Did We Grenade The Engine?

[medicstudent01]

Was driving back from a call, traveling 75mph or so on the freeway. I thought the cruise shut off, attempted to accelerate and the truck would not do as it was told. The engine was still running but the rpms were only reading 1000. I coasted it off the freeway (engine then died), and got it safely parked in a gas station. Went to restart it and initially all i had was a bunch of clicks from the starter (would not turn over), after about the 3rd or 4th time the engine fires. A huge cloud of white smoke came out of the exhaust that smelled like fuel and the engine was knocking pretty hard. Shut it down immediately and waited for a tow.

A little history on the van, 2006 E350 w 200k. Engine was replaced under warranty due to a bedpan leak @ 75k. So around 125K and prob close to 25,000 hours on this engine. Last week #5 injector went bad (electrical issue) and the entire bank of injectors were replaced w/ Ford Reman injectors.

I am not sure what to think. Initially I thought an injector let go and filled a cylinder with fuel? But if this was the case, why would the engine still idle before cutting out on the freeway? Anywhoo, I am glad I dont have to pay for the repair (company vehicle)

[medicstudent01]

Oh i did want to add this. Oil was checked in the am at the start of shift. Was full/and clean (just changed a few days ago). Also when waiting for the tow I checked the degas bottle, it was full of coolant and not boiling over or anything. And honestly, I did not look at any of the gauges when this happened. I was to concerned about getting the van off the freeway and in a safe location

[sinner6.0L]

you may have lost another injector but it's hard to say. Keep us posted

[m-chan68]

Raw fuel out the tailpipe = injector(s) stuck open.

Now the question becomes whether it's on the HARD bank or the EASY bank? In any event if it's not YOUR money, it's not YOUR worry.

[medicstudent01]

So which side is the hard side? I know cylinder 5 injector went bad, they replaced that entire bank of injectors at the same time. If the injector did stick open, and hydrolocked the engine with fuel any chance of internal damage?

[muddy650]

Going thru the same thing! You are asking all the questions I needed to know!

I am glad m-chan chimed in! He knows his stuff! It makes me feel better when he is telling you the problems and solutions.

[m-chan68]

Cylinders #1, #3, #5 and #7 are the "hard" side to access on an E-Series because valve cover removal requires either removing the engine mount and letting the engine drop down, or lifting the body off the frame about an inch for the clearance needed to enable removal. If the vehicle was shut down in time, engine damage caused by overfueling was likely avoided.