Ohanko15

Today as I was coming home from school the truck overheated and the oil light. I pulled into the nearest place which was ironically a ford dealership to let it cool. After 10 mins of letting it cool I moved it next door to an autozone. When it started it chugged, and chugged. While moving onto the street I thought it was going to stall. As of right now I had to leave the truck at the autozone because of an appointment. For around the past month it has drank gasoline like no tomorrow and has had a very rough idle. If it matters, it's a V6. Any ideas on what this could be? Thanks!

A7X

Is there a check engine light on?

Ohanko15

The check engine light burned out a long time ago so I have no idea.

A7X

Well the smart thing to do would have been to make sure your cigar lighter works (your diagnostic port is tied to the same fuse) and get the codes read for free at AutoZone while you we're there...

I also suggest replacing the bulb for your check engine light... I mean after all it is the best way for your truck to tell you it doesn't feel good... Ignore it and you may end up with some big repair bills...

The best way to find out what's wrong with your truck is to get the diagnostic codes read...

A7X

Also, how are your fluids? Coolant, oil? Are they discolored? Are they there?

Ohanko15

The codes were read last week. Codes P0174 and P0171. I do have a bad cat that I need to address. Could that cause any issues?

A7X

I would say start with the intake leak you most likely have...

It's a common issue with the 4.2...

Those are lean codes... bank 1 and 2

Check for cracked intake or leaking intake gaskets...

Ohanko15

The fluids aren't discolored but there are some type of leaks. For two weeks durning "cold" weather the master cylinder was leaking. I was checking the fluid everyday. I added oil, about three quarts not to long ago. I've noticed the oil light on but the oil is max on the dip stick. I've noticed if I run the truck quite hard it runs very smooth with nothing that seems wrong. I've disconnected my rear O2 sensors hoping it'll stop drinking gasoline or help the engine since it was reading lean with the codes. It'll idle at 2,000 or higher but even at a stop if I press the clutch in the RPMs drop. At other times while at a stop light it'll viciously vibrate then seems as if it's going to stall. With the rear O2 sensors disconnected the idle has smoothed out but it's still rough.

A7X

It may not be that though so I want to add

Check and clean mass air flow sensor
Check for vacuum leaks after the MAF
Check O2 sensor harness' for corrosion
Change fuel filter (a lean code can be lack of fuel as well
Run fuel injector cleaner
Etc...

Austin97

That. And clogged cats can cause serious driveability problems. If burnt air can't get out, fresh air can't get in and the engine won't be able to run.