I'm done...

[Tinman]

OK, the newer trucks are more complicated and can have more to go wrong. If it weren't for the EPA, we'd all be driving p-pumps and loving it. But that's not where we are today This is one reason I got an 06, and frankly would't buy a diesel now with all the emissions stuff.



We all know the injectors are a weakness and can lead to bad problems. That will improve with time and technology. But what else is "wrong" with the new trucks. I beleive the warrenty claims and the pre-6. 7 CR motors are similiar to p-pumped trucks. The bell shaped curve would say these trucks are good.



The only thing I thought was bad from the factory was the fuel pump/filter set up. OK, I don't like the turbo or trans, but there really nothing wrong with them if the truck is left stock. A failing injector is always in the back of my mine, but it would be on any CR motor, nature of the beast.



I guess it just depends on where on the technology scale you want to drive.

 

[Johnstra]

Good luck whichever way you go, Steve. I'll be interested what Don finds with the injectors. I was planning to go with DonM injectors since I have a "bump" in my idle similar to what you've described. Let us know what you find out?

-john

 

[lmills]

She's blowing smoke and ready for pick up Steve

 

[WCounts]

When I break something on my truck I'm not happy and can get a bit discuraged. But after doing without it for a few days I'm glad to get back in it.

Nothing else drives like my truck.

 

[steved]

After talking with Lloyd, turns out the injectors are NOT the problem... he and Don definitely went above and beyond in looking at them...



When I picked it up today, it acted similar as before, without the smoke and knocking (it was a hot day though)... rough idle, low power (off idle, as in I could easily stall it if I wanted to). I'm still getting smoke under moderate/heavy throttle, unlike before (before being, when the Flux 1s were installed, they all but cured my smoke issues)... which is funny, because it isn't any worse at high altitude (when it should smoke the worst).



Lloyd had a few suggestions: remove the monitor (rail pressure guage), check the FCA, and check the rail pressure sensor. Keep in mind, the rail pressures "look" fine. The FCA has under 40k on it, I replaced it around 128k.



I pulled the connections from the Granatelli monitor before I got into PA... will drive it this week to see if that does anything. It typically does it when cold started (anything under 70*F)... I should know more tomorrow morning.



Time will tell. I'm not sinking $$ into this thing, throwing parts until something sticks.



Hey Lloyd... where's my key??

 

[WhiteSheep]

Old gasser and paranoia

Steved:



I hope you get everything worked out. I share your concerns about reliability, which is why my engine is nearly bone stock. The only trick I have played on it is the RokTech. The other mods don't impact the engine. I carry a spare lift pump and will go for the in tank pump if the original unit ever fails. As an example of how paranoid I am, I carry two full size spares all the time and had a custom skid plate built for the fuel tank. For further proof, my wife is visiting friends and family in Wyoming alone with my '08 Charger. She left with a full size spare in the trunk along with the space saver spare, air pump and plug kit.



When I go into the AZ outback, I usually take my '84 F-150. I set this truck up to be dead reliable. The only electronic thingy is the ignition, so I carry two complete systems. No fuel injection and an C6 with only one wire. (Its for the temperature sensor. ) Otherwise the drive train is completely mechanical. (2 spares on this truck and a real roll bar bolted to the frame. )



Oh yeah, I do have to carry my toolbox in the Ford because I have to do field repairs every so often. I have never had to do a field repair on my CTD. Good thing, because I wouldn't know how.



Good Luck,

 

[steved]

Steved:



I share your concerns about reliability, which is why my engine is nearly bone stock. The only trick I have played on it is the RokTech. The other mods don't impact the engine.

As is mine... the only "performance" mod on the engine is the rokktech, the granatelli monitor is a digital guage. There are no other mods to the engine (the injectors were replacements for "OEMs", not performance minded).



That's what irks me the most... in the days of disposable cars, I have a disposable truck (I should get a lot more miles before needing these repairs).

 

[lmills]

Hey Lloyd... where's my key??

Key is in the glove box.

 

[steved]

Thanks Lloyd...



As an update, it wasn't the granatelli... it started, and smoked badly again this AM. Its going to be doing a lot of sitting as I proceed to remove parts/pieces over the next couple months.

 

[WhiteSheep]

What are your plans for parts and pieces? I might be interested in a couple.

 

[steved]

Parts will be sold as I can strip them over the next couple months... the Dynatrac Hubs are already sold.



Anything that I can't use on a 2nd gen will be sold... couple things I can think of off hand:



ORU aluminum 11. 50AAM cover...

Maybe the Fast Coolers (if I don't buy another manual)...

The FASS, along with some extra filters...

The Rocktech Sensor...

The Big Bob cb mount...

A happi-jack slide in camper tie-down system...

I'll probably pull the running boards...

I'll also be looking to sell one set of aluminum 17" wheels (no tires) and a set of 17" steel wheels with caps.



I'm keeping the GCF and toolbox/tank for the next truck...

 

[WCounts]

Looks like you're planning on getting another 12V. That's what I would do if something happened to my 3rd gen. So far I'm starting to like my 3rd gen but I haven't had any problems out of it other than self inflected. A clean 2nd gen 12v can still be found arround here. Nothing can beat a 12v in reliability and fuel economy. I still like the looks of the 2nd gen the best.

Good luck

 

[steved]

No, this would be my first 12-valve... I owned a 24-valve before this CR. My dad had a 95 12-valve, so I have a little bit of background... but he only had that truck for 50k before buying his 99.

 

[Regcabguy]

Sorry this is happening to you Steve. If mine starts chronically messing up,I couldn't go back to the steering,braking and noise issues I had with my '99. I drove my friend's '90 F-150 2wd 300cid,5speed truck yesterday. That six was discontinued by Ford for excessive longevity issues. Gutless compared to a diesel,but quiet and dependable with nearly no maintenance. Anyway,best of luck.

 

[steved]

Sorry this is happening to you Steve. If mine starts chronically messing up,I couldn't go back to the steering,braking and noise issues I had with my '99.

My 99 was ten times the truck this one has been... the only thing I ever had to do to the 99 was the trans (auto) and lift pumps.

Not to mention my 99 was much more comfortable (comparing a 4x4 2500 "HD" ST to a 4x4 2500 ST) to drive cross country...

 

[Forrest Nearing]

you'll love a 12v then... if you get a manual, all you'll have to do is drive it

 

[steved]

you'll love a 12v then... if you get a manual, all you'll have to do is drive it

Other than the 5th gear nurt issue... . :-laf



I guess the main thing with this whole ordeal is the fact I know most of the evils with the older trucks, and not so many with this CR. Not to mention I could possibly work on an older truck myself...

 

[Forrest Nearing]

just don't lug it and you won't have any problem... most any truck you buy should already have the fix done, but even if you lose 5th, it's not something that's going to strand you

 

[Kubotaorange76]

Sorry this is happening to you Steve. If mine starts chronically messing up,I couldn't go back to the steering,braking and noise issues I had with my '99. I drove my friend's '90 F-150 2wd 300cid,5speed truck yesterday. That six was discontinued by Ford for excessive longevity issues. Gutless compared to a diesel,but quiet and dependable with nearly no maintenance. Anyway,best of luck.

Darn right, i have an 89 f-150 2wd reg cab XL with a 300-6, 2. 73 rear and c-6 transmission (3spd), its been dead reliable, its quiet and gets 15-17 mpg and the ride is like a Cadillac. up to 193000 miles









Hey steve, do you want to sell the dynatrac free spin kit? i need one for my 06. I have the unit bearings that came off my 07 w/11000 miles on them

 

[steved]

The DT kit is already sold, pending removal.