Hey y'all,

I am new to this page, but I really need some advice on my 1999 ford F150 5.4L 2v engine.

about two weeks ago, I took my truck through a car wash and right when I pulled out of it, the truck was sputtering, hesitating, never have I experienced this before. (i did not wash under the hood)

its been 3 weeks now, all that pulled up was a cylinder 4 misfire and then it went away and no codes are pulling up.

I have replaced the following (bare with me, long list)

throttle position sensor
dpfe sensor
IAT sensor
air filter
fuel injector on 4
spark plug on 4
switched the coil packs around form 1 to 4 and still skipping
mass air flow
cleaned throttle body
replaced fuel filter
replaced the egr solenoid
redid 2 vaccum lines
replaced crankshaft position sensor

i had a little bit of white buildup on the cylinder 4 spark plug like the truck is running lean..
completely searched the engine for 3 hours and no signs of cracked head gasket.
usually one to work on things myself, took the truck to 3 different mechanics and they have no clue and never had a vehicle do this.

truck has 222,000 on it.

when it is in park, truck is idling fine, but when it is in gear, spits sputters and all like its only running on 2 cylinders.

i drive it up the road and it will run fine then will start sputtering spitting and acting up. i turn off overdrive and it smooths out a little but not that great.
if i get into it, it will not accelerate but just shutter and take a minute to catch up and then shifts.

any ideas on this? i am completely lost.

anything is helpful! thanks!

also, changed the spark plugs (motorcraft) and coil packs (cheaper brand) out less than a year ago.

 

Have you checked the fuel pressure?

If the fuel pressure is good, I'd check the compression especially on the one cylinder.

 

Just checked compression, good!

the fuel pressure I have not checked yet. Still in the midst.

 

I'd suspect the cheap coils. I think I'd bite the bullet and get a set of Motorcraft or other good name brand (Denso, Delphi, etc.) and make sure you use dielectric grease in the boots.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-SET-of-E...-/272598100726

 

Being a 97, it should be throwing codes. If you're not getting any codes, my first thought would be the ECM is dying. They don't last forever. I'd suggest finding it on your truck and give it the smell test. If it smells burnt, there it is.