Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jun 02, 2013

1999 Ford V10 Loping at Idle (Help)

Hey all,

I have a 1999 Four Winds (Thor) 30Q on what I believe is an F53 chassis with the 6.8L V10. It has developed a loping idle and am undecided as to what to tackle first. There is no check engine light and there are no codes on the computer. When cold and warm will sometimes die right after started, but when running the idle lopes below 1000rpm. It just recently started during a trip up to Steamboat Springs, CO from Denver. I am wondering if the engine braking (sometimes up to 4500rpm) or running down a dirt road for about 9 miles might have gummed up the EGR valve?
I have been doing some research on the symptoms on the net and while several point to the EGR valve, serval others indicate the IAC valve, plugs, wires, coils, bad fuel etc...
I wanted to see if anyone on here might have had a similar issue and what your resolution was, or what some of you more mechanically inclined folk might think about it before I go throwing money at it for things that it might not need. Oh yea, I have about 32K on the motor and am about one year into being the 3rd owner on it.
TIA for your input!

Allen

Class A

13 Replies

Qualcity
Explorer
Jun 02, 2013
Thanks guys!
I guess at the very least I'll have to pull that EGR valve and see if blowing it out will help. I did already pick one up, but at 120.00 I want to try and deduce if that is the most likely problem before I install it. Sounds at least like I'm on the right track. Thanks again gentlemen (and ladies)!
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2013
I had a GMC Jimmy that the EGR kept getting clogged with carbon build-up. It would idle rough, then start to stall when stopped, then the check engine light would finally come on. At that point you had to use the brake & gas to keep it running. My DH would take the EGR out - use the air compressor and blow it out to clear the carbon out. That would last about 4-6 months and then he's do it over again. The service engine light always went right out after it was cleaned and it ran and idled just fine.
BillMFl
Explorer
Jun 02, 2013
If it runs good on the road but idles rough and sometimes stalls that sounds a lot like the EGR. Its a pain to get at but they sell a spray can of solvent that can clean the valve body. Carbon build up can be the cause. Sometimes running at highway speeds will burn it off. My Ford camper van was acting the same way last summer (all local short trip driving). After a day of 70mph on an Interstate it suddenly ran fine at idle. I still have the spray can somewhere but didn't have to use it.