Loses power, suggested it might be a fuel pump or vacuum leak

Tiny
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Hi,

What can be expected? That's hard to tell. By replacing the EGR, we assume the wiring is good, the vacuum supply to the EGR is good, the controls are actuating correctly, and there is a clear passage through the intake allowing air to freely flow.

Is the P0401 the only code that is returning? Also, when it stalls, does it start right back up? Also, when this happens, how would you best describe it? For example, does it feel like someone simply turned off the ignition switch, or does it slowly lose power as if it is running out of fuel?

Let me know. Also, you are not a bother whatsoever. Please remember that. I'm here to do my best to help. I saw that in the first post you sent today and forgot to tell you this.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
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Yes, it starts right up. It feels as if the ignition is turned off, and yes thus far it's still the P0401 error code. I have been all over the internet trying to figure out what to do next. I am going to schedule an in-depth diagnostic cause I have no answers. Sorry I just feel both of these mechanics are not empathetic to my concerns. Also, instead of them driving it for a bit to ensure the codes are clear, they just say the car is ready for pickup. Since it's an older vehicle, selling it wouldn't do absolutely nothing. I do appreciate the time you invested in this, and I will keep you informed when the issue is fixed.
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Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I just want to help you get it fixed. The odd thing is that it feels like the key is turned off. An EGR issue would usually cause it to slowly stall or just run poorly.

Regardless, let me know what you find or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care of yourself.
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+1
Monday, April 4th, 2022 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
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Hey Joe, just keeping you updated. I bought my car on the 7th of April and asked for the in-depth diagnosis. Here it is the 21st and according to the service tech, they claim they did a combustion check, and it didn't look promising. My question is, when they run those diagnostics checks, shouldn't there be some sort of printout as to what was checked and what the results were? Also, shouldn't there be a schematic of what a in depth diagnostic consist of? I am extremely bothered because this auto shop has had my car for over 2 weeks and as far as I know, nothing has been done to determine the problem. I really need some advice as to know what to do next. The last time I was in, they put a new fuel regulator in, yet failed to drive it to see if the code shows up, so when I came and picked it up, and drove it home about 5 miles, it stopped and got the same code. They can't just clear the code without determining what the cause is, please any advice would be helpful
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I am sorry to hear this hasn't been resolved. If the P0401 is still present, we need to do is remove the EGR valve and check things ourselves. There are several things that can cause the code, but the code simply indicated an insufficient EGR flow problem.

Has anyone confirmed the intake where the EGR port is clean and free of debris? If not, that is where I would start. If it is clear, then we need to next test for an electrical issue that can also cause the issue. Take a look below and let me know if you are comfortable doing what is listed.

However, I would start by removing the EGR and inspecting the EGR port for restrictions. Follow the directions in pics 2 and 3 which are how to remove and replace the EGR. Once it is off, then check where it mounts on the intake manifold for evidence of carbon or anything that can restrict airflow.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
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Thanks, but can you answer some of the specific questions? They said the combustion test didn't look too promising, what could that possibly be? And will I be able to see the results of the diagnostic test? Not sure how to respond if they say it's something major without evidence. Please help me understand.
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

A combustion test is meant to check the level of combustion gases in the engine coolant. If there are gases, there could be an issue related to a leaking head gasket.

As far as the diagnostic test is concerned, that is certainly for you to see. If they can't provide it, don't pay them.

Let me know how things turn out or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, April 22nd, 2022 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Joe, just to keep you in the loop. I finally got the car back, they did a full diagnostic, cleaned throttle body and intake EGR passages, replaced IAC valve, also said he found a vacuum leak, parts were Fel-Pro fuel injection throttle body mounting gasket, Duralast idle air control valve. The owner drove it about twenty-five miles, various hills, roads, etc. No engine light came on. I picked it up, then a day later the engine light came back on. I called and explained so now it's a matter of time before he comes to look at it again. They didn't charge me anything. When I use the fixed, it shows codes p0174 and p0171. I sent him a text to see if the mass air flow sensor was cleaned or replaced. I really have no specifics as to what was the results of the full diagnostics. What next?
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Based on the codes you provided, it's getting too much fuel. If could be a few different things. However, I suspect it is fuel pressure related. Take a look below. I provided the info below related to both codes.

