Ok so I changed the oil about 2 weeks ago and I used a semi-synthetic for this change (as I am going to switch over to synthetic) anyway, I am not even sure if the oil change caused this or not, but it started after the change. I was driving to work, about an hour trip and periodically my truck feels like its shuttering/sputtering/missing out, its not a bad mis or sputter but a subtle small kinda like not enough fuel type of sputter. It happens sporadically, never at the same moment ever and its starting to annoy me. Can anyone help me diagnose this problem. My first thought is fuel filter, but if anyone else has had this problem, any help would be great!

 

You nave not given any specific discription.
My guess is you have the early stages of a coil going sour with shorted turns.
Usually shows up in OD at light throttle between 45 and 65 mph.

 

I would start with the fuel filter, then spark plugs. I had a similar sputter that was cured by new plugs

 

miles?motor?

 

Sorry guys I posted that way to late last night. I have a 5.4 with 130000 miles.....its a stumble/shutter/hesitation. I was driving up a rather long hill, not a bad grade just subtle and it did it bad today. So I am leaning towards plugs, but just to be safe its getting a fuel filter first. I don't think the plugs have ever been changed so its due anyway. I am still hoping that its not a major prob, plugs and filter are easy fixes and aren't taxing on the wallet.

 

Fuel filter- every 30K miles
Plugs- technically they are good for up to 100k, but it can be subjective and there are many variables including fuel quality, etc.
COPs- 60K+ miles (though some have had to replace those sooner)

 

i wasnt aware the COPs had a lifespan? i thought they were a "replace as needed" item?

 

Correct, and they generally outlast the OEM plugs.

 

well then I guess it looks like I have some work to do... I have never changed the plugs on a 5.4 with the COP so this should be an interesting job.

 

Use Motorcraft plugs, no antiseize, and torque them to 28 ft/lb. Use dielectric grease inside the cop boots, try not to get any grease on the spring contact.

 

ok, so is the torquing so i dont blow a plug......because i have never torqued a set of plugs before and i have changed many sets just not a 5.4....but if they recommend torquing then torque them i will....i am on my phone right and this site isnt real phone friendly..so is there a link to a how to on changing them in a 2001

 

Unplug and unbolt the cops, pull them out, change the plugs. Grease the cops, reinstall. If you have changed plugs before on any engine, it should be pretty obvious once you get the cops off. You MAY have to lift the fuel rail for full access.

Yes, the torque spec is to prevent blowout. You only have 4 threads in those heads.

 

There are many good suggestions here. I'd like to add on to one of them...check those plugs quickly...don't wait. My 2001 5.4L blew FOUR plugs out of the head...stripped all the threads...costly repairs.

I'd retorque all of them pronto. Changing the fuel filter is five bucks or so, and easy enough if you have the filter wrench. Then watch the COP's...I've had those go bad as well. The COP induced shudders tended to get worse until they threw a code. None of the blown spark plugs every threw a code...some shuddered, some had some ticking before they went, but none threw a code beforehand. Hell...one didn't even throw a code AFTER it blew. I was driving down the road sounding like a jackhammer on a dumpster and no code.

 

Well I changed the filter about an hour ago, havn't had a chance to drive it anywhere to check, but with what all you have said about the COP's and plugs, I am feeling like even if the filter does the job I should look at them, just to be on the safe side.

 

Comment: I have proven that a coil with shorted turn will cause a stumble BUT be affected by new plugs "until" the new plugs get some time on them.
Then you are right back to the original problem coil.
New plugs can fool you into thinking the issue is solved.
Reason:
The issue is low coil voltage on one cylinder during the operation of the EGR system .
New plugs make it easier to fire the cylinder until the new plug starts to get erroded.
The plug errosion happen much more quickly then anyone would think.
New plugs have sharp edges on the center electrode as well as the ground strap.
When their edges begin to lose there sharpness, it keeps taking more and more coil voltage to fire the cylinder.
This is why new plugs can cover up a bad coil for a short time.