1998 Ford F150 Rough Idle and hard starting

1998 FORD F-150
30,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MARVIN PARRISH
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  • 2 POSTS
Sir, I have a 4.2 v6 that has 300K miles on it. It reciently ( 1 month) started to develop a rough idle after sitting at a light in drive for about 30 to 60 seconds which forces me to put it in neutral to keep it running. When the signal changes I put it in drive and it sometime stalls when I accelerate. It has in the past week started to begin to crank longer than usual to start. All this is after it has warmed up. The cold start is still normal.

Thank You

Marv Parish
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updated 12/19/08

Thanks for your help.

I added a bottle of 44K to clean the injectors.
However, when I tried to restart my truck last night it would not start.
I changed the plugs. I tried ether and it wanted to start.
I then checked the schrader (fuel pressure port) with the engine cranking and NO fuel leaked out. Do you think the fuel pump is bad or the filter clogged.
Dec 18, 2008 at 9:25 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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have you noticed any loss of coolant
intake gasket is known to fail
check spark plugs for any signs of coolant

if all OK
Check for any vacuum leaks
check and clean idle air valve
check and suspect MAF sensor
do u have check engine light on
and if so scan for codes
Dec 18, 2008 at 8:22 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Never seen clogged fuel filter where it blocked the fuel totally
so I would suspect fuel pump
check fuses and relays
when 1st key on fuel pump should come on
try and listen for it

hit the bottom of the tank while trying to start and if the pump start and engine start
pump for sure no good

PS

hit Reply to Question
So it makes it easier for me to know you had updated the post
Dec 19, 2008 at 5:46 PM
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