears
3" PA Body Lift
305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

2000 BOMBARDIER DS650

Completely Stock

 

I too have the same problem with my truck. It is fine in town, but everytime I am either driving to or from Houston, the first time I stop, she starts coughing. I have never had her die on me, I just throttle her up to keep her alive. But after I take off again, she's fine...won't do it again.

Could use the help too...

By the way, Crotteau, how was the installation of your lift? Did you do it yourself? Oh, and one last thing, do you have pics of it?

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97' F150 4x4 4.2L V6
3.55 Gears
K&N Filter, Superchip
Flowmaster Dual exhaust
265-75-R16 BFG TA/KO
2 12" JL subs w/ 300W Kenwood amp

 

I wonder if it is something in the ignition system, but my check engine light never comes on... Wierd.

The lift was time consuming but straightforward. I had a shop full of air tools and a knowledgeable friend to help. It took about 13 hours and that was while consuming a few tasty beverages. So, all in all it was worth it.

I don't have any current pics, and I don't have a scanner yet anyway. I should soon, however.

Thanks for the reply,
Crotteau

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1997 F150 4x4

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter
Factory 5-Speed
3.08 Gears
3" PA Body Lift
305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

2000 BOMBARDIER DS650

Completely Stock

 

sounds like your truck dosent like breathing that fine houston air...

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2001 F-150 XL SWB
4.2L 5-spd, 3.55

 

I my self am having trouble with my 1997 F150 4.2 4x4. It has just turned 60000 and my check engine light came on. Sometimes on start it sputters for a second then starts and sometimes puffs a little smoke. I took it to Ford to hook it to the computer and they told me it was the Auto air flow valve. I changed it and it ran the same it still sputters on start and my check engine light comes. Ive changed the plugs, air and fuel filters. I leaning toward the fuel pump, when I changed the fuel filter I found very little pressure in the lines which isn't right. This is my next replacement, if you find anything please let me know.


I posted not too long ago about spitting and sputtering at start up, now after driving longer distances (60+ miles) she dies at idle. For instance, she has died at the same stoplight coming through town for the last 3 days. Today, I almost couldn't get it started back up! Any ideas as to what the heck is wrong? I do have an open element air filter, and the Ford Serviceman said that K&N filters will over time, damage the MAF especially that little tiny spring looking doodad inside the MAF. I am getting a tad fed up, can anyone help?

Crotteau

[/B][/QUOTE]

 

One of my older cars had a simmular problem, I would go for a while and it was fine, but sometimes when I came up to a light it would sputter and die. Turns out it only did this when the tank was near empty. I found out later that the fuel pump was positioned a couple of inches above the bottom of the fuel tank so that when I braked, the fuel would slide to one side of the tank and then the pump couldn't get any of it.

My first instinct would be to check the fuel pump, a lot of times, sputtering means it's just not getting enough fuel to the cylinders.

Good Luck!

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2000 Silver F-150 XL Sport
Reg. Cab, Reg. Bed, 4.2L V6, 5-speed, 4x2

mods:
Tailgate lock, Generic bedliner
285/75r16 BFG AT ko (32.9x11.4)
Sony CD player, Blaunpunkt 5.25" speakers
McGuard Wheel locks
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Never let your schooling interfere with your education --Mark Twain

 

The funny thing is, my check engine light never comes on. Can Ford still run a code scan on it?

Crotteau

------------------
1997 F150 4x4

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter
Factory 5-Speed
3.08 Gears
3" PA Body Lift
305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

2000 BOMBARDIER DS650

Completely Stock

 

Check all intake hoses and lines to see if any cracks or not seated properly. Had a simular problem on my Ecort GT. Had the hose at the manifold not seated so more air getting in the air flow sensor sensing. Good luck.
97 F-150 XLT
4.2
5 speed

 

mine was the fuel filter........just my 2 cents guys......you gotta replace those on fords after a while you know.

 

I just recently changed my fuel filter and it didn't change a thing. It still sputters and tries to die whenever I stop after a trip. Don't know what to do. And now, my check engine light just came on tonight? It says to check the emissions or something like that...not sure what that is all about. I know I posted that one of my spark plugs had oil on it a while back but I am not sure if that is the cause. May post a new message about that separately.

Jason

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97' F150 4x4 4.2L V6
3.55 Gears
K&N Filter, Superchip
Flowmaster Dual exhaust
265-75-R16 BFG TA/KO
2 12" JL subs w/ 300W Kenwood amp