AJWALKMAN

I have a 2004 Exp 5.4 EB.
It started running rough and came back with a 0181 code. I reset PCM and replugged connectors and code is gone but engine still missing.

Also the AC in the cockpit gradually stops coming out of the vents on an extended (2 Hour Trip), possibly a vacuum leak to a diverter door.
I started searching for vacuum leaks and found a small hose that tee's off from a vacuum line right at the steering wheel universal on the drivers side, it comes vertical and settles between the air filter box, radiator fill bottle and brake master cylinder. It has a 90 deg elbow at the top but the stem is broken off. I have looked and do not see where it broke off from.

1, Does anyone have a clear picture of the drivers side engine compartment or have a similar vehicle to check.

2. The second question, is there a vacuum seeting or range to confirm an additional leak or any tricks rather than trying to visually see a crack to find a vacuum leak?

Thanks in advance.

Bert

The hose under the steering wheel is probably for the park brake release. Some vehicles had the hose there even without the release. It was plugged off.

Vacuum leaks are a little hard to find. Sometimes spraying water around gets sucked in and the engine changes RPM. The way I always check is with a "follow the lines" visual and a hand vacuum pump.

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Bert

mvmarica

Gents, I have a very similar problem, although I was certain my lumpy running was down to the vacuum hose. The vacuum hose was split, rubbers had perished, and I cannot purchase a new one, as I live in Abu Dhabi - the Ford dealer here is pretty useless. They cannot supply a new hose assmebly, so I repaired the hose myself.
Problem is, when I first repaired it, it ran fine. Then the hose split again further down after a few weeks, so I repaired it again myself. Since I repaired it again, it is now still running a little lumpy, and if I accelerate hard, the service engine light flashes. Once I take my foot off the pedal, the light dissapears after a few seconds. Is there any chance a piece of perished hose could have been sucked down the vacuum hose and caused a partial blockage somewhere, causing the lumpy running? Or am I looking in the wrong area for a fix?

Bert

The best way to check would be to see what codes are there. That would help pin point it better.

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Bert

mvmarica

Codes revealed a misfire on number 4 cylinder. Had to wait 2 weeks before the mechanic could fit me in. Now been in the garage for a week, still not sorted. When he removed the injector, he found oil in the cylinder. Apparantly this is a leaking oil seal around the coil body, so the mechanic has replaced all 8 seals. Also put some high temp heat shrink around the coil, so it is a more snug fit through the oil seal. When i went to the garage to look at it - half the engine looks as if has been removed, plus a front wheel!!! Mechanic reckons this is the worst type of car he has worked on, as the access to the head is bad. Ho hum, should be done tomorrow, not looking forward to the bill.

Bert

Hopefuly it'll be working great again. Keep us posted.

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Bert

mvmarica

All fixed at last! Only took nice Mr. Mechanic man 10 days to get it sorted. Can't grumble at the price though - approx $400 all in - $150 parts, $250 labour. all new plugs and new oil seals. Although now I have a new code - high HGT sensor fault, plus my "check suspension" light is on (this appeared day before I took it to the garage). Time for a new search through the forums! Apart from that, running like a dream again.

Bert

Good to hear. Thanks for the update.

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Bert

takenoprisoner

One way I know to find a vacum leak that I didnt see suggested was to spray carb cleaner over all the lines. If the engine is running rough and you spray over the leak it will rev up. Then u know the general area of where the leak is. Worked for me recently.