Getting tired now....

[ignorantmonkey]

Well...I posted my problems months ago. It started probably around last August 2011. Engine is cold. I turn it on, warm it for say 2 minutes, then drive. When it drives for 1 or 2 blocks it start to hesitate, stop responding, engine won't respond, shakes, if I accelerates it wont respond, nor advance normally. Then after say 10-20 seconds it suddenly regains power and once engine is on operating temperature it runs smoothy. When I start it again at 5PM to get back home, same problem again, every day, every week, every month. I changed all plugs and installed 8 new Motorcrfats, new Motorcraft oil filter, new Quaker State oil, new engine coolant, new coolant deposit cap. All of that 3 weeks ago. But still same thing over and over again. Today I turned on and warmed engine for five minutes, then drive it; five blocks away I made a sharp turn and engine turned off. So P put it in parking and turned it on again. Rest of drive was smooth and nice and with lots of power. What could be wrong? Any help or experience sharing will be appreciated.

2002 Ford Expedition XLT
4.6 Triton
125,000 miles.
Not 4x4

 

[panda24619]

this might be funny. but im almost certain its the fuel pump. when im running on low i turn right it dies or almost dies. or facing down hill it dose the same thing. change it and it should clear up.

 

[4x43V]

Or clogged fuel filter. Have you replaced that?


Sent while dropping a deuce!

 

[ignorantmonkey]

Fuel filter has been replaced six months ago. Fuel pump is the car's original. Why this happens ONLY when engine is cold? Also, yesterday fuel tank was half way, so don't think my friend PANDA that is the case.

 

[rburch]

+1 on filter!

 

[rburch]

Does it have a rough idle when its cold?

 

[ignorantmonkey]

When truck is cold it runs normal for the first 20 seconds...at 30 seconds or so suddenly it starts losing all power, shakes, I push the accelerator pedal and it only struggles and hesitates but it doesn't advance...all cars behind got to push brakes; I turn on the flashers, then after 10-30 seconds of doing this, suddenlyt regains all the power and then runs excellent and as I said...with lots of power...the issue don't come back as long as the truck is on operating temperature; but, say if I go to work and park it al 9AM, then at 5 same happens again...and again...and again...

 

[panda24619]

my guess is still the fuel pump. it seems fuel related since you replaced all the electrical stuff.

 

[ignorantmonkey]

I'll follow your advise and will buy a new fuel pump...Dang...these are expensive... Some $200 bucks plus installation... I will post what happened here... Meanwhile if you think on some other possibilities... Thanks.

 

[sgtowing]

I would say pump as well. Put the pump in yourself and save the $$$$$.

 

[JUST4FUN]

im going to say the coolant temp sensor for the ecm

 

[JUST4FUN]

the fuel pump is a motor with windings ether it works or it doesnt

 

[ignorantmonkey]

I think it makes sense. My idea is that when weather is cold, or not neccesarily then, but when engine is cold somehow gasoline takes some time to flow correctly on the fuel system...also, since I am in Baja (on the Mexican side) you could believe bad gas quality has also impacted on performance... Truck was imported into Mexico almost 2 years ago, so before then it only had American gasoline. But I add one of these fuel cleaner liquids often...but til now haven't done a injector cleaning....Dunno...some added input to this.

 

[ignorantmonkey]

Dang! I just noticed I placed this thread on the 2nd Gen area, My truck is 2002, and not 2003. Hope all your advice applies to my truck as well.

 

[Butch Smith]

When you changed the plugs did you change the Coils ?

 

[ignorantmonkey]

When you changed the plugs did you change the Coils ?

No...Mechanic putting the plugs said all coils looked fine and in good working order; he said if there weren't they wouldn't work and truck will immediately show signs...

 

[KC Dave]

Sounds like the fuel pump to me also. Contrary to above I dissagree, a fuel pump is not just good or bad. The pickup screen can come loose, the pressure dump valve can be bad (Depending on the vehicle type), it can run poorly, etc.. Its all related to pressure. If the pressure is wrong, the injectors cant fire right, you get the wrong mixture, and it runs like crap. Next time you start it, cycle the key to on several times before you crank it. See if it runs longer. Other thoughts are fuel injectors, but they probably wouldnt work fine and would be bad all the time, or perhaps the fuel pressure regulator. Just some thoughts to consider. Good Luck!

 

[02expi]

Seems to me if it was the fuel pump it would run worse after it warmed up as the pump would be getting warmer as it is being used.Usually the pump is good if the car starts and drives. Seems like the temp sensor might be a good place to start and certainly will be cheaper than a pump, and easier to change. just my 2 cents worth.

 

[JUST4FUN]

Seems to me if it was the fuel pump it would run worse after it warmed up as the pump would be getting warmer as it is being used.Usually the pump is good if the car starts and drives. Seems like the temp sensor might be a good place to start and certainly will be cheaper than a pump, and easier to change. just my 2 cents worth.

my thoughs exactly how can a fuel pump run bad then fix it's self. im still thinking its the temp sensor.

 

[khpony]

Fuel Pump!