Any mechanics around?

[spiveyrat]

I've got a question for anyone with an auto-mechanic background (or anyone with the experience to match). I have a 1995 Ford F-150 with the 4.9 Liter six cylinder. Lately, it's been actiing up a little on me. In the afternoons when I'm on my way home from work, the engine chokes and gasps and acts like it's trying to die for about 2-5 minutes after I've been driving for about 2 minutes. While it's choking, it blasts black smoke out of my tail pipe. Then it drives normally for the rest of the trip.

On a side note, every-so-often it's hard to start and when I do eventually get it started, it chokes and gasps just like it does wen I'm driving, black smoke and all.

And then on another side note, sometimes when I brake a little harder than normal it will try to die the same way as if the force of the braking is keeping the gas from being pumped from the tank into the engine.

I mentioned it does it in the afternoon because that is almost exclusively when it happens. VERY rarely will it do this in the mornings. It's almost like it only wants to die when it turns a certain temperature outside. I know that sounds crazy, but that's my observation. Any ideas?

[Bandera YaYa]

Ask Sinton66..he helped me with my truck prob last nite........

[pirate44]

Originally posted by Bandera YaYa
Ask Sinton66..he helped me with my truck prob last nite........

so i assume you filled up on gas like he suggested.

[Bandera YaYa]

hahahahahaha..but he was the only one that offered any kind of help to me ...and NO it was not out of gas! So *sticking tongue out and blowing* !!

[lepfan]

check your pm's...I have a personal mechanic on duty 24/7....I have his response in your pm box

[LH Panther Mom]

Originally posted by Bandera YaYa
hahahahahaha..but he was the only one that offered any kind of help to me ...and NO it was not out of gas! So *sticking tongue out and blowing* !!

I helped, just needed to ask questions first so I could give you a correct diagnosis.

[SintonFan]

Originally posted by spiveyrat
I've got a question for anyone with an auto-mechanic background (or anyone with the experience to match). I have a 1995 Ford F-150 with the 4.9 Liter six cylinder. Lately, it's been actiing up a little on me. In the afternoons when I'm on my way home from work, the engine chokes and gasps and acts like it's trying to die for about 2-5 minutes after I've been driving for about 2 minutes. While it's choking, it blasts black smoke out of my tail pipe. Then it drives normally for the rest of the trip.

On a side note, every-so-often it's hard to start and when I do eventually get it started, it chokes and gasps just like it does wen I'm driving, black smoke and all.

And then on another side note, sometimes when I brake a little harder than normal it will try to die the same way as if the force of the braking is keeping the gas from being pumped from the tank into the engine.

I mentioned it does it in the afternoon because that is almost exclusively when it happens. VERY rarely will it do this in the mornings. It's almost like it only wants to die when it turns a certain temperature outside. I know that sounds crazy, but that's my observation. Any ideas?

.
Your best bet is to buy a code reader or go to autozone and let the guys run them for free. Your computer should reveal the problem.
Possible problems could a mass airflow sensor or coolant temperature sensor. But, get those codes run first!

[Bandera YaYa]

Originally posted by LH Panther Mom
I helped, just needed to ask questions first so I could give you a correct diagnosis.

Oh you did!! I'm am so sorry I forgot!! Bad news today...needs new water pump and temp gauge thingy.....$400 ......next man I marry will be an auto mechanic.....

[sinton66]

Don't you know, mechanics drive the worst pieces of junk.

[SintonFan]

Originally posted by sinton66
Don't you know, mechanics drive the worst pieces of junk.

.
Aint that the truth, 66. Ever notice how plumbers' homes leak, psychiatrists are screwed up, accountants are always being audited for their personal returns and propane drivers never keep their tank full?
To name a few that is...

[Gobbla2001]

I do not know the significance on the time of day, may not mean anything...

Dunno about the black smoke, but you may be dealing with spark-plug issues etc... When was the last time your plugs and ignition wires were changed?

[j_dog]

Originally posted by spiveyrat
....In the afternoons when I'm on my way home from work, the engine chokes and gasps .... Any ideas?

Work is a bad idea! Quit working, and you won't need a vehicle!

[spiveyrat]

Thanks for the help, people! If anyone has any other ideas, feel free to voice them...

Yesterday, it was only 48 degrees when I left work... no sputtering at all... Today it's supposed to be around 60, we'll see what 12 degrees will do...

[spiveyrat]

Originally posted by j_dog
Work is a bad idea! Quit working, and you won't need a vehicle!

That's easy for a retiree to say!!!

[LH Panther Mom]

Fuel filter and/or pump could be clogged or need replacing. Also, the fuel injector system may have a problem. And before all you guys start falling out of your chairs laughing hysterically, we have an '89 F-150. (Plus, I asked hubby for confirmation - he added the injector system.)