Hello,

1996 Ford E250 V8 5.8 engine light on and wont pass smog. I pulled the codes P0172 & P0175 (RUNNING RICH ). I did take it to a mechanic for a diagnostic and they told me it was the purge solenoid. I paid for the part installed and still have the same problem.

symptoms : Starts up like a champ, when warm it seems sluggish hard to keep it at 65 mph seems like its struggling. runs okay at 55 and below. It has stalled before with slight sputtering (even seems like its missing when at idle). I do see black smoke coming out of the exhaust when at idle. With the throttle wide open is runs okay ...still seems sluggish.

I've also replaced the below
fuel regulator
fuel filter
MAF sensor
new air filter
new spark plugs
new air filter
fuel pump read 30 PSI at idle
purge solenoid

anything else I should check ?

next I plan on replacing the rubber hoses to the purge solenoid as they look corroded. Also I noticed that the PVC grommet that fits on the right side of the valve cover is torn off.... leaving it unsealed. I'm trying to figure out a way to replace this as its underneath the air intake. Do I have to take off the entire intake just to replace the pvc valve grommet? anyone know a better way? Can this be the reason the motor is running rich ?

any help would be much appreciated.