Good day gentleman.

I picked up a 2012 5.4L triton with 220k miles. The engine runs very rough at idol, and when you accelerate there's a tapping noise. When you take your foot off the gas it runs smooth with no noise.

I have always wanted to learn more about engines and would like to get my hands dirty. Doesn't really matter if I messd it up.
Feels like maybe it's misfiring? Where do I even start. Sorry if this isn't enough information.

 

I thought the 5.4 was phased out in 2010.

 

You are correct, I meant 2002. Big difference lol

 

Plugs and COPs is a good place to start. Don't bug anything other than Motorcraft.


Probably also worth changing the fuel filter as well

 

From my research, replacing the plugs and coils step 1. Fuel filter step 2.

I see coils online, some say they are performance, some are for fuel economy. I'm assuming I want the fuel economy ones.

What makes Motorcrafts that much better vs the competition? Just curious, from what little I have read on here, just get the Motorcrafts and be done with it.

 

It's a quality standards. Original equipment was Motorcraft.

Aftermarket replacement aren't built to the same standards. Won't perform or last like OEM stuff

 

edited title for you

 

While you have the plugs out, it would be a good time to do a compression test.

 

Thanks will do. Like I said I am a total noob...do you test each cylinder or does it test the compression of the entire engine.

 

You have to screw a gauge into the spark plug hole individually. It takes a gauge designed for the Triton engine. Disable the fuel pump by pulling a fuse. Open the throttle body. Spin the engine a few times with the starter to see what compression it has. Repeat 7 more times for the other 7 cylinders.

 

Okay I feel like a dumbass...I have watched every video on YouTube I can't find the answer. I cannot figure out how to get the plug off of the coils. I'm assuming there's some sort of locking mechanism that you have to press and pull...but I can't figure it out. I tried on 4 different coils and nothing. Am I missing something?

 

Start at 3:40

 

Thank you I finally figured it out last night. I was able to get the 1, 2 ,3, 5, & 6 coils out. When I removed the #2 coil pack, the rubber boot was rusty brown and smelled like gas. I will stick my head in there later and see if the spark plug is rusted out. Is it safe to assume that coil was misfiring? The check engine light is on but I never took it to autozone to get the codes. The number 4, 7 & 8 coils look like a bitch to get out! Let alone the spark plugs. I sure hope I don't break any spark plugs.

 

The 2002 5.4 plugs don't break. They will blow them out if they are not torqued enough when installed. The Ford spec on the plug torque is WRONG. Torque them to 28 ft. lbs. If you don't have a torque wrench don't worry. A force of 28 lbs on the end of a 12" long ratchet is 28 ft lbs. Estimate. It takes a while to change the plugs the first time. I think I spent about 8 hours over two days changing mine just taking my time. The dealers charge about $240 in labor to change them out.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...ange-pics.html

There's plenty of room to work. Just need to move a few things.

(I no longer recommend using Globals, or any non Motorcraft coils)



Should take around an hour to do all 8