Driving home the L began to run on 7 cylinders. Went to a friend (mechanic) to scope it out before doing warranty work. Computer said cylinders 3 and 4 were misfiring. Plug 4 electrode was burned off. Cylinder 3 same but worse and was stained blackish green. Great I thought because all I have to do is replace the plugs. However pressure in # 3 was 25#'s.????????????? Normal would be about 125 lbs. Headgasket? Piece of the plug wedged in valve? Anybody have that problem or can offer some input........Ken

 

I was going to say it would backfire if the valves weren't shutting, but that wouldn't be true because the plugs are messed up and it isn't firing on those cylinders. So yes, that is a very good possibility, but still not good. About the only way to be sure about that is to remove that side's valve cover and turn the engine over while watching the valves. If something is stuck in one, it will be shorter than the rest.

What kind of plugs are you running? I'm really interested in knowing.

------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

Ouch!

Have your friend who's a mechanic do a leakdown test immediately. It will show much more than a simple compression test. You will know exactly where the leaking compression is going to...hopefully it is the electrode hanging the valve open, but 25#s? I have to admit I think its something more serious...like rings.

A leakdown will tell you. Do this before you pull the head(s) or you'll be guessing at that point (even if you find valve damage, I'd still want to know if there's substantial blowby past the rings).

After that obviously it will be time to pull the head and if its valve damage, have it repaired. Hopefully that's all it is.

------------------
'96 Cobra for sale...ONLY 29k miles!

Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.34 @ 115.8)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.8)--364rwhp/447rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

I agree, a leakdown test will allow you to hear where the leakage is taking place. Exhaust valve - out the pipes, intake valve - out the throttle body, rings - in the crankcase.

I've given some thought about your post since I last replied. Were there any unusual mechanical noises? What does the oil and antifreeze look like?


------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

Oil and anti-freeze appear normal, no mechanical noises, just missing. I will be taking it in on Monday for warranty work but I am really concerned how and what happened. The plugs are stock platinum, 25K miles on the 99. A friend of mine with a 99 also completely burned #3 plug but I attributed that to the spray he was using. I don't have spray so I'm wondering about anyone who changed plugs with similiar miles if the plugs were fried? ....Ken

 

Ken,

Well, there's proof that running platinum plugs in a blown application is a no-no. Ford should've thought of that. I was afraid you'd say you had the stock plugs. Next mod for me: Splitfires.

Next question - were you "on it" or just driving along? Have a feeling you're going to say just driving it. In that case, there's a very good probability a piece of plug is stuck in the valve seat. A little bit of valve non-closure would give you 25 psi or so while cranking on a compression test.

Bad news is the head will have to come off whether it be a piece of plug, head gasket or cracked head. Good news is you should be covered under warranty. And make them cater to you.

------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

The two guys I know who burned plugs (Sal@PSP and HighRisk) both have valve damage from the plug pieces.

Daniel

 

Ken
I had access to a Ford internal web site a few months ago and the Tech's were talking about they had 5.4 heads laying all over there garages due to the plugs coming apart and parts of the plugs getting between the valves. I ask @ my dealer about this and they said they did not know what I was talking about.
Yeah Right !!

 

If anyone needed a reason to switch to the SplitFires, that statement from Wiley should do it along with Ken's misfortune.

------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

Dropped that puppy off at the dealer for repair. I will hope for the best (new motor?) I will keep you posted.....Ken

 

UPDATE--The service writer stated that a new motor was ordered on Thursday. I asked to talk to the mechanic and he said that testing indicated #3 cylinder was "dead" (he didn't tear it apart) and a new long block was ordered. He said that Ford doesn't have parts to rebuild the motor and it is cheaper to just replace the block. Evidently when there is serious internal damage just order a new motor. I guess we have really come to the age of disposable motors. I am grateful to get a new motor after 25K miles, however, why and what happened would be nice to know. I know one thing the plugs will be replaced as soon as I get the truck back. It takes 9 working days to get a new short block and however long it will take to change the motor and intercooler, alternator etc. the saga continues.......Ken

 

Now here's the question of the day, wil it be a 2001 motor, or a 99-00 motor? If you find out, please let us know.

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99 Black Lightning
factory tonneau cover, 100k mile warrantee, Line-Xed
F150online.com R hp sticker mod in the mail. Where's it at?
2.145 60' 8.789@82.71 (1/8) 13.603@101.05 1/4 same run
straight pipes, 'Major' rear lights, no chip
Lightning!
Kills! More kills!

 

Ken...

RU sure they are giving you a new long block ???..

Prior to my HD I had a 98 Lincoln Mark VIII.... and #3 was shot and it only had 18,000 miles on it... Service Manager said "No problem John...I just ordered a brand new block for it !!

Well dropped it off when the "NEW" engine came in...A few days later went to pick it up and before leaving I opened the hood. Right there on the right bank valve cover was a yellow circular sticker with F.R.E. stamped on it...

Seeing the Service Manager was off that day I asked his assistant what it meant...He said it stands for "Ford Remanufactured Engine"...Good luck dude I hope you get a new one...John from NC
I

 

The service writer stated it was a new engineright off the assembly line and not a remanufactured engine. Now as a understand it when used car salesmen are promoted they become service writers. I'll believe it when I see it. My question is if the 2001 intercooler won't fit a 99 how could they put a 2001 engine in it......Ken