Life Update The Start of a Welding Rig

Lanse

Well-known Member
Good evening guys!

So, I havent posted here in quite a while, just thought I'd stop in, give an update, and ask a quick question...

To make a long story short, my last thread here was asking for opinions on the 2004-ish F250's and 5.4liter engines... I was looking at one that was a former game warden vehicle and I ended up buying it :)

I got it for $3k under bluebook since it "idles rough", but I was able to fix that problem - usually - with a $28 air idle valve...

Now the question... When this truck has been sitting for a while, it always starts normally, but the RPM's drop/sink way too low unless you're giving it gas. It used to always do this before I replaced this valve, now it only does it after the truck has been sitting...

For instance, I recently replaced the transmission fluid and filter... And promptly crushed the gasket like an idiot... The truck wouldnt stop dumping ATF everywhere... And I let it sit for ~3 weeks until I had time to replace the gasket, which I just wrapped up this afternoon...

When I started the truck, its idle RPM's dropped like a rock, and it actually stalled out while I was backing up, something it's never done before... Any ideas what could cause this? Unless its been sitting it runs like a dream.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the thoughts.. And enjoy the video I made when I brought this truck home!

(I've since changed ALL the fluids, and had the brakes replaced, but in the video I mention needing to do all of these things)...
video1
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Hey lanse good to hearvfrom you , glad all is going well. Try cleaning the throttle body and the mass air flow sensor. Google for the proceedure and the proper cleaners to use. Is it throwing any codes ????
 
I have heard those 5.4's are a piece of crap. A lot of them spit out spark plugs. No thanks I think I will stick with my '92 351.
 
Congradulations on getting things started. If what I've seen around here holds true foy your area, you should have no problem finding enough work to keep you busy.

I say that because the company my Dad works for had a project going where they had to ad a 12 inch wide repair ring around the inside of a tank at a sewage treatment plant in New Bern, NC. Dad started things, but hurt his shoulder and wasn't able to hold his arms up long enough to weld the bottom side of the ring. So, he called everyone he could find locally, and no one wanted to do the job. One guy even said he didn't want to do it, 'because the place smelled bad'. FYI, it didn't smell that bad........at least not enough to turn down a paying job for......

So, I got the call to drive down and do it. After a couple of false starts on Monday getting everything setup, we ran into a problem and had to reconvene on Tuesday morning. I welded, moved my platform, welded some more, moved some more.......for all but maybe two hours from 8A< until 5 PM. Believe me when I say it's a long way around a 40 foot diameter tank with a 1/8 rod, and welding the bottom side of a repair plate, often with a small gap to fill.

Given your training something like this shouldn't be difficult for you. Given all the things this customer does for me I cut them a break on the labor a little, but in the end I figure I'll still make over $1200, plus mileage, etc, for two days work,
 
Wayne, I used to live in Wilmington. NC in the late '60's and worked for Merrit-Holland Gas Co and have been in the bus barn (Trailways) in New Bern, NC. Used to sell steam cleaners and pressure washers by L.B. White.
 
I have a 99 with the 5.4 and going on 220K. I have taken the throttle body and adapter off every two to three years to clean it out. The EGR passage is right behind the throttle plate and it clogs up and sometimes makes the throttle sticky. I would also check the EGR valve and tube from the exhaust manifold. While you have the TB off check your PCV hose connection to the intake manifold.
 
I had a Ford F-600 with utility body , Hobart gas welder, and a home built crane that looked identical to a Powers crane.. Not rusty at all.. I had to parts it out.. Couldn't sell as a complete truck.. After "partsing" it out I managed to get a little over 3500.. Everyone wanted it for scrap price.. I showed them... I got fifty bucks more for it than scrap.....
 
So I remember when you were a regular poster some years back, Lanse, then you went to welding school. Do you have your own shop now, or working in one? Would like a little update on your life in general, if you'd care to give it.
 

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