Ford Repair: idle problem, vacuum leaks, coolant loss

Question
hello, i have a 2003 f150 4.2v6 190,000 miles on her.
it is starting to have an idle problem when i start it up it take a longer than usual to idle back down. sometimes it will idle a little rough this truck has always purred like a kitten doesnt burn any oil. maybe tps or would maf do this?

Answer
if your check engine light is on then have it scanned and see if anything turns up-definitely a dirty maf sensor and or throttle bore can cause these problems a tps will usually turn the check engine light on-vacuum leaks-dirty injectors-watch for coolant loss that could be related also. these are all things with this amount of miles that can be contributing to the problem. although the 4.2 is a much improved engine then when they first came out most of the ones we see around 200k and up are close to worn out that may not be the case with yours but i would think about replacing it when the time comes for that since you have gotten good service out yours,you probably maintain yours well-if the rest of your truck is in good condition that may be a better option than replacing it. keep in mind i'm not saying you need an engine.