I've read posts stating that there are no spark plug wires on my 5.4L. Forever the skeptic, I checked. Ok, what did you guys do with them??

Also: The dealer mentioned that if coolant were to leak out from a blown hose (or other catastophe) that the truck could be driven for a couple hundred miles. Some of the reasons for this ability are: some of the cylinders (computer controlled) will shut down so the engine will run cooler; and some sort of plugs (not the freeze plugs) will pop out and the engine will be somewhat air cooled.

OK, looking for the spark plug wires made me realize that any of this may be possible. Anyone got explanations? Anyone know of a good web site or engine manual that can explain how my truck works? Nothing in the owners manual even begins to explain.

Oh, by the way, just to let you all know where I'm coming from, I started as a mechanic rebuilding alternators in my grandfathers garage when I was four years old. Through the 50's and 60's, cars and trucks were much easier to work on and almost everyone could understand basic operations. With the advent of computer controls and modern electronics, the whole automotive industry is leaving some of us behind. It's too much work to try to keep up with every new advance in technology, especially as a converted Chevy owner!!!

Thanx for the replies in advance!!

 

Let me explain, hopefully this will help you understand. First the spark plug thing. The spark on the 5.4 is computer controlled so there is no distributor or ordinary ignition system like engines of old. Each spark plug has its own coil pack. The ignition signal to fire comes from the computer and the spark is boosted by the coil pack which is located directly on top of each spark plug. Heck, it took me almost 5 years of looking before I figured out where the darn spark plugs were located on this engine. I recently changed my orginial spark plugs. They had 67,000miles on them. I was very surprised by how good they looked. I too come from the old school where if plugs lasted for 15,000 miles it was great. I have been told by my local dealer that they don't ever change plugs until there's a problem with them. After changing out the plugs I understand why. Anyway, after owning a 5.4 for 5 years I think I like the idea of individual coil packs. It was hard to get used to the idea that there was no distributor or coil on this engine.
Second, the cooling thing, was new in either 97 or 98, Ford calls it it "Fail-Safe" cooling. Apparently, if the engine begins to run hot due to coolant lose the computer will alternate the cylinders that are firing to help keep the engine cool and the cylinders that don't fire become air pumps, basically pumping cooler air through the engine. I'm not familiar with the plugs that supposedly pop out of the engine. Hope this helps a little.