Thanks for the good advice guys!


I will get the plugs changed and the injector issue checked out at the same time.

I have a smaller repair shop i usually take stuff to, and doing anything at the Ford dealership is gonna suck, but if a plug breaks off, i'd rather it be on the dealer's time and dime than my local guy.


Does the mechanic get stiffed too when the plug breaks off like that if its through no fault of his? hmmmmmmmm I'll just keep my fingers crossed that that doesnt become an issue

 

Streetstar,

I can almost guarantee you that a plug will break. Sorry to be pessimistic, but any truck over 100K will definitely have a seized plug or two. Make sure you get something in writing before they do any work on your truck. Find out how experienced the techs are with changing plugs on the 5.4 3valve. Make sure they know the TSB procedure for removing the plugs. If possible, ask them if they can let the plugs soak over night with the penetrant. After you've done all this, cross your fingers and say a few prayers!

 

No, Its only when I have it floored.. Thats when the problem starts.

I should have reworded that

 

I may be jumping into the middle here, but low fuel pressure when floored sounds like a plugged fuel filter to me.

 

Welcome To The Miss Club . I Have An 5.4 06 Cuts Out Or Misfires During Heavy Foot Syndrome.my Check Engine Light Did Not Come On For A While Now It Does. Even After Coils, Plugs, Fuel Filter Were Changed .. You Cannot Even Use Passing Gear On Mine Now It Cuts Out So Bad, 66000 Miles On It By The Way. IT WILL SHOW A MISFIRE ON #8. 5 MIN LATER I CAN THROW A CODE FOR RANDOM MISFIRE .Good Luck

 

Well, my wallet is $380 lighter, but i have new plugs and boots installed. The mechanic was familiar with the plug seize and break problem, but followed the TSB removal instructions to a tee, and did not break any.

The gap was roughly double what a new plug is.

The truck runs noticeably better, but i haven't had a chance to drive it long enough to duplicate the conditions i had which made me start worrying.

Tomorrow is a trip from Oklahoma City to Wichita (170 miles) -- so i will keep my fingers crossed

 

Streetstar,

do you have a 4.6 or 5.4? The 5.4 has a bridged tip plug that's not gappable. Did the dealer give you the old plugs? I'm curious as to what they look like. Congrats on none breaking!!

 

Ya I already changed it but no help there, same problem

 

The plugs were bridged, as you said, -- when i said "gap - i guess i was referring to the amount the electrodes were worn down, but you are correct, they are not "gappable" in the traditional sense. They sure are odd looking plugs too for an admitted old-school guy like myself. I'll try to get a pic posted sometime soon


But no matter. The truck does run better and idles better, but i still have the engine cut out problem at WOT in between 3k and 4k ----- it will not do it until it has been running for at least 30 minutes. So Monday, it goes to the dealer to check out the fuel system i guess.

Pain in the neck to spend that much on plugs and installation, only to have the same problem pop up (although the truck runs much better until it gets to that point, so it needed them anyway)

 

Definitely sounds like a injector issue now. Next time, bring it in after you've warmed it up and bring the tech for a test drive. Don't let them drag this out until your warranty runs out.