Not Running Right

[crouse]

Since early December, I've driven my Marauder about 3 or 4 times. On Wednesday, I drove it to work and it seemed to have a misfire from time to time. I ran some errands during lunch that day and it seemed worse but got better as the engine warmed up. Same thing for the drive home from work. This morning, it ran great and same when I drove it at lunch. Tonight, it ran poorly again. No check engine light. In the garage tonight, I could hear it misfire out the pipes. I opened the hood for a quick look and could smell a rich smell every so often by the air filter (JLT). This weekend, I'll pull the coils one at a time to see if I can determine which cylinder. Plugs are not that old. I have about 110,000 miles and they were changed around 75,000. I bought a can of Seafoam and put that in when I got home tonight. Is it possible a coil could be failing or a plugged injector? Any help would be appreciated.

[RF Overlord]

Is it possible a coil could be failing or a plugged injector? Failing coil is most likely...if you've been using decent quality gas you shouldn't have a plugged injector, but a bottle of Regane or Techron in the tank won't hurt.

[crouse]

I always use BP premium. Around here, BP premium is 93 octane. I installed the Granitelli coils and those nice coil connectors around 70,000 miles.

[SteelQualityMan]

I always use BP premium. Around here, BP premium is 93 octane. I installed the Granitelli coils and those nice coil connectors around 70,000 miles.
I put in a set of those nice ridiculously expensive coils when I had money to burn. I have been replacing them one by one and salvaging the wires to use with some cheaper (by 50%) coils. The first one failed under warranty and when I called Granitelli customer service I was told that a failure just could not happen. They insisted on getting the failed coil back before sending a replacement. I did so and a little while later I got the replacement. It was marked "courtesy replacement." No mention of the warranty was made. In the meantime I got one stock Ford coil and use it when one of the Granitelli coils fails. If you want to avoid having to limp home on seven cylinders as I have had to do more than once I urge you to get a spare stock coil and keep it in the car.

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[crouse]

Maybe I'll put my old coils back in. I did have one fail several years ago. It was easy to find since I could tell one cylinder was not firing at all.

[RF Overlord]

While the Granatelli coil connectors were considered bullet-proof, their coils were not so highly regarded.

[tbone]

My Accel coils have been perfect and are reasonably priced.

[crouse]

that was going to be my next question. What are some other options for new coils?

[Catfish]

There's another thread up about coils right now. Besides Motorcraft, it looks like members are recommending the MSDs.

[Zack]

Buy OEM. The End

[Zack]

http://www.tascaparts.com/ignition/ignition-coil-set-4v/m-12029-4v/

Cheapest you'll find

[Mike D Mechanic]

I have had same prob twice once coils replaced with accel's , 4 years & 38K mi on them. happy with them, but also... had similar prob happen again and was fuel filter! filter had 14K mi on it but was NASTY as could be. would only miss fire on light pedal or steady state going over bridge. floor it no miss fire. for what its worth

[crouse]

I replaced my fuel filter at about 73,000 miles. Might be worth replacing.

I did some swapping of coils this morning. I still had 5 of my original Motorcraft coils. Still misses while idling in my garage. It's possible one of the three I didn't replace is the bad one.

Zack - I ordered the Motorcraft coils from Tasca Ford you recommended. Thanks.

[crouse]

Zack - I got an e-mail from Tasca Ford saying that the VIN I provided won't work with the coils.

[Zack]

Zack - I got an e-mail from Tasca Ford saying that the VIN I provided won't work with the coils.


Yes they will. How you get the order placed is on you.

[RubberCtyRauder]

place another order and dont use your vin, make, model.

[DrZ]

Buy OEM. The End

Agree
:D

[Marauderjack]

crouse......I sent you a PM yesterday!!:beer:

[crouse]

I was able to get the order placed with Tasca Ford. The only issues is that it might take 7-10 days to get them.

