I have a 96 f-150 with a 5.8. When I start it, it will idle extra high and then almost die out and shoot back up and then continue this process. When I take the hose of the top of the egr valve and plug it, she will run like a champ. By the way don't know if it matters but the truck has California emissions... PLEASE HELP

 

Have you checked for codes? There is an explanation at the top of this section that explains how. That will give us some guidance (although I'd assume you have EGR issues based on your description).

 

x2 for codes. But 96' should be OBD2.
Is there Vacuum coming through the hose at idle?

 

I had autozone pull the codes and I don't remember the code but the told me it was. The egr valve which makes sense bc I'm bypassing it with a little fuse in that top hose so it will run easy and also a code for the o2 sensor which would also make sense with what I said up top. As far as checking for vacuum, I would not know where to start. Do I put a vacuum meter in that little hose that goes on top of the egr? And if so where would I get one at?

 

You disconnected the VAC hose going to the ERG, & stuck a fuse in the hose end?

 

Yes I did and she purrs like a kitten. Don't know y it works but it does. My dad told to do that till I got it fixed, I have put a new egr valve on but in the process broke the tube or line depending on where you order a new one at and couldn't find the same one anywhere so I had to go the dealer and they have one that's almost double the price. That is how I found out the truck has California emissions, in Michigan autozone and advanced auto and napa or carquest don't carry anything California emissions. By the way its a small glass. Fuse that I put in there

 

Ok. at warm idle, pull out the fuse. If there's vacuum coming out of the tube, it means the EGR Regulator is pooched. Should be no vac from the tube at warm idle. see link: http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=43

& less likely that it's the EGR valve itself. Try that & let use know. If no Vac at hose, we'll go to the next possibility. Which would be a ruptured EGR valve diaphragm.

 

Not to sound stupid but are you telling me that, that hose will be sucking or blowing? When there is vacuum coming out of the hose.

 

Vac = suction at the hose. Should be none at warm ilde.

 

Well, I have suction from the hose that connects to the top of egr valve. Were to go from here. Replace the egr regulator? You have no idea how much I appreciate this, thank you