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Surging

2813 Views 22 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  wreedsvt
Has anyone else experienced surging after a startup? It’s worse than limp mode. Tried driving it off when it does this and it’s ridiculous. It’s happened twice to me so far. The first time was quite a while back and can’t remember the specifics other than a shutdown and restart resolved it. The last, I was a 7600 feet and did a quick restart after a shutdown. I did another restart and it didn’t resolve it this time. I let it set for 30 minutes and did what you would do after changing the fuel filter, hit the start button without putting my foot on the brake to start. Did this 3 times and it went away. Almost seems like there’s air in the fuel line. It didn’t die and no code.
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@Dijit - haven't experienced what you described but agree that it is not normal.

Based on what tricks you have tried, I'd be looking first at two (2) things:
  • Air Filter/Air Box blockage
  • Check for Water in rear Fuel Filter/Water Separator
that you as-an-owner can check yourself w/o bringing it to your Ford dealer to diagnose for possible air-flow related sensors or the like.

Questions for you:
  1. What is your current mileage on your 2018 F150 PSD?
  2. What is your Air Filter service interval?
  3. What is your Fuel Filter service interval?
  4. Is your primary driving at high altitudes?
I'd be very interested in helping you get to the bottom of this to share the outcome here on the forums...
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@Dijit - haven't experienced what you described but agree that it is not normal.

Based on what tricks you have tried, I'd be looking first at two (2) things:
  • Air Filter/Air Box blockage
  • Check for Water in rear Fuel Filter/Water Separator
that you as-an-owner can check yourself w/o bringing it to your Ford dealer to diagnose for possible air-flow related sensors or the like.

Questions for you:
  1. What is your current mileage on your 2018 F150 PSD?
  2. What is your Air Filter service interval?
  3. What is your Fuel Filter service interval?
  4. Is your primary driving at high altitudes?
I'd be very interested in helping you get to the bottom of this to share the outcome here on the forums...
1. 50,000
2. Change air filter every 10,000 miles.
3. Approx. 14,000 (after every other oil change)
4. No, I don’t drive at high altitudes.

I also noticed that at idle it was surging but I unfortunately didn’t notice the RPM range. I couldn’t help but think about the discussion here of a BOSCH fuel pump failure. Don’t know if it’s applicable here.

Thanks #jmperlnk
One other thing catches my attention- the K&N filter. I never had one but those are oiled aren't they? I think I remember some stories in gassers of the oil screwing with the mass airflow sensor which is just inches downstream from the filter. It would be worth shooting the sensor with some electronic cleaner, only takes a few minutes.

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That’s a good idea. This is something I’d always do when I had my gasser and would re-oil the filter. I’ll give it a try.
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It is still confusing that it isn't throwing a code. Hope you get it sorted out soon, that would be a problematic issue.
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I was in Pagosa Springs, CO so I was concerned to say the least…
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I suggest that you do research on the filtration of a K&N versus stock filter.
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I suggest that you do research on the filtration of a K&N versus stock filter.
#beaker, I have. It’s better. Thanks. BTW, the first time it happened, stock filter.
are you deleted? did you unplug the throttle body?
are you deleted? did you unplug the throttle body?
#Laytunes, check conversations for a reply.
Cummins had a notice a while back warning about using K&N filters. Their testing showed that the filter didn’t trap dust well enough resulting in the engine getting dusted out. Cummins said use of that type of filter would void any warranty.
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Cummins had a notice a while back warning about using K&N filters. Their testing showed that the filter didn’t trap dust well enough resulting in the engine getting dusted out. Cummins said use of that type of filter would void any warranty.
And dusting out causes surging?
It could if the damage to the cylinders and rings was bad enough. But if things got to that point you would have excessive oil consumption. In your case I would start with new filters both fuel and air. Remove and clean the MAP sensor. And Check for codes. The Cp4 fuel pump has a reputation but my understanding is it’s all or nothing when they fail. And they don’t get better when the engine warms up or is re started.
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#EDank, thanks for the info but this doesn’t help me at all. You don’t know when I change my oil/fuel filters (it’s way before what the manual says). If you’ve had a surging truck, please let me know if you resolved it and what resolved It. I’ve driven over 500,000 miles on vehicles that have used KN filters with NO, NONE, NADA failures due to dust/dirt particle intake. Plus, the first time it surged, it was with the OEM filter.
@Dijit - sorry if I missed this, but did you clean your MAFT sensor as @Dunrollin suggested?

You indicated you were going to try that but I am unsure what the outcome was...?

Considering we're still discussing your K&N air filter, I'm going to assume cleaning your MAFT sensor had no impact.
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@jmperlik, I haven’t had a chance to try anything at this point. I recently moved but I still have access to my shop/lift. I’m due for a oil and fuel filter change. I’ll clean the MAFT and see if I happened to pick up some fuel with water before I change the fuel filter. I’ll post my findings here. I’m absolutely thru with posting/replying about anything with KN anymore. I was simply searching for anyone that has had a similar experience and alas, I’m the only one it seems. I promise to post any and all findings. Thanks to @jmperlik and @Dunrollin for real help on this matter.
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@Dijit - understood = I didn't challenge you on the K&N setup, as that is up to each individual owner.

I'd be looking at cleaning the MAFT sensor and cracking the nut on the rear fuel filter to see if any indication of water.

I haven't experienced anything like you describe, but I am also running everything stock.

Please feedback here on your findings + thanks for keeping us informed.
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Sorry if I came across negatively. I was just trying to pass along some information I had learned from Cummins. That said thinking about your surge issues one thing you can try is to add some Two cycle oil to your fuel. If the surge lessons or is eliminated then the FCA on the Cp4 pump is getting sticky. Only other sensor that could cause an issue would be the fuel rail pressure sensor.
If we are thinking it might be injection pump related, Lubricity (or lack thereof) due to low sulfur content in ULSD seems to be at the top of the list for pump failures; e.g.

What is a CP4 Pump and Why Does it Fail? - XDP Blog (xtremediesel.com)

Rather than 2 cycle oil, I'd try something made specifically for increasing Lubricity in diesel fuel like Stanadyne Lubricity Formula, which I use every fill-up to address the low lubricity in ULSD.

Worth a shot to try to see if things improve, though not sure if damage may have already be done...
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