I have an 06 f150 with about 130k miles on it. When I slow down at a stoplight and while running down the interstate between 65 and 70 mph, I have a noticable gas smell in the cab. Not sure where its coming from but could be something with the exhaust or cats as there is a metal rattling noice coming from that area when accelerating but I have no clue where to start. Any help would be great guys!

 

Check your plugs, I had one back out and created a fuel smell inside and loud tick noise

 

I will have to take a look at them. I just changed them about 3 months ago. Not sure what mileage I did them at but was close to 115k. And for the record its the 5.4L 3V motor.

 

If they were just changed then for sure check them. I think Ford recommended to me to check them after 1 month

 

I'll have to check them in the next few days then. Thanks.

 

No problem! Its a PITA to have to go and check them but if there is one loose 1. it should solve the fuel smell and 2. You catch it before it back out too far and rips threads

 

Hopefully that is what is the problem. If not, well then its back to the drawing board to figure this out.

 

Guaranteed its your plugs, especially since you replaced them recently. This time around, get yourself a torque wrench and torque them properly (I forgot how many lbs, but you can search the forum). Believe me: Been there, done that.

Good luck!

 

Are there any ill effects to driving around like this?

 

YES! The plug can blow out, taking the threads in the head with it. Torque is 25 ft/lb.

 

X2! Can cost you a new head.

 

Interesting. Been driving around for about 2 weeks with the smell and possible plug back out. Hope I didnt damage it too bad.

 

The damage comes when it blows out and you will know when that happens for sure. There will be a "bang" and the COP will hit the underside of the hood. You will then be on 7 cylinders. You have not hurt anything yet, but need to get it fixed, quickly.

 

I lucked out on mine, My plug just backed out all the away and didnt damage threads but there was some burn on the COP