96 Ford Windstar 3.8l "chugging" when restarted
Login  | |
|
96 Ford Windstar 3.8l "chugging" when restarted - 12/16/2007 7:08:03 AM
|
|
|
The Mutt
Posts: 6
Score: 0
Joined: 12/13/2007
Status: offline
|
I have a 96 Windstar 3.8l that will start to "chug" and smell of raw gas after it has been driven for a period of time and is let sit for 20 minutes then restarted (I have a friend with a 98 windstar that has encountered the same issue). I was told it was the fuel "boiling" in the fuel rails but find that hard to believe. I have had it into 2 reputable shops and have been given many possible causes (all to be covered at my $$$$...of course). Is there anyone who knows or who has pin pointed and fixed this before?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 96 Ford Windstar 3.8l "chugging" when res... - 12/17/2007 2:55:19 PM
|
|
|
oldtimer35
Posts: 333
Score: 0
Joined: 11/27/2007
Status: offline
|
Could it be that you have one or more injectors leaking when you shut the engine off? If a fuel pressure drop test (koeo) shows that you loose pressure after about 20 minutes, then that may be the problem. Of course, finding it can be fun, but if let it sit for about 30 minutes, then remove the spark plugs, you might see evidence of it on them. As for the fuel boiling, I have never heard of nor seen that with this engine, besides, this is a fuel return system and as soon as you turn the key on, you have 40 psi setting on top of the injectors and if any problem with fuel boiling, it should be cured as soon as it starts. All vapor returns to the tank.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 96 Ford Windstar 3.8l "chugging" when res... - 12/17/2007 8:09:16 PM
|
|
|
The Mutt
Posts: 6
Score: 0
Joined: 12/13/2007
Status: offline
|
I have replaced all injectors (had shop clean plenum while off and doing injectors), new fuel pump, new plugs, checked wires, new coil pack, fuel regulator, MAF sensor & new converters (found plugged while having vehicle checked at repair center) All within past year.
The "chugging" happens after it is warmed up and driven for a period of time (ie. shopping, running errands, etc.). After sitting 17-20 minutes (not less than 15 minutes but not more than 30 minutes) will start to "chug" for 30 seconds and smell of raw gas until running smooth (may have contributed to the loss of converters). I have even had lean bank1 and bank2 codes come up (this is more noticable during the summer when it's warm out). I have been chasing this down for the past 2 years and have noticed it happening more often now(sometimes even during cold weather...just not as noticable or frequent).
As mentioned, I have been chasing this down for the past 2-3 years. I have had it into 2 reputable shops and 1 dealership. I'm hoping to find someone who has had this issue and corrected it. Any other thoughts and/or feedback welcome.
< Message edited by The Mutt -- 12/17/2007 8:12:59 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 96 Ford Windstar 3.8l "chugging" when res... - 12/19/2007 6:11:30 AM
|
|
|
Use Common Sense
Posts: 540
Score: 0
Joined: 1/12/2007
Status: offline
|
Is the engine running during the "17-20 minute sitting time"? Also, why would you replace all of the HIGH dollar items, but never replace a $35 set of plug wires? You could have spare leakage causing the problem due to weakplug/coil boots. Sparl leakage will tend to appear after the boots get warm and expand around the plugs. I would replace these and use a light coating of dielectrical grease on the insides of the boots. This will also eliminate moisture related spark leakage. Also, pull the vacuum line off of the fuel regulator and see if there is fuel in it. If there is, then the regulator diaphram is failing/faild and could also cause this problem.
_____________________________
2004 Freestar Limited 4.2 V6 w/Water Injection & Iridium plugs
2008 Mercury Sable 3.5 V6 w/Opened Air Box
AMSOIL Lubricants and Filters in everything
"Have a good day, and a better one tomorrow"
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
