Rough Idle after overhaul of timing chains, phasers, etc.

[MenoFalls Expy]

After having the driver side tensioner fail at 135k, I just completed the replacement of my timing phasers, chains, tensioners, oil-pump, water pump, plugs, belts hoses ...... got it back up and running and seem to still have a timing issue, a very rough climb to 1500 rpm. Everything was done per Haynes manual and Fordmakuloco videos, and I really cannot believe anything was installed wrong, lets face it, with all the sprockets being "keyed" and the chain links identified....... Is there anything I am overlooking? I have checked and double checked vaccuum lines and electrical connections. I have no codes. I have a cheap code scanner, is there something to look for in "live data" ? O2 readings or spark timing?

 

[Habbibie]

Did you replace the VCT's?
Did you clean out your oil pick up strainer?
Did you confirm you have adequate oil pressure at the chain tensioners before putting the cover plate back on?
Everything is plugged in? Are you 100% sure everything is plugged in?
Did you maybe Chris-cross the wiring harness for the coils?

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

Thank-you

Yes: VCT's and strainer
No: Oil pressure verification, how is this performed?
I will verify connections one more time

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

After the process of checking connections, I started it and got it to throw a code for cyl. 1 misfire. Not sure if it was existing or a result of my moving things around. I will change out the coil tomorrow am and report back.

 

[Habbibie]

After the process of checking connections, I started it and got it to throw a code for cyl. 1 misfire. Not sure if it was existing or a result of my moving things around. I will change out the coil tomorrow am and report back.

Ok at least now you have a point of interest, sure glad it's one of the easiest plugs to reach, make sure the connectors to the coil and fuel injector are tight and locked in,

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

Just to be sure, Passenger side front, right?

 

[Habbibie]

Yes.

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

Thanks, Haynes has the drawing several times throughout the manual but no reference to the Front or Radiator.

 

[Big Brian]

have you checked for a vacuum leak?

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

I've checked all my connections and hoses and blew smoke into the manifold, I cannot find anything. I am however a little suspicious of a hard line on the driver side that follows the valve cover and then dips down between the engine and firewall. I cannot see or feel where that one terminates, any ideas?

 

[Big Brian]

spray (carefully) some carb cleaner on suspect area. If the running condition changes then you have a leak in that area

Do you have a smoke machine? How did you blow smoke in it (just curious)

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

I tried the carb spray on all the hoses first and for the back one I sprayed the firewall to get as much back there as possible.

I used a Dutch Master and my lungs, not real scientific but I think it should have been enough.

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

Gentlemen, thanks for your help. In frustration I took the Expy to the Ford dealer where they found I had a cracked spark plug of all things! Yes it cost me $200+ but no telling how long or what I would have torn apart before finding that.

 

[Habbibie]

You could've avoided all that but doesn't matter now truck is running so props to you brotha

 

[TxSed8r]

I had the exact same issue after doing my cam phasers and drove myself crazy trying to figure it out. After 2 weeks and rechecking everything, my passenger side timing chain was off by one tooth. These motors are hard to time just right. Once I corrected the timing, it was unbelievable how smooth it ran.

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

Very Nerve Racking experience, I was really stressed and nervous the day I did the actual chain and sprocket replacement for fear of what happened to you.

I agree, and I'm quite sure its my imagination, but Man, It really seems to accelerate faster and have more power after this repair! I am back in love after saying some really bad things about it.

 

[Habbibie]

I agree, and I'm quite sure its my imagination, but Man, It really seems to accelerate faster and have more power after this repair! I am back in love after saying some really bad things about it.

I said so much bad crap about my expy before doing my timing set and after... And I still stand by all that was said, ford made a POS and called it an expedition!

 

[MenoFalls Expy]

it was either this or buy an over priced "Crack Head" Chevy. I don't do foreign.