just wanted to update here....
My problem is back and it's getting worse.
My next set of days off I'm replacing the c.o.p. on left side, 3rd one back. Noticed when we changed the plugs that this one looked pretty nasty and had the spark plug burnt up too. I'll let yall know what happens

 

Replaced the cop as stated above ($100 later). Problem is still at hand and getting worse. I'm getting not only hesitation but a shaking and shimming now too. I ended up buying a Actron reader, one that could read "pending" codes....... My definition of pending and theirs is much different . Anyway, still not able to pull a code and the CEL is not coming on either. I think my next step is either take it to the stealership and have them diagnostic it, or buy 7 more $100 cops . Very frustrating to say the least!!

BTW, this now happening at all speeds and acceleration rates (easy and hard). I am now noticing a rough idle as well, like a cylinder is not firing type of idle.

 

$100 for a COP? Nuts. You can get all 8 off ebay for cheap... brand new.

 

I thought that was a big no no? It's one of those scenario's "you get what you pay for". Course I've read good and bad stories about the ebay COP's.....

 

I had that same problem with my 99 F150 5.4L and got those motorcraft COP's from ebay with no problem at all. On the other side don't plan on going far with that truck without a compresion test on that engine.

My engine got those same symptoms about 3 years later. I thought the problem was due to a crappy gas I put on a gas station that was getting low on their tanks. I put some injector cleaner and the problem almost went away, but there was always a little miss on the engine.

About 4 or 5 months later the engine got a valve loose with the engine running and the engine was trashed. Piston, rod, head, crankshaft, block just trashed. The truck got about 160K miles on it and I was not willing to put another engine on the truck and not knowing when the tranny could give another surprise like that. $$$$$$ or the story on the "new" engine.

Anyway I also was looking for an excuse to get a Superduty 4x4 Diesel so I sold the truck as is.

I would strongly suggest a compression test. In my case I think that could have been the difference between a valve job and a whole engine.

I also put low octane gas on that truck and the engine was very clean on the inside. If it wasn't for that loose valve problem that engine would last lot's of miles.

 

Thanks a lot for the info.. I'll get the cops and see what happens.

 

well, i would love to know. my '97 is acting the same way. but i am getting #2and#7 misfire codes.

 

got 8 new cop's. waiting to install for the past month! just to freaking busy. going to really try to get them installed this coming week, and I'll update here on what happens..... btw, i never did get any codes, period.

 

pu2ded0
"well, i would love to know. my '97 is acting the same way. but i am getting #2and#7 misfire codes."



I had the same issue ... went to AutoZone and they hooked up the magical Code reader and gave me the "misfire on 1 & 8".

So I swapped out the plugs (stick with Motorcraft Platinum BTW"). The issue got better and the codes went away, but, I was still noticing the miss (just not as bad). So I went to EBay and got 10 new COP's for $100 (total). Swapped them out last night ... and WOW ! What a difference. Super smooth at idle now, and none of that little hesitation or "bump" you feel when you try to put a little load on the engine.

Be sure to use the di-electric grease when you put the COP's on. Keeps the moisture out, helps the rubber last longer and aids with the removal of the COP in 30K miles as well. Also, use the gray thread lube on your plugs. That will help keep them from seizing when you need remove them in 30K - 50K.

Good Stuff !!!!!

 

sorry for the loooooong delay.
I finally had time to replace my COP's.
Since I still was not receiving any codes I replaced ALL my COP's.
I did end up buying 8 cop's off ebay, motorcraft's for $300. Way cheaper than the stealership!!
Anyway, I replace all the cop's and my problem is now 100% solved! The truck is running like a top with absolutely no issues!
I still have no idea why NO codes were popping up....... Job secruity I guess