I recently replaced the plugs on my '97 4.6L, but the wires keeps popping off while I'm driving. I called Ford and they said this was because the Motorcraft plugs are slightly larger than aftermarket plugs.

Anyone else had this problem?

Any truth to this?

Any suggestions?

 

Yes, that *could* be.

Also, these 4.6's tend to wear out spark plug boots & wires a bit quicker than normal anyway, due to moisture being retained in the "well" that the spark plugs reside in (kinda like a Hemi). The boots especially get baked from engine heat & this moisture, and by the time you have 60K miles, they are usually shot. If you dopn't have a miss, they are still generally ready for replacement at 60K miles, if not sooner. I'm on my 3rd 4.6 engine, though they've all been DOHC motors, they too have exhibited this, needing plug wires.

I wouldn't be surprised if you need a set of plug wires, too. If that's not convenient for you right now financially, maybe Santa (in the form of a friend or family member perhaps)can send you a set for Christmas?

Magnecor makes the best plug wires in my opinion, but they are expensive. Other wires should be fine as well, like the Accel 300+ series for example, and they're cheaper than even most factory wire sets for those engines. You can find several brands at Jegs or Summit Racing. (www.jegs.com and www.summitracing.com are their respective web sites, I think)

Or, you could just put a set of Motorcraft plugs back in it.

Good luck,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

There have been alot of problems with the 4.6 when aftermarket plugs or wires have been installed. I am not sure why, but on iATN (an ASE network I belong to), I read at least 3 posts a week where that has been a problem. The problem tends to more common with aftermarket wires, but I have seen some regarding plugs too.

Take care,
~Chris

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Moderator
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'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
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I put Jacobs Electronics wires on my '97 4.6L and have had no problems. They're a bit pricey, but I don't have any complaints. (I coupled them with Splitfire Platinum plugs.)

I got them, and other goodies, at www.truckperformance.com

Joe

 

I put on the MSD 8.5's and had that problem also. The #2 plug kept coming out and caused the engine to run roughly. Eventually after continously putting it back on, it finally seated and has stayed ever since. Just took awhile to figure out the problem but now that I know I can fix it quickly should it ever happen again.

------------------
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.

 

Does the boot pop off when the weather was rainy by any chance? There was an issue with water ketting on top of the plug, heating up, converting to steam, and then blowing the boot off the plug. The solution, put a tiny slit in the rubber of the boot (not on top, near the side) to allow the steam to escape.

 

Hold it...

Todays coil paks are capable of 80kv and higher. Due to liability, the capacity has been reduced. With this kind of voltage, You need all the insulation you can get.

If you cut or pierce the boot, you are asking for trouble. The voltage will surely find a path to ground, especially when the boot resides in a recess like the 4.6l.

When removing the boots, twist them if they are stuck. Work the boots back and forth to loosen the terminal, then remove.

When installing, use dielectric grease inside the boot to prevent
them from sticking in the future.

I have never had this problem, but I also always use OEM pieces.
Are they the factory wires? You may be able to gently crimp them tighter, and reinstall.

------------------
'98 4.6 5-sp F-150
We've come for your Tundra.

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trixters-playground@excite.com
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[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 12-02-1999).]