1997 F-150 4X4 4.6L Romeo motor

Had blown a head gasket, replaced with new gaskets. Actually did ALL the gaskets while I was there. Timing chain cover, oil pan, intake (of coarse), valve covers, EGR, etc. Made sure torque was correct on all parts, timing was correct. Checked like ten times before putting it back together. Now that's it's back together it has a rough idle, like it has cams in it. Feels like it has no power. But, when I take the hose fitting off the top of the EGR, it smooths out, still feels like it doesn't have power. But, don't know cause I didn't take it around the block with that vacuum off. ALONG with wanting to die when put in gear, an some gas is applied. Cold weather and snows a coming, an don't have a garage. Need to get this pig fixed. Any help would be appreciated!

 

What's up RA, - your EVR isn't working correctly OR your vacuum routing is incorrect (that's what it sounds like IMO).

The BIG CAM effect, -I like that, but that usually happens when you have a blockage in the 1/8" vacuum harness. How that happens, incorrect routing or the 90's are shoved to far onto the vacuum line. This cuts off all flow.

 

What's up J! I forgot to mention it was associated with a P0402 code also. I'll check that out. I did do some homework on it, an checked the volt readings on the DPFE, an they seem to be fine or should say within specs. I knew a EGR could make it idle like crap, but didn't know it would affect the lack of power also. Gonna go check out the hoses again. I could have possible put them back on incorrectly.

 

HA! Dumb **** I am. You were correct J! Had the green and red vacuum lines reversed! Looked at them a 100 times, an it didn't even register! LOL NOW! Why does it run like crap? Drives like it has fouled plugs or coils are bad. Good coil packs, wires, new plugs. Are these motors very sensitive to what plugs they are. On advice from a dude that does motor work, he said I should run my plugs 2 steps colder then stock. Being I have a tune in it, it would help from it running so lean. You think the plugs being 2 steps down from stock could be causing this problem?

 

Yea that's easy tyo do.

About the plugs, -Yes, modular's are REAL PICKY when it comes to plugs. AND, -very sensitive to heat range changes. Here's what you can run without issues, -

Denso Iridiums
NGK Iridiums
Motorcraft's

I prefer the denso's myself, but those are 3. Leave the heat range and gap alone, as they all should come pre-gaped.

 

Thought so. Against my better judgement I went with the colder plugs like this dude said. Figure, I'm open to experience. But, think his experience isn't with these MOD motors. He's old school, an older guy. I set the gap at .60 instead of the stock .54, being I have aftermarket coils, an they give a hotter spark then stock coils. I'll go back to stock Motorcraft double plats. an leave the gap where it is. Right? Thanks J, your always a help brother!

 

You could be having issues with those aftermarket high voltage coil packs also.....

 

Sounds good and no problem. Anytime. That's one my favorite trucks on the net. I'm thinkin she deserves a lightning engine myself. Other than that, a perfect build and great detail. Let me know if you decided to sell it in the future. She's a beauty.

 

Thanks J. I do have a Lightning motor plans for her in the NEAR future! Just have to keep this one runnin till the the new year. Then plans go into effect. Not sure if I wanna find a low miles one or go brand new. I want brand new, just how I am. Gonna check out that swap thread in here, when I do do it. No plans on selling her anytime soon. Even after 14 years, I still get that gut feeling getting in and driving her. BUT! If I do! LOL I know a good home for her!

88, didn't have any problems prior. But doesn't mean it couldn't be. I'll see how she run's after this set of plugs.

 

"That gut feeling" I know what that's all about lol. That's one to be proud of for sure, - it's gotta turn a few heads. Someone snagged a Cervini's RA hood like yours recently for $300. A steel found on eBay or Craigs list. Cervini's still have them @ list $638. I found a 2nd party supplier who sells them for $538 lol. Strange huh, the source is high.

Yea my oldest daughter wants my 98, -won't leave me alone and my youngest will have her license next year. She's not a bother, all she seems to care about is her dirt bike lol. Wonder how long that will last...

Let me how she does after you install the plugs. Don't go by torque spec, if you use a torque wrench, 28' lbs will keep them from jumping back out at yuh.

 

She definitely gets her share of looks and thumbs up. The little kids are the best. "Hey Mom! Look! A Monster Truck!" Cracks me up, cause to me it's not THAT big. But, then again I'm not 4 years old. My oldest daughter could care less. If she can't wear it, or put it on her feet. It's useless to her. Now my youngest. Oh Boy! Come on Dad, let's go for a ride. Dad go fast, I wanna go fast. Dad, will a quad fit in the back! Dad, put my favorite song on, turn it up. LMAO! J, "Black Sunshine" from White Zombie is her favorite song. She's only 8! Oh Boy, she so much like her ole man.

Went an got Motorcraft Plats. tonight. I hope these plugs do it. The plugs in there now don't even have 2 miles on them, but they are the colder plugs. I'll let ya know how I made out for sure.

 

Ahh nice to see you back, I'm with Jim on this, seriously one the best looking trucks I've seen. And you made that 97-98 body style look damn good. Props

 

I have a Lab/Rottweiler mix that's just like your 8 year old, I swear.

Sounds good! - Well I hope she does, this time anyway