[crouse]

I was able to cancel the order with Tasca Ford and place an order on Amazon. I had two Amazon gift cards, so that helped lower the price. They should arrive on Friday.

[crouse]

So I installed the new Motorcraft coils on Monday evening. Took it for a drive and it ran great. WOT several times. Drove it to work this morning and it seemed like it was running in 7 cylinders again. I did order a new Motorcraft fuel filter and Motorcraft spark plugs. I'll probably change the fuel filter this weekend. Not sure when I'll change the plugs. It's a little cold up here in Minnesota. Any other ideas in case the fuel filter and plugs don't resolve the issue?

[Marauderjack]

Check all the low voltage plugs on your coils......I have had a few that did't lock in completely and had misfires or dead cylinders as you describe!!:argue:

Good Luck!!:beer:

[RubberCtyRauder]

I would get some fuel filter clips before doing that, they are brittle and the slightest wrong pressure and they snap. there are tools out there for removal of them.

[crouse]

Check all the low voltage plugs on your coils......I have had a few that did't lock in completely and had misfires or dead cylinders as you describe!!:argue:

Good Luck!!:beer:

I'll re-check them. I always add a little dielectric grease to the connections.

[crouse]

I would get some fuel filter clips before doing that, they are brittle and the slightest wrong pressure and they snap. there are tools out there for removal of them.

I'll check the box that the filter came in. Sometimes they include some clips.

[Turbov6Bryan]

I'll check the box that the filter came in. Sometimes they include some clips.

100% guarantee they gave you the small clips, our marauders take the larger clips
O Reilly's has the multiple pack on the shelf in the help section

Been down that road twice

Just a friendly suggestion:)

[crouse]

100% guarantee they gave you the small clips, our marauders take the larger clips
O Reilly's has the multiple pack on the shelf in the help section

Been down that road twice

Just a friendly suggestion:)

Thanks for the info.

[justbob]

I'm still guessing fuel pump if the filter doesn't do it.


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[crouse]

I changed spark plugs on Sunday. Took it out for a drive and it ran great. No hesitation at WOT. This morning I started it and it seemed to be running on 7 cylinders again. It was very damp this morning with a slight mist in the air, so I'm wondering if something is shorting out. If I would have had time this morning, I would have pulled the covers off the cam covers and looked for any arcing. I'll look at it tonight. So just to recap, I've installed new Motorcraft coils, spark plugs and fuel filter.

[crouse]

It finally threw a code. P0357. So I looked at cylinder #7 and the connector tab must have broken when I changed coils or plugs, so it wasn't making a good connection. I put a tie wrap around it to keep it connected. Took it for a drive and it's still cutting out from time to time. I'll check the other connectors tomorrow evening. I assume I can buy new coil connectors, but how much of a pain are they to change? Do I need to cut and solder them?

[Turbov6Bryan]

It finally threw a code. P0357. So I looked at cylinder #7 and the connector tab must have broken when I changed coils or plugs, so it wasn't making a good connection. I put a tie wrap around it to keep it connected. Took it for a drive and it's still cutting out from time to time. I'll check the other connectors tomorrow evening. I assume I can buy new coil connectors, but how much of a pain are they to change? Do I need to cut and solder them?

The replacement plastic end clip with 2 wires installed are $24.00 each at napa last time I checked. Ask someone here if they have some used ones, then unpin and repin so it looks oem

I had some but can't find them, id give them to you

[justbob]

I've had like three with zip ties for years because lazy. [emoji6]


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[tbone]

I used some black silicone. No issues.

[crouse]

It's got to be something other than electrical. Tonight I removed each coil and put dielectric grease on both ends of the Granitelli COP connectors and the electrical connection to the coil. I tightened the end of the COP connector that connects to the spark plug and i put a tie wrap around each coil to hold the electrical connector to the coil whether it needed it or not. Took it out for a drive and as the rpm climbs in first or second gear, it gets to about 4000 then seems to run on 7 cylinders. And sometimes under a load like in 4th gear at low RPM while accelerating hard just short of kick down.

