Hey all,

I just searched and found this thread because I've had the same issue with my 05 Lariat 4x4. It shudders while I'm driving up an incline while not applying too much on the accelerator. I thought it might be my torque converter, but from what I've just read, it seems the original plugs are the culprit. Would all of you agree this is my issue?

I just spent over $1100 on new ball joints, shocks and springs up front and rear shocks at 96K. The ride was horrible and now she rides like new. I was debating about doing the plugs, but now it seems I need to bite the bullet.

 

Given your miles and location I would definitely at least check the FPDM. It's super easy, drop the spare and it should be right there. Pull it off the frame and check the back, lots of pics of corroded modules on the web that look perfectly normal when mounted.

My issue remains to be verified, but so far 2 runs on the stretch that always presented problems and nothing.

My module looked fine other than being pitted and gray.

 

Good thought...I'll check that out. I need to change out my fuel filter too! Last changed at 70K.

 

96k on the factory plugs? Overdue.

 

I know, my decision to wait and now I have to pay the piper.

 

Yeah, you are pretty brave. My truck has 40 and I am itching to change them just hoping they will be clean enough to not give me too much hassle. You should definitely do all the tricks in the book: seafoam, pb blaster, hot engine, impact, and the removal tool on the side.

I have seen some pretty amazingly dirty plugs come right out with an impact on various videos I have watched, just make sure you have all the right tools on hand.

 

I would go easy on the Seafoam, folks - putting that stuff down the vacuum line can cook the cats. It would be a lot safer to start putting Techron in the gas now and run a couple tanks through before doing the job.

I suppose PB Blaster works, but the soak recommendation is carb cleaner. You don't necessarily need penetrating lubrication, you need to soften carbon deposits.

The dealer here recommends doing a BG intake cleaning job before changing the plugs, but that costs money (of course).

 

I was referring to it going in the tank which a lot of people recommend, Techron comes up occasionally too, I am a Seafoam fanboy though.

I only mentioned PB Blaster because of the many positive comments I have read about it working well in this scenario.

 

Well still no issues, seems unlikely that it was the fuel filter, absolutely no gunk came out of it when I shook it. The FPDM was corroded as expected, but solid. Does that corrode from the inside as well?

I have not done a dry run with the trailer yet, gonna try to do that this weekend. I have to setup the WDH anyway.

 

On my truck I wasn't getting any misfire in town, but was getting a misfire on the freeway. It hardly made any sense, but what was happening was the plug was heating up under the long load and being in top gear and putting the strain of high gear was the combination needed to show the weakness. It turned out to be a cracked plug and the insulator on the inside was half missing near the electrode. For whatever reason it didn't present itself as an issue until the freeway and made it hard to finally track down.

 

A lot of people recommend it but a lot of people are misled. Not good for todays engines. Techron will do the trick, get it at Walmart.

 

O'Reilly's has a buy one get one free deal going on Techron starting today for the next 2 weeks.

 

Took the truck out this morning to see what would happen when its a little bit cooler. It was 57 and the problem is still there, so the temperature difference did hide the problem a little bit.

Gonna try to find a good deal on some plugs, unfortunately that typically means ordering them online. Suggestions?

 

Autozone and O'Reilly both have SP-515's, they are $12.99 each. They are $9.37 each plus $8.35 priority mail shipping (for 8) at rockauto.com, no sales tax.

 

Bummer, Advance Auto Parts had 33% off any order and free shipping over $75 yesterday.