Yesterday, I used Black Magic engine degreaser and water to clean my engine....2001 F-150 5.4. I drove my truck shortly after with no problems.

This morning on my way to work, I noticed that my engine was knocking. Most of the knocking is on acceleration at any speed. It does knock when idling but slightly.

Does anybody have any idea as to what happened and what can I do to fix?

ps: I did not cover anything as the instructions on the can said "no wrapping required".

 

Did you cover all the electronic stuff before using the water? Check your COP's and plugs to see if theyre wet.

 

are you sure its a knock and not a misfire. I know that the 5.4 from 97-03 are very delicate and if to much water gets around the coil it gets to the plug causing a misfire. Thats why I usually only wash mine by a wet cloth and spray nine.

 

Can water get inside the spark plug wires? I thought that wires are protected where they snap on to the plugs.

I will check them on my lunch hour.

 

This happened my on dads 2000 5.4 f-150.

He cleaned the engine bay and it misfired, i guess it was something to do with the electronics/wiring towards the firewall.

 

This is a VERY common problem with these trucks. When you wet the cop's water gets between the spark plug and the boot, and it shorts out the spark plug. Drive at a steady missing speed until the check engine light illuminates. Then take the truck to autozone, and they will tell you which spark plug is at fault. Then take the COP off and the spark plug out, and dry them. It will probably fix it.

Don't ever wash your engine again, unless you want to be doing this again.

 

I will never do this again. I appreciate the help, I hope this works.

 

You can wash it, just do not spray or soak the coils on top of the plugs.

 

Or just don't ever wash it, and you'll never have a problem.

 

Or you can wash it properly and never have a problem.

 

I guess... Watever float's yer bote.

 

will the spark plug dry out on it's own and the problem go away? Or is it a case of once it's wet it's done?

 

Wet spark plugs are ok. It is the coil on top of the plug that you do not want to get wet. If you do they will dry out but if they are cracked or old the water may get in deeply and cause misfires etc.
Remove any that you suspect are wet and dry them the best that you can. Use di-electric grease in the boots when you reinstall them to prevent future soakings. If they are cracked or damaged in any way replace them. You can use WD-40 sometimes to displace the moisture but remember it is a solvent and you should be careful about how much you use and where you spray it.

 

Norm,

Is it fairly easy to remove the coils for a close look? I am fairly mechanically inclined but I do not try to tackle certain jobs that I could have paid a mechanic shop $100.00 to do and would have save me a lot of time.

Thanks for you helpful info, I really appreciate it.

John

 

Unfortunately on our 2001 trucks they can be a pain in the a$$ to get out depending on which cylinder. The fuel rail is in the way. It is a tight squeeze and takes some patience and proper tools. It is definitely do-able however.
Just do a search on plug changes and you will find pages of instructions.
You could try compressed air first and blow around each plug and coil to remove any puddles in the plug wells. Sometimes they dry out on their own.