1997 F150 4.2 Rough Idle When First Cranked

[RBeach]

Just bought the truck the other day.

When I first crank it up when it is cold, it runs real rough, like it is missing. I give it gas a few times, and it smooths out.

It does feel as there is a slight hesitation when you are pulling from a stop, but it is hard to notice. I really have to listen and feel for it to notice it.

My main concern is the rough running when I first start it up.

I am going to do a tune-up this weekend (plug, wires, filters), but wasn't sure if this could possibly be another issue.

[danielsatur]

See www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=977049

[RBeach]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

See www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=977049

I tried the IAC valve replacement with no luck. I am going to try cleaning the MAF sensor tonight.

Although, I do have a problem with coolant loss. I noticed the coolant level was down. They filled it up the day I bought it because it was a little low. That was 1 week ago today. It was about a quart low today. It is not leaking coolant anywhere (radiator, hoses, heater core). But, there is a fair amount of moisture coming from the exhaust. This leads to to believe blown head gasket or bad lower intake gasket (which I did some research, and noticed these 4.2 V6 are notorious for this). You can smell the sweet smell when the truck is running.

I am wondering if there is coolant getting into the combustion chamber, would this cause the rough idle problem also?

[dfordski]

Save some time & money. Run Error code scans.

[RBeach]

Originally Posted by dfordski

Save some time & money. Run Error code scans.

Already done that. No errors.

Here is what I did find tonight, and made me cringe:

I took the oil filler cap off, and there was some milkshake colored sludge on the inside of the cap, and also on the inside of the fill tube it attaches to. Now, I know I have coolant in my oil. Not sure whether this could be the lower intake gasket these things are know for, or if I have a blown head gasket.

This goes along with the slight knock I hear from the bottom of the engine.

I am still taking it back to the dealer I bought it from, since he said they would fix any problems. I just hope he stands behind his word. If not, I just got a piece of crap!

I am dropping it off Monday before I go out of town, and will see what they have to say on Thursday.

The more I think about it, the more depressed I get!!!!!

[dfordski]

They can't sell a truck like that!

[fordtrucksonly]

Had one run me in circles for the same issue.. Ended up being a Cam sensor.