Hi

97 Ford F150-V6-5sp

I have an intermittent problem which I fear is one day going to leave me stranded. I'm in Toronto, Canada and I'm not sure if the cold has anything to do with this, but the problem has only begun since the mercury dropped.

The truck has never let me down and always starts, but the past couple months I've had to wind the sucker over hundreds (?) of times before it catches/starts. This problem like I mentioned is intermittent--sometimes catches on the first crank, other times I fear I'm going to lose my battery and it won't start.

The mileage 123K, had a tune-up performed in September 04 with air filter, fuel filter and while I wanted the wires replaced, the shop told me it wasn't necassary.

I'm desperate, really can't afford a major repair and would like to try some inexpensive solutions if this is possible.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Bob B--

 

Its been years since I got my hands dirty under the hood of my truck but I really need to do something to try and correct this cranking problem. I want to first remove my 'EGR' valve and clean
it--I also hear mention of this 'IAC' component and have absolutely no idea what you people are talking about. Can someone provide an image of what I'm looking for and some instructions so I can get started right away.

Thanks
Bob B--

 

Bob,please go read this website;
www.leakingfords.com

 

Thanks--this is all beginning to make more sense. In early December I had my son check the strength of the coolant, he came back and said there was no coolant in the recovery tank. A few days later I picked up a gallon of anti-freeze and topped up the tank. Haven't checked it lately, but I always take a brief look under the truck everytime I walk up to use it and have never noticed any coolant on the ground.

The other strange thing is everytime I park the truck, I always hear a hissing sound which seems to be coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment.

I'm no mechanic, should I take it in and have a pressure test done on the system first, before proceeding any further?

If it turns out to be a lower intake gasket what sort of money am I looking at for the repair?

Thanks
Bob B--

 

Bob,this is a very serious problem.My advice to you is to get a pressure test done ASAP and/or get the lower intake gaskets replaced ASAP!
Go to the V6 forum here,and do a "search" by entering the following words; "lower intake gaskets hydro-lock". You will get your questions answered by reading thru those post'. Whatever you decide to do, do it quickly. Keep us posted!

 

Thanks for the input--the more I read the more I find similarities in my truck with this gasket problem. I also forgot to mention that for the past year or so everytime the truck started it would miss for approx 15 seconds, even after I had it tuned up.

I don't think there is any doubt I have a serious problem and need to take corrective action immediately.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks again
Bob B--