OK, same disclaimer, I have researched and have read similar issues, but not quite the same.

OK, lots of research and lots of suggestions, so I want to type up the synopsis of what has happened so I can narrow down my search to fix the issue. I’m unemployed, so money becomes a bit of and issue as well.

2005 F150 FX4 SC

Issue began with a low RPM harsh stutter. Codes said Cylinder 3 misfire and running too lean. Last December I had the plugs changed, 2 days after Christmas. No breaks, was very happy with that. Truck ran great for two weeks, and then the check engine light came back on; multiple misfires and running too rich, bank one and two running to lean. Only happened when it was cold, but would then run fine. There was the faint smell of gas.

Again, the rough idle was only when cold. Two weeks ago, while driving, the engine started to run so rough; it could hardly make it up a small grade. I replaced the O2 sensors since the truck has a lot of mile on it. Very marginal improvement but goes back to a rough idle. It almost gives the sense of the timing being way off.

No codes showed up as of yet. I’ve had many opinions on the issue, and all “sound” plausible.

My first thought is to change the coil packs. It seems the misfires are so bad it can hardly run. Second thought was since there was the cold rough idling and then gas smell is the Cat’s are fried due to a fuel dump into them. The dealer said there might be an issue with the Cat’s. Again, this is simple speculation at this point.

Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated. I do have the OBDII reader, and two apps on the iPad that lets me read the codes, and one simple app that lets me add and read PID’s. Any suggestions on where to start and get the performance of what the OBDII gives me would be awesome.

Again, I appreciate any assistance.

 

What should the O2 sensor be doing voltage wise to see if the Cat could be the issue?

 

If you smell gas, one of 2 things.

1. One or more loose spark plugs.

2. https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...ram-07m08.html

 

Thanks, keeps leaning towards that. The recall is a bust for me since I have 127,000 miles.

 

I replaced the #3 COP; however it will not start. Cranks smoother, but no start. I have to get a regular 5/8" since the one I have has a swivel on the end. I believe the plug is loose and will test check in the AM. The old COP smelled of gas.

 

I really think you should test the injectors for leakage.

I believe you need a 9/16 plug socket, not a 5/8.

 

9/16 is the correct size

 

I believe the plug is loose and will test check in the AM. The old COP smelled of gas.

 

Scope the cylinders my roush kept doing that took to ford 4 different times they thought i was doing something finally after they had it for a month and a half of driving there self they scoped the #1 cylinder and the top of the piston had came loose and a piece of the ring was bouncing around and would mess the plug up eventually. They done a compression test and it tested good by ford specs. hope this helps and its not that.

 

Well, long overdo update. It was a loose plug. The service department at the dealership said it's not the plug being loose that clogged up the catalytic converters. I have the readout from the OBDII that showed me which cylinder had the issue along with the Bank 1 and 2 issues.

They have had my truck in their possession since March and will not relinquish it until I pay for them for replacing the plugs, again, and having it towed.

In other words they are bullying me. No attorney will touch the case because there is no money in it.

What I do need in the worst of ways is someone from Ford, corporate of a dealership to send me an affidavit stating the loose plug will in fact clog the cats. At this point they are legally stealing my truck from me and I have no where to turn.

ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Help.

 

I thought there was a Ford rep. on here.......

 

There is - send a PM to FordService (Ashley).