Missfire fixed !
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 119
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From: Florida
Missfire fixed !
All,
I just want to make everyone aware of the recent missfire problem that I had and also how I fixed it.
I own a 2001 Expy 4.6 2WD. I bough it used 1 year ago and it's had a horrible missfire since day one. No CEL ever came on so after replacing spark plugs (I used Bosch Plats), fuel filter, etc, etc., I took it to the dealer. About $100.00 dollars later, they told me it was the #5 coil pack. I replaced it and the problem was fixed for about 2 weeks. The truck started missfiring again but under different conditions than before. It was missfiring under heavier than normal acceleration (not wide open). So, instead of taking it to the dealer this time, I started replacing coil packs one at a time. At one point I though the issue was resolved but it would reoccur a day a two later. I continued this way for about 2 months.
Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought all new coil packs for the truck from Autozone (I only needed 4 since I already replaced the other 4. Darn things cost me almost $200. I installed them and the truck continued missing. It was actually worse than before. As you probably guessed, I was extremely "po'd" at this time. I figured I would try one more thing before heading out to the dealer with checkbook in one hand and the can of vaseline in the other. This morning, I decided to spend the 15 dollars on a set on NGK V-Power plugs (non-plats). I installed them in the truck and Halleluia! The truck runs flawlessly.
The moral of the story: STAY AWAY FROM BOSCH! I've taken time to thoroghly examine the old Bosch plugs and see so visible cracks in the ceramic or any other discrepancies for that matter. They all appear to be burning ok so I haven't the slightest idea of what the problem is/was with them. Anyhow, they are history now. Save your MONEY and buy some Japanese NGK plugs. You can always count on the Jap's to make a good product.
I hope nobody has to go through the same thing I went through.
I just want to make everyone aware of the recent missfire problem that I had and also how I fixed it.
I own a 2001 Expy 4.6 2WD. I bough it used 1 year ago and it's had a horrible missfire since day one. No CEL ever came on so after replacing spark plugs (I used Bosch Plats), fuel filter, etc, etc., I took it to the dealer. About $100.00 dollars later, they told me it was the #5 coil pack. I replaced it and the problem was fixed for about 2 weeks. The truck started missfiring again but under different conditions than before. It was missfiring under heavier than normal acceleration (not wide open). So, instead of taking it to the dealer this time, I started replacing coil packs one at a time. At one point I though the issue was resolved but it would reoccur a day a two later. I continued this way for about 2 months.
Yesterday, I finally broke down and bought all new coil packs for the truck from Autozone (I only needed 4 since I already replaced the other 4. Darn things cost me almost $200. I installed them and the truck continued missing. It was actually worse than before. As you probably guessed, I was extremely "po'd" at this time. I figured I would try one more thing before heading out to the dealer with checkbook in one hand and the can of vaseline in the other. This morning, I decided to spend the 15 dollars on a set on NGK V-Power plugs (non-plats). I installed them in the truck and Halleluia! The truck runs flawlessly.
The moral of the story: STAY AWAY FROM BOSCH! I've taken time to thoroghly examine the old Bosch plugs and see so visible cracks in the ceramic or any other discrepancies for that matter. They all appear to be burning ok so I haven't the slightest idea of what the problem is/was with them. Anyhow, they are history now. Save your MONEY and buy some Japanese NGK plugs. You can always count on the Jap's to make a good product.
I hope nobody has to go through the same thing I went through.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: S. Texas
Thanks for the info! I installed bosch plugs several months ago in my 5.4 and they worked fine, but now after 20 k miles i get a minor mis from 1500 to 2500 rpms, occasionally. I keep thinking its the gas or filter, but I may just have to change plugs again so, but darn, thats a pain in the back. I couldn't find the original motorcraft plugs anywhere here in town. Thanks,
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,295
Likes: 125
From: St. Louis (Out in the woods)
Originally posted by John Patterson
. I couldn't find the original motorcraft plugs anywhere here in town. Thanks,
. I couldn't find the original motorcraft plugs anywhere here in town. Thanks,
For the most part, the new "fine-wire" plugs are cheaper and more available than were the previous double-plats.
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Originally posted by 974by4
How hard and time consuming was changing the plugs in yalls 5.4?
How hard and time consuming was changing the plugs in yalls 5.4?
Thread Starter
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 119
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From: Florida
John,
I too could not find Motorcraft plugs anywhere except the dealer. Get this: they wanted $5.79 per plug! That's robbery! There are no auto parts stores in my area that stock Motorcraft plugs. Best bet is to spend the least amount of money and buy NGK's. They are non-platinum plugs. Cost about $1.50 each.
Good Luck!
I too could not find Motorcraft plugs anywhere except the dealer. Get this: they wanted $5.79 per plug! That's robbery! There are no auto parts stores in my area that stock Motorcraft plugs. Best bet is to spend the least amount of money and buy NGK's. They are non-platinum plugs. Cost about $1.50 each.
Good Luck!