I don't get it! I have almost 100,000 miles on my 98 F150. about 6 months ago I replaced my plugs. about two weeks later I had to have the wires and plugs replaced again. My Check Engine light kept flashing. Apperantly the something caused the spark to fire down the side of the plug. I put in Autolite double platinums. I was told by the mechanic that I did nothing wrong. The wires had just never been changed since I bought the truck (I bought it used with 50,000 on it.).

I figured with as much driving as I do that I would go ahead and change the plugs again before winter hits. I bought Autolight DP again AND a set of wires.

I drove it about 100 miles and the check engine light turned on. It's not flashing yet but this is how it started last time. I have been assured that the Autolite DP are fine and should cause no problems. As soon as I got back to town I went and bought some Motorcraft plugs. Will put them in tomrrow.

I've double checked the gap. I've put the wires on right as far as I can tell. Any idea of what is going on? Is it those Autolites? Is it me? Is there something else I should be doing that I'm not? Am I just stupid?

 

Try replacing the wires with Motorcraft wires. I had a sismlar prob on a 94 Ranger. No one ever figured out why it did it but the other wires I tried would make it backfire and spit and sputter. One guy said it was interference with the computer caused by the Non-Motorcraft wires. It ran perfect on Motorcraft wires. Try that and Good Luck

------------------
'99 XLT S/C 4.6Romeo, Auto, 3.55 LS, Oxford White, Dark Graphite int., Tow Package, Orlando appearance package (Body color honeycomb grill, mirrors, and Lariat wheels)

98 Explorer XLT SOHC 4.0 V-6, moonroof, 3in1 Stereo, leather

71 GMC 350 4bbl. automatic, PS, uplevel trim

89 Dodge Van fancy steering wheel cover, radio doesn't work

 

Thanks for the reply! I did, however use Motorcraft wires.

I'm going to try again today. Do those wires go on the plug funny or something? I'm wondering if I'm getting the cap on wrong. I don't see how but who knows.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer. I'll let you know what I find out.

Husker Truck

Husker Truck

98 F-150 step side, 4.6L, 4X4, White, custom graphics, K&N filter, custom filter brace, tinted windows, bed cover, bed liner, driving lights, Kenwood tape w/10 disc changer, eclipse speakers, Ungo alarm w/keyless entry.

 

Husker Truck, I been through exactly what you did. Last year I replaced my plugs with the Autolite DP(I still got them in the box in the garage)and within twenty miles the check engine light came on, I pulled over to the side and shut the engine off and touch all spark plug wires and the light went off. But heading back the light came on again. After 2 days of playing with the plugs I finally found out the Autolite are very slippery when applied with dielectric grease (if that's what you put on) and the boots of the plug wire will pop off slightly in which slight or no contact with the wire and plug. I contacted Allied Signal and they denied this and I posted this subject before.
I replaced the Autolite with Champion DP (then Bosch plat+4 was not out yet)and reset the computer and no problem since. Now I've got the Bosch plat+4. Check your plugs and boots connection, I'm sure you'll find the problem there. Good luck. steve

------------------
1997 XLT Supercab emerald green,4.6 auto superchip, MSD 8.5 wires and Bosch plat4 plugs, rear dual exhaust, Atlas wheels w HP 275/60/17 tires, P/F Z pads, Lund steps and quarter window shades, Outland grille guard w KC daylighters (for sale cheap), piaa 1000 in bumpers openings, Trenz billet grille, edlebrock ISA shocks, Powerslider, stainless steel fender trim, Fluidyne tranny cooler, Airaid kit, Gentex electronic compass dimming mirror,Downey SST tonneau cover(for sale cheap),A.R.E. lid, Steeda sway bar(at least it doesn't make noises like the Hellwig), newly installed B&M cast aluminum xtra 3 qt tranny pan, Firestone Sport-Rite airbags system with remote pressure gauge mounted on Autometer dual pod with Autometer tranny temp gauge. Other half also owns a 97 F-150 (plain jane)

 

I'll give that a try and see what happens. Thank you very much.

Fill you in in about 8 hours. :-)

Husker Truck

Husker Truck

98 F-150 step side, 4.6L, 4X4, White, custom graphics, K&N filter, custom filter brace, tinted windows, bed cover, bed liner, driving lights, Kenwood tape w/10 disc changer, eclipse speakers, Ungo alarm w/keyless entry.

 

I put in Bosch +4 plugs along with MSD 8.5mm super conductor wires and the truck runs better than ever.

------------------
97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster, Bosch+4 plugs,MSD 8.5 wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Future mods:4" lift,ram air hood,and a supercharger.

 

Two things:

1) The 4.6 has been plauged with problems like you described on vehicles with aftermarket wires. I know you said you used Motorcraft, but that could still be the problem. The only fix is often getting a set from the dealer.

2) If you use dielectric grease on your plug boots (you should), while pushing down, pinch the boot after you have installed it on the plug. The grease often seals air inside the boot and will cause the boot to "pop" off the plug. By pinching the boot after it is on the plug, you will give the air a chance to escape.

Take care,
-Chris

------------------
'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
-------------------------------------
Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
free

 

for what it is worth I run ford motorsport 9mm wires and they are just dandy. The stock wire holders won't work but aftermarket ones do the trick.

------------------
97' F150 XLT, 4 X 4, Auto,4.6L, Vortech Supercharger, jet-chip, Gibson Cat-back Duals, rear Posi, 4.10's, jet shift improver, Tonneau cover, Rancho RS5000's, 33's on American racing rims, Rhino brushgards and pushbumper, Stull Billet grill, Dual Fosgate 800's w/Alpine head,
and musty smelling A/C system. Lookin for Chevy's to eat!!