KWerner35

I have been having numerous issues with my truck, 2004 Ford F150 FX4 (New Body Style) 5.4 liter 3 valve, since I bought it a few months ago. My truck runs great until it gets hot, then it wants to stall out. At first it only wanted to stall when hot and stopping, but now it will stall even when driving. It has 114K on it and I just replaced the spark plugs and fuel filter (it needed both of these very badly). Which did fix my misfires and idling issues. But just a day after changing the plugs and fuel filter it began stalling out A LOT and barely wants to drive. Sounds like the cam phasers are making a louder flapping noise than normal, but I figured it is just because the engine is about to stall out.

Would my issue have anything to do with the new spark plugs or fuel filter? Or is it completely unrelated? I was thinking possible fuel pump? Or maybe the cam phasers? Which I really don't want to spend the money on those? Could the flapping noise when its about to stall out be the chain and it needs new tensioners?

It runs GREAT with the new plugs and fuel filter when its Cold! But once it warms up, like 15-20 minutes of smooth driving, its done. Stalls out and I had to pull over and let it cool down to make it back home.

Please Help!?

Farmer John

Check the coil packs, make sure they are tightened down. Next I would check the cam position sensors, and pigtails. I had a broken pigtail a while back, fixed it, and the truck did run slightly better. Also check the MAF sensor, and its pigtail. Also check the fuel pump driver module.

If it sounds like a diesel it might be a blocked cat, or so I have been told. It could also be the cam phaser.

KWerner35

I have read many other posts, and I found one saying about the VCT solenoid.

My truck does make that awful ticking noise, and it is noticeably loud! Could the VCT solenoids cause the truck to stall when hot? (when I say hot I mean normal running temperature)

KWerner35

Oh it could be a blocked cat! Because I had also just seafoamed everything and tons of smoke came out the exhaust from all the gunk the seafoam ate up. (and trust me there was a lot of gunk in there, I looked down the holes when I cleaned the throttle body and changed the spark plugs. I just checked again today and it looks clean in there now after the seafoam!

Any idea how I could check if the cat is the blocked up?

Farmer John

https://www.f150forum.com/f6/why-my-.../?ref=esp-link

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/stupid-...t-cats-149025/

KWerner35

Farmer John - After reading through your posts, it sounds very much like we have the same problem! My truck was acting exactly as yours, but today it became much worse, stalling a lot.

Did you ever find a true fix to your problem???

Farmer John

I wish I had. I will just give you a heads up, its going to get a lot worse as summer sets in. After reading about the VCT solenoid, and cats I was left with a handful of options. Seeing as I ran out of extra money to throw at it, I just decided to save my pennies, dump a new engine and exhaust system in the truck, and call it a day as the stealership mechanic told me the engine was toast. Otherwise I keep looking for good options to get rid of the truck.

I will not say that two new VCT solenoids, replacing the phasers, or a new exhaust system won't solve my problems. I ran out of money after replacing a list of items, it did not help matters I needed new tires and shocks, and trying seafoam in the oil and in the block. Phaser issues seem to be a common issue with the 04-08 f150s.

I have been running a year with this problem, and the truck occasionally feels down on power. On these warm days I just kick it in neutral when approaching stoplights/signs, and kill the engine. Carry a tool set with you to unhook the battery to reset the computer. Or call around for an updated phaser set if you are a DIYer. I was priced 900 for the parts, and I have heard around 1400 for a shop.

Sorry I cant be more help, but my low tolerance for frustration finally got the best of me.

mjlater

I know it can be fustrating. My truck is doing the EXACT same thing as yours. I'm going to switch my VCT solenoids this weekend and see if I can replaicate the problem on the opposite bank. I read your thread on the CAT maybe being an issue. It could be a possiblity. HAve you thrown any CAT cels?

KWerner35

I do not get any CEL's at all! The only time I had the CEL on was when I started the truck up and forgot to plug the one plug back into the throttle body after cleaning it. Reset the code and I never had another code!

It is very frustrating bc I have been putting a lot of time and money into this truck to get it to run right and I can't figure it out!

I'm replacing both solenoids as soon as they come in the mail and I'm hoping that fixes my issue, or at least fixes my ticking so I know I don't have to spend the money on cam phasers!

I'll keep you posted with my results after the solenoids are in!

Farmer John

I did not get any until the truck died on me. It was about 95 degrees outside, from that point on I keep getting P0340, P0345, and another one that I cant remember. When the CEL does go out I will think the bulb blew or something.

To date I have thrown over 1000 at the engine, with slight improvements, and a return to the same old problem. That is what will kill you, it gets better for a few days and then reverts back to its typical bull shyt.

As for the VCT solenoid, I have heard that it is a hit and miss fix. Some people have had it work, while others have not. Keep us posted, I hope it fixes your issue.

Sorry I responded to both of you.