I did clean the MAF and I added a can of Sea Foam a while back when the problem first started thinking it might be a plugged injector. Maybe I'll try another can.

I know the alternator cuts out at WOT. Is it possible the fuel pump is weak and when the voltage drops, the fuel pressure drops? Or is there a voltage regulator on the pump?

No check engine light since it threw a P0357 code due to a loose electrical connector on #7 cylinder.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Curt

[RubberCtyRauder]

ive read many complaints of granetelli cops over the years. not saying that is issue.

[crouse]

I replaced the Granitelli coils with new Motorcraft coils. I'm just using the Granitelli coil connectors, which to me seem a lot better than the factory ball point pen type coil springs.

[justbob]

Post 28

Have you data logged the fuel pump duty cycle and the fuel pressure yet during an episode?

I have never seen an intermittent bad pump throw a code.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

I replaced the Granitelli coils with new Motorcraft coils. I'm just using the Granitelli coil connectors, which to me seem a lot better than the factory ball point pen type coil springs.

my mistake, read it wrong..

[crouse]

Post 28

Have you data logged the fuel pump duty cycle and the fuel pressure yet during an episode?

I have never seen an intermittent bad pump throw a code.


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I have an SCT Flash tuner. It's quite old. Probably from 2006 or 2007. I've never data logged with it. I can check the model number tonight.

[crouse]

I took it for a drive yesterday and I was in OD art about 45 mph. I slowly pressed the go pedal just shy of kick down and it started bucking. So I think it still an ignition issue even though I replaced spark plugs and coils. But at higher rpm and light throttle, such as sin second gear around 4000-5000 rpm, it runs strong, but then at WOT, it seems like it's running on 7 cylinders.

I have the Granitelli coil connectors. Is it possible one of those are bad? I don't see how because they are very sturdy and well built.

[RubberCtyRauder]

do you have a tune? bucking can also be torque converter shudder,factory tune for shifting is terrible up and down, when was the last trans service?

[Marauderjack]

Are ALL the low voltage plugs completely seat on the coils???:confused:

Mine did that very thing when one of the locking clips was broken!!:mad2:

[crouse]

From post #34.

I tightened the end of the COP connector that connects to the spark plug and i put a tie wrap around each coil to hold the electrical connector to the coil whether it needed it or not.

[crouse]

One of our service technician's suggested I check or replace the engine ground strap. He said his F150 had a similar issue and that Ford injectors fire on breaking the ground not on voltage. I looked briefly today and didn't see it. Can someone tell me where the ground strap is?

Wondering if I should buy a new set of Granitelli Coil on Plug connectors.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grn-28-1705s

[Turbov6Bryan]

Did you ever check the #7 injector clip or trace the wiring on either one for chaffing?

[crouse]

Yes, I put a tie wrap around all 8 clips to make sure they don't unplug.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Yes, I put a tie wrap around all 8 clips to make sure they don't unplug.

REREAD my post. I said injector not coil clip

Check for chaffing?

[crouse]

Wondering if the throttle position sensor could be bad. Seems like light throttle it's ok, but then half throttle and up it starts running rough like on 7 cylinders. I see Rock Auto has a Motorcraft TPS for about $37. I hate throwing parts at it, but I'm out of ideas.

[Marauderjack]

I think I have a used one that worked fine I can send you!!:beer:

I can look to be sure if ya wanna try it??:confused:

[Zack]

You can test the TPS with a voltmeter

[crouse]

Zack - I'm guessing you connect a volt meter to the TPS then cycle it and read the voltage? What would be the voltage range I should see and I assume it should be linear?

[crouse]

Anyone had a stock set of fuel injectors or a mass airflow sensor fpr sale? Cheap?

[crouse]

Just an update. I have a SCT Flash tuner and tonight I set it back to stock.

