My 4.2 spit and sputters real bad when I start it up. I usually have to give it a bit of gas to rev it up and keep her turning over. I have no engine mods except for the K&N filter.
Has anyone else experienced this, or does anyone know what could be causing this?

Thanks again, Crotteau

 

When mine was new I had to take it in and let them reprogram the computer. If you have high miles you may need to clean your throttle body.

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1997 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2L V6, 5spd, Superchipped, '99 Lightning Grill, '99 XLT White Bumper w/Fog Light Kit, K&N Air Filter, Dash Mat, Clear Corner Lenses, Clear Tailights, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
"If you're in control, you're going too slow."--Mario Andretti

 

Its only got 30000 miles on it. What is involved in cleaning the throttle body?

Thanks much, Crotteau

 

Since you're still under warranty id take it in and let them handle it.

 

For those of us who aren't under warrenty anymore and just are curious about cleaning the throttle body, how would one do that safely, and effectively?? I've heard of people doing that as a maintance item and was curious to do it myself. Any info would be appreciated.

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1998 F-150 Black & Silverfrost
4.2L V6
extended cab, short bed
5 speed manual
3.55 limited slip

Performance:
Ravin Z55 exhaust SI/SO
K&N airfilter

Accessories:
Extang snap bedcover
Bedliner
Clifford alarm
Window tint

 

My original warranty was 3 years/ 30K , now I am out of warranty. Does anyone think it could be something simple like spark plugs or something...

Crotteau

 

Weeeelll....Technically, you are not supposed to clean the throttle body with any sprays or detergents. There is a coating on the metal that is supposed to retard carbon buildup, but I have found that it does not stop carbon buildup. I have personally used Prestone Throttlebody cleaner on my vehicles with great success and no lingering ill effects.
I also had my fuel injectors flushed at the dealership yesterday for $52 and now I don't have hesitation or rough startup problems. I got mine done at 65k miles.
At 30k miles, I would suspect your truck to be running fine. Maybe you got some bad gas? I'd try the cheap and easy fixes first=like adding a bottle of fuel injector cleaner or water remover to your tank.

Good luck.

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97 F150 Reg Cab Short Bed
4.2L Auto
Current Performance mods=
Accel 9000Series Race Plug Wires
Motorcraft Platinum Plugs 60 Series Heat Rating
K&N Air Filter(Modified Stock Airbox)
Flowmaster 40 Single in/out.
B&M Shift Improver Kit(highly recommend!!)
Current Musical Improvements=
California Profile3600 running two front Pioneer5x7 three way speakers and a single 10" Cerwin Vega in my homebuilt port tuned box.
Pioneer Cassette/cd control head unit with matching Pioneer 6 disc changer.
1/2 Farad Stinger cap.

My other truck is an in the works 1950 Ford pickup.