Cold start problem

[Stan Wright]

For the last month or so my truck hasn't been starting like it used to. For a couple seconds it spits and sputters like an old World War I biplane. Then it catches and runs like normal. It doesn't do it every time, but most times after it's been off for several hours. Any ideas?

[Duneguy2]

I had the same issue about a year ago. Truck would only make the Fokker noises on the initial startup of the day. Never thereafter until sitting again, overnight. Took it to the dealer and they stated it was the O2 sensor (well, thats what they put on the paperwork and charged the warranty company for). Truck was fixed.

Oddly, the truck started doing it again about 3 months ago. Eventually, the Check Engine Soon light came on and - surprisingly, the truck started every morning without any Fokker noises. I have not had a chance to get the truck to the dealer yet. Today, coming home from work - the engine light turned off (?). It will be interesting to see if the truck sputters tomorrow morning, and/or if the light comes back on.

While I do have a warranty, I'd like to figure out how to clean the sensor(s) myself instead of giving up my truck for 2 days to the door ding doctors at the dealership. Besides, if this sensor keeps getting dirty, this is something that I (we all) need to learn how to service as it cannot be that difficult.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

[03psd4x4]

There are two O2 sensors for the V10. One in each pipe from the exhaust manifold/header (y-pipe) I'm not sure that they are cleanable though. They are very easy to change out. The only difficulty comes actually getting them loose if theyve been on for a while. They are not cheap either. I changed mine when I put on the Banks headers/exhaust. If I recall they were $30+ each.

The check engine soon light is usually some sort of emission system warning. The O2 sensors are a good place to start. However, I don't know that the O2 sensors would cause that cold start problem though.

[GAV10]

Stan,

What does it do if you give it a little gas, push the accelerator pedal down slightly? Do you think it could be the IAC valve ? Just changed mine last Friday. See the thread in this forum for details.

Mark

[chip's_350]

Yeah, mine is doing it and it only has 10K miles on it! Other than that, it runs great!

Think I should take it to the dealer and have them change out the O2 sensor?

Are they going to give me grief about the K&N air filter I'm running (in the stock air box...)?

This is the only complaint I have, but it only happens in the morning after sitting all night and not even every morning.

BTW, I'm going on my first extended tow this weekend (8,000 lb Travel Trailer) and was wonder if I should run 89 or 92 octane or should it be fine on the cheap unleaded 87 I usually run (and have no pinging, etc.)?

Thanks,

Chip

[V10 man]

A bad O2 should throw a code. If you're having problems by all means take out the K&N and put the stock filter back in. Don't want to give the dealership any excuse for a way out.

[ohski]

[ QUOTE ]
Are they going to give me grief about the K&N air filter I'm running (in the stock air box...)?

[/ QUOTE ]

I have never had a problem with any Ford dealer turning me away for a K&N... I had the drop ins like yours in both of my last two Rangers with no problems and have the FLIP kit in my F250 with no problems from the guys... well, they all want to know how I like it...! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

[ONEBIGTRK]

Mine does the exact same thing, except my check engine light doen't come on. It doesn't do it every morning either. I also have the pinging at low RPM's. I am about ready to get rid of the piece of crap and get me a diesel, but I'm scared of the new year diesel problems too! I wish they still had the 460 V8 instead of the naturally unbalanced V10!