The first thing I recommend is to check fuel pressure. The fuel pressure regulator could be bad.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
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They replaced the fuel regulator, what about the mass airflow sensor. Remember, I have a new fuel pump, regulator, filter, EGR valve/solenoid, everything I recently described and now these codes, The purpose of me replacing the pump was originally because of those two codes. I mentioned earlier I rented a fuel pressure gauge and based on the numbers I determined the pump was bad. Now I am getting the 171 and 174 codes. Please any ideas, I am so frustrated because all the time the mechanic had the car they still can't seem to figure it out. Again, I wasn't charged, but how do I pinpoint exactly what the issue is?
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 AT 8:09 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

If the mass airflow sensor is faulty, it can cause either a lean or a rich fuel mixture based on how it's reading. Do me a favor, we can do this one of two ways. First, you can try cleaning the MAF to see if it takes care of the issue.

Here is a link that explains how it's done. Note that you should purchase a cleaner made specifically for the MAF.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

Second, clear the codes and disconnect the sensor. That will force it into a predetermined setting and should indicate a code for the MAF and not the other issue.

If you have a live data scan tool, check to see if the ECT (engine coolant temperature sensor) is signaling an accurate temperature. Do this with the engine cold. It should be very close to the ambient temperature. If it is faulty and telling the PCM it's -40F, the ECM doesn't know it's wrong and makes the fuel mixture very rich to run in such cold temperatures. See pic 1 for location.

Also, we could check the voltages at the O2 sensors to see if they are off causing a rich mixture.

Is the P0401 still active?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
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I no longer have the P00401 code, just the 171 and 174. I talked with the mechanic and I told him to order a new MAF and a new 02 sensor, got an appt next Thursday. The things you mentioned I am limited to try, so I had a meeting with the owner and am willing to give them a chance. So far, I have no money out of my pocket. I will keep you in the loop and if you have any new revelations, don't hesitate to share. Thanks again.
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Monday, May 23rd, 2022 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. I look forward to knowing if that takes care of the problem.

I'll watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, May 23rd, 2022 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
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Hi Joe, sorry it took so long getting back to you. Long story short, I took it somewhere else, they diagnosed the problem in about 10 minutes. Looks like there is a vacuum link on the manifold. It still is runnable yet overtime it may get worse. The guy told me that this part may be hard to find so I will see what happens next. Appreciate all your help and I will keep in touch should any other crazy problems arise. Thanks again
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Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thank you for the update. I appreciate it. So what part are they telling you may be hard to find? The 3.0L v6 is an extremely common engine.

Regardless, take care of yourself, and please feel free to come back anytime. You are always welcome here.

Happy 4th of July!

Joe
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Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
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It's the lower intake manifold.
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The lower intake manifold isn't difficult to find. The original part number for it is XF2Z9424EA. If you type in Ford part number XF2Z9424EA, it will bring up places selling it. The only issue is cost. They are expensive new. However, take some time and see if you can possibly find a used one from a salvage yard or even eBay.

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 5th, 2022 AT 10:20 PM
Tiny
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Hey Joe, been awhile. Just to keep you updated. The light hasn't come on since, except today. I Googled the part number and it said this: Intake Manifold - Ford (XF2Z9424EA)
MSRP: $516.18
Discount: $51.62 (10% off)
Sale Price: $464.56
This part does not fit your 2012 Ford E-350 Super Duty
Change vehicle
But it also said this below : Intake Manifold - Ford (4C3Z-9424-AA)
Shop for related parts in Engine Parts
MSRP: $276.67
Discount: $89.92 (32.50% off)
Sale Price: $186.75
This part fits your 2012 Ford E-350 Super Duty
Change vehicle

Do I need to confirm the VIN number to insure it fits?
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Friday, August 5th, 2022 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
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Where are you getting that information? I don't feel either of the vehicles they indicated would have a 3.0L.

In 1996, they had a standard 3.0L, one that could run on flex fuel, and one that had a duel overhead cam which I believe was in the SHO. It was a high performance. The part number I gave you is for the standard one or the one that can use flex fuel. If you do have the DOHC engine, that would be different.

Just to confirm, I looked up a 2012 E350 super duty. See pic 3. It either had a V8 or a V10 engine.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, August 5th, 2022 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
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Joe, you sent me that number and I googled it like you suggested. This is for my 96 Ford Taurus.
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Saturday, August 6th, 2022 AT 8:05 AM

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