Is your Ford---or one you are considering buying---running a little rough? Here’s a quick and simple check you can do to find out if this common problem is the cause. Plus, a warning about potentially setting your truck on fire while working on it.
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Sounds Like a Mistiming Problem
One of the most common causes of any engine running rough is a mistiming problem where the engine is sputtering, backfiring, and/or just generally running rougher than what you are used to hearing.
Most of the time this is due to some broken or worn timing part, or stretching of the timing chain that results in the camshaft not being in sync with the crankshaft and thereby the valves are opening and closing at the wrong moments and the spark plugs are not firing exactly when they need to in alignment with the piston stroke.
Related article: Ford Misfiring Engine Problem? Check This Out First Before Going to Your Mechanic
However, sometimes the answer to a rough running engine is much simpler and can be one of those slap yourself on the forehead moments.
Related article: Two of The Most Commonly Misdiagnosed Noises in Ford 5.4L 3v Triton Engines
That was a point made in a recent Ford Tech Makuloco YouTube channel episode where Brian has to do some detective diagnostics on a 2005 Ford F-150 after discovering the vehicle he recently did a timing job on was actually running worse than when the vehicle first came in.
The Value of This Video
The value of this video is that it offers a simple check you can make whenever you’ve had your timing serviced, your fuel injectors replaced, or are thinking of buying a rough running used vehicle and want to eliminate the possibility of a simple fix on what could turn out to be a fine vehicle bought cheap.
You can follow along with Brian to see how he made the diagnosis or just skip ahead to time point 14:00 of the video and discover what the cause of the problem was and how easy it is to fix with his detailed demonstration.
Did I Really Mistime This Engine and Destroy It?
And finally…
For additional articles related to problems with your Ford, here are a few selected ones for your consideration:
• Ford Triton 3-Valve Engine Spark Plug Problem You Won’t Believe
• Ford F-150 Transmission Test Owners Can Do While Driving
Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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