Rough running engine

168,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DCKY320
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  • 17 POSTS
Recently my vehicle started running really rough and it sounds like it has a miss. Seems to sound alright at higher rpm's, but when I let off the gas the rpm's drop very low to around 500. Smells like it is running very rich and is seems to lope. Plugs are all gaped correctly, cap and rotor are only two years old, timing is correct.

Happened out of no where while I was driving to work doing 70 mph down the highway with the cruise control on. The truck downshifted going up a hill rpm's went up to about 2700 and when I hit the top of the hill and the rpm's dropped down to about 1700. it started sounding rough and tried to stall out when I was getting off the off ramp.
Jun 10, 2016 at 12:24 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. also check for a vacuum leak should have 60-66 psi with key on and hold for five to ten minutes within 10 psi.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Jun 10, 2016 at 5:06 AM
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DCKY320
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Update; the fuel pressure is 53 at idle. Thought it might be an air flow issue and tried taking out the mass air flow sensor and it made no change in the way the vehicle runs. Also found no vacuum leaks.
Jun 10, 2016 at 5:58 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
fuel pressure is to low that is your problem. It is probably time for another pump. there is a harness that has to go along with the new ones which should be supplied.
Jun 10, 2016 at 6:05 AM
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DCKY320
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I replaced the pump and harness eight months ago.
Jun 10, 2016 at 7:10 AM
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HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
then check for a bad regulator or was the wrong pump installed? The fuel pressure that you are giving is for either a 7.4L or a later model truck with flex fuel. also did you replace the fuel filter?
Jun 10, 2016 at 8:23 AM
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