OMG, it's was so weird. It shifted into OD at like 30 mph. I think the converter locked up in 2nd gear.

Anyway, it didn't make any difference, so I put my custom tune back.

It seems to be worse when the engine is cold.

[Zack]

Check the MAF voltage. Should be battery voltage with key on, engine off.
I had similar issues when my wiring harness took on water and corroded out the power wire

[crouse]

I'll give that a try.

[crouse]

I took it to my local Ford dealer and they are saying cylinder #8 is loosing compression. They did not do a compression check, but from what they diagnose and read in TSB's, they are saying that is the issue. They think it's in the heads. Valve guides & seats.

[str8pipe]

Yessir cyl 8 & 6 died on mine. Revised cobra heads now. Hit martyo. He is da man.

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[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I took it to my local Ford dealer and they are saying cylinder #8 is loosing compression. They did not do a compression check, but from what they diagnose and read in TSB's, they are saying that is the issue. They think it's in the heads. Valve guides & seats.

Do you have the #8 cooling mod?

[crouse]

No cooling mod. Don't need it up here in Minnesota. :)

[RF Overlord]

I took it to my local Ford dealer and they are saying cylinder #8 is loosing compression. They did not do a compression check, How can one claim a cylinder is losing compression WITHOUT doing a compression check? I'd get a second opinion.

[crouse]

How can one claim a cylinder is losing compression WITHOUT doing a compression check? I'd get a second opinion.

I just had them do a basic diagnostics on it. A compression check would have added 1-2 more hours and that's something I can do myself.

[RubberCtyRauder]

being in Minnesota has nothing to with or not needing cooling head mod. your car still gets to operating temp. sounds like a the start of number 8 cyl.overheating. its not just marauders, mustangs all over have the issue

[justbob]

being in Minnesota has nothing to with or not needing cooling head mod. your car still gets to operating temp. sounds like a the start of number 8 cyl.overheating. its not just marauders, mustangs all over have the issue



Exactly...


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[crouse]

Does this sound like a cylinder is loosing compression? I was in 2nd gear about 35 mph. Foot hard on the brake and the go pedal to the floor. The RPM starts climbing then at about 4000 RPM, boom, it runs rough like on 7 cylinders.

[RF Overlord]

Compression doesn't just suddenly get lost at 4000 RPM.

[crouse]

It comes on so quick. I could be in 2nd gear at 5000 rpm at half throttle and there it runs great. Then give it a little more throttle and it starts running rough. Is it possible I have a bad injector? Or a bad TPS?

[Zack]

Ford IDS can do a cylinder balance test. It's an electronic equivalent of a compression test

[Turbov6Bryan]

It comes on so quick. I could be in 2nd gear at 5000 rpm at half throttle and there it runs great. Then give it a little more throttle and it starts running rough. Is it possible I have a bad injector? Or a bad TPS?

Or a bad crank sensor or bad fuel rail sensor or bad fuel pump or bad tps or a bad mechanic

What did your compression test show?

[crouse]

So if it is the head(s), what are my options? Sounds like heads are hard to come by. Does anyone like MMR sell our heads? Does anyone rebuild them?

[MMBLUE]

So if it is the head(s), what are my options? Sounds like heads are hard to come by. Does anyone like MMR sell our heads? Does anyone rebuild them?

Most reputable machine shops can do this for you. Ask around locally. When trying to find someone like that, I usually make a few stops at local speed shops and ask around.

[crouse]

I did a cold compression test today. Pulled the fuse on the fuel pump. Ran the started for about 3-4 seconds. Got between 175 and 180 psi on each cylinder.

Took it out for a drive then did a hot test on #6. Even though I pulled the fuse on the fuel pump, it still tried to fire. I got about 150 psi on #6. I did it three times shutting off just before it tried to fire.

Seems weird I'd get a lower number when hot. Or is it because it tried to fire?

[crouse]

I'm going to try replacing an injector. I've never done this. Could I get some advise / help on how to do this?