new owner of 2005 expedition (does not run)

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kdubb28

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I bought an 05 expedition that does not run. Truck has 211k on it. When you start it up initially it will run very poorly for a few seconds than die out and wont restart. I can smell fuel as I'm trying to start it but it wont start. If I do get it to run I have to keep my foot on the gas but it dies almost immediately when I take my foot off the pedal. What do you guys think?
 

ExpeditionAndy

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I bought an 05 expedition that does not run. Truck has 211k on it. When you start it up initially it will run very poorly for a few seconds than die out and wont restart. I can smell fuel as I'm trying to start it but it wont start. If I do get it to run I have to keep my foot on the gas but it dies almost immediately when I take my foot off the pedal. What do you guys think?
Try disconnecting both VCT solenoids at the top of the valve covers. It is just a thought.

 

jstone5241

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First thing I would do is run fuel injection cleaner thru gas tank. Then maybe clean throttle body. ( YouTube for throttle body cleaning)
 

ExpeditionAndy

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The real first thing to do is read the codes to see what's going on, that way you aren't guessing. The video I posted above talks about disconnecting the VCT solenoids to get the vehicle to idle if there is a problem with the cam phasers advancing at idle. by disconnecting the solenoids the phasers stay locked.
 
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kdubb28

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Ok I checked the computer for codes and I had a p2197 (bank 2 sensor 1 stuck lean) and a pending p0113 (intake air temperature circuit high input). I cleaned the throttle body. I got the truck to idle but its very rough and eventually dies out.
 

ExpeditionAndy

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Ok I checked the computer for codes and I had a p2197 (bank 2 sensor 1 stuck lean) and a pending p0113 (intake air temperature circuit high input). I cleaned the throttle body. I got the truck to idle but its very rough and eventually dies out.

You might still want to watch the video that I posted. With a vehicle with that kind of mileage the rough idle and stalling might be related to the VCT solenoids. It might be worth just pulling the plugs and see what happens.
 

ExpeditionAndy

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Pulled the vct connectors and it made no difference.
Okay it was worth the try.

I guess the next thing is check the fuel pressure to make sure you are getting what you are supposed to from the pump. That might have something to do with the lean condition.
 

stamp11127

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What part of the country did the previous owner reside in? The flooded hurricane specials will start showing up soon if they haven't already.
 
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kdubb28

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I believe the cause of my trouble was a clogged catalytic converter. It was bright red when I looked at it tonight. That's my next step and I will go from there.
 

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Check that o2 sensor before you go throwing cats at it. An o2 sensor stuck lean could be a bad sensor or intake gaskets. both of which are cheaper than cats. You can check for intake gaskets by starting with a cold motor, get it to run(with someone keeping it idling) and spray starting fluid near where the intake meets the cylinder heads. If engine speed increases you have bad gaskets. Also an o2 stuck lean code will cause the pcm to dump fuel down that side of the motor causing bad idling and a glowing cat
 
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kdubb28

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Well the engine has lost compression in 1 cylinder. Don’t know if I should just resell or fix it. It’s really a nice clean truck minus the engine repair. It’s the holiday season and the wife is gonna flip if I spend money on an engine repair. What do you guys think??
 

ExpeditionAndy

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Well the engine has lost compression in 1 cylinder. Don’t know if I should just resell or fix it. It’s really a nice clean truck minus the engine repair. It’s the holiday season and the wife is gonna flip if I spend money on an engine repair. What do you guys think??
Tough question, the answer depends on so many factors.

  1. How much did you pay for the 05?
  2. When did you buy it?
  3. At 211K it's probably better to find a used engine and drop it in, but that depends on the condition of the rest of the truck - does it have any rust issues?
  4. When you drop in a used engine with lower mileage, everything else in the drive train is susceptible to failure - are you ready for that?
  5. If you choose to rebuild the engine, how much work can you do on your own?
 

theoldwizard1

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I believe the cause of my trouble was a clogged catalytic converter. It was bright red when I looked at it tonight. That's my next step and I will go from there.
The catalyst is likely dead, but that is not your primary problem and will not prevent the engine from idleing The cat was red hot because the engine is running SUPER rich. I don't think that the O2 sensor stuck lean is your main problem (causing the computer to try to force it rich), but is probably should be replaced.

It could possibly be an injector partially stuck open, literally dripping fuel into the intake (you said you smelled gas). One by one, disconnect the electrical connector to each injector and start the engine. If it runs better, you have found at least part of your problem.
 

bnicov

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All depends on what you want. A decent vehicle to drive, drop in a used engine. A rebuild will cost more than what it is worth. If you want to restore/rebuild it, then get ready for huge costs. A used engine and labour will probably run you 1500 or so. A plugged cat, a couple hundred to weld a new after market in. Hopefully the tranny, transfer case and diff's are good. Along with the steering and suspension. If the body is relatively rust free, go for it. A couple more grand and you will have a decent driver.
 

stamp11127

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Was the cylinder scoped?
How was the loss of compression determined?
Did they check to see if it is rings or valves?

Get all of your info then make an informed decision.
I've seen my share of redneck engine repairs that go totally against the book with some of them lasting if the engine isn't abused.
 

rjdelp7

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What part of the country did the previous owner reside in? The flooded hurricane specials will start showing up soon if they haven't already.
I agree with this. I knew someone who got a deal, on a Cadillac. He bought in Alabama after hurricane Katrina. It looked fine, but had one problem after another. Mostly electrical, beware. CHECK PLUG on bad cylinder, they come loose. If it was driven misfiring, toasted the Cat.
 
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kdubb28

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The truck is rust free. I only paid 1000 for it. I think I wanna put a used engine in it and just drive it but I just wrecked my 2007 Tahoe so I'm all messed up car wise right now on top of the holidays. I hope you guys have a good holiday. Pray for me!! God Bless you all.
 
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