Problem with 3.0 running lean

[justinls]

I have a 2004 3.0 auto which smells like it’s running quite lean. I’m a pretty inexperienced backyard mechanic so not exactly sure what i’m doing. The truck doesn’t have an engine like and seems to be driving and idling just fine. Does seem like fuel efficiency is a bit lower. Any ideas?

 

[pjtoledo]

what is your fuel mileage?
2wd or 4wd?
3.0s are not known for stellar efficiency, especially if it's 4wd.

what does running lean smell like? rich we got, lean not so much.
pull the spark plugs, they will reveal if it's actually lean.

 

[justinls]

Sorry for the mistake i totally meant to say rich. It smells super rich. I have the 2wd and i’d say it gets around 14mpg

 

[pentode]

No engine light? Have you read the codes?

 

[Racerxr5]

Its been my experience that on a 2003 ford anything that if it is so rich that you can smell it, the check engine light would be flashing. And if it is don't drive it you will destroy the cat in no time.