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Title: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 02, 2017, 08:29:06 AM
My 1997 f150 5.4L just spit a spark plug (like they are notorious for). I have had the truck for 10 years so I plan to get a different truck (unless someone convinces me it is worth fixing).

I plan to get a full-size gas since I don't really need diesel. I have a 18' camp trailer I haul maybe 8 times a year. Any recommendations of what trucks to avoid or what truck to get? Also, any recommendations on where to go for a good deal in tri-cities? I could travel to spokane, Seattle, or portland if it's worth it.
I plan to spend under $12k. Thanks in advance!

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Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 02, 2017, 09:13:41 AM
Fix yours if the truck is still in nice shape and serves your needs, the fix is not too bad, have a shop do it if you do not have the tools needed to do it right. Cost should be around 400 + or minus.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 02, 2017, 09:22:17 AM
Fix yours if the truck is still in nice shape and serves your needs, the fix is not too bad, have a shop do it if you do not have the tools needed to do it right. Cost should be around 400 + or minus.
Thanks buckmark! Do you know what has to be done to fix it? Does it need a new head since the threads are stripped out in that cylinder now?

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Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: huntnfmly on December 02, 2017, 09:30:49 AM
I don't think you need a new head.
My buddies explorer spit a plug heading to deer camp and just had a local shop put in a helicoil I think it was called
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 02, 2017, 09:40:48 AM
Unless someone has dove in there already trying to fix it and really buggered it up it should be repairable.
The way we fix them is to install a sav-a-thread insert.
My technicians use a reamer - rethreader that cuts and taps the hole to the insert size, grease on the rethreader to catch debris, after rethreading they make sure the cylinder is cleaned out with air or the shop vac and often start the engine to final clear, they then install the correct thread insert with some loctite and seat properly, install new spark plug and torque to spec, install new coil, clear PCM of any codes present or active, start engine and check misfire data, road test.

I have never had a return failure for a cylinder we repaired.

Or if you think the truck is now junk i will take it off your hands for scrap value for a property truck  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Igottanewknee on December 02, 2017, 10:51:28 AM
Had that happen to me in August I believe. They did as Buckmark said, cost  $375 if I remember right. I thought I had blown up the engine or something, and was surprised the fix was not too expensive and I picked up my truck the next day...
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 02, 2017, 11:08:29 AM
Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 02, 2017, 04:15:31 PM
Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this. :chuckle:
Ford 5.4 and V10 thing.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Zardoz on December 02, 2017, 04:18:24 PM
Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this. :chuckle:

All great advice. An easy-ish fix. 
And yeah, it's a Ford thing, just TOO much horsepower trying to get out.   :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 02, 2017, 04:20:39 PM
Is this a Ford thing? I never heard of this. :chuckle:

All great advice. An easy-ish fix. 
And yeah, it's a Ford thing, just TOO much horsepower trying to get out.   :chuckle:

Doubt that.  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 02, 2017, 04:21:05 PM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge 360's because of cracked heads, and dodge 4.7L because of oil sludge issues. I know 3 people who ended up with significant engine damage because their 4.7s weren't pumping oil properly.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Antlershed on December 02, 2017, 04:59:12 PM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge
Fixed it for you.  :tup:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 02, 2017, 05:28:03 PM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge
Fixed it for you.  :tup:
I agree 100%.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 02, 2017, 05:50:10 PM
Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it! I will call around to get it fixed. Sounds like it might not be as bad as I thought.

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Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: AROTTY on December 02, 2017, 05:56:05 PM
My 1997 f150 5.4L just spit a spark plug (like they are notorious for). I have had the truck for 10 years so I plan to get a different truck (unless someone convinces me it is worth fixing).

I plan to get a full-size gas since I don't really need diesel. I have a 18' camp trailer I haul maybe 8 times a year. Any recommendations of what trucks to avoid or what truck to get? Also, any recommendations on where to go for a good deal in tri-cities? I could travel to spokane, Seattle, or portland if it's worth it.
I plan to spend under $12k. Thanks in advance!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

When you say full size do you mean 1/2 or 3/4 ton?

12k doesn't buy a lot on the used truck market currently from a dealer. Your best bet is to search Craigslist and Offer up private party ads. Ford V10's can be a pretty good value at that price point, but the mileage is terrible.  The Chevy's have good motors, but the 4 speed transmission is a weak point. I wouldn't buy a dodge because the years you are looking at will have a lot of suspension and electrical problems.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Bofire on December 03, 2017, 04:39:12 PM
 :) :) :) or do you just wanna new truck!!!??
Carl
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buzz2401 on December 03, 2017, 09:08:19 PM
Always cheaper to fix.  A $500+ a month payment will do a lot of repairing and maintenance to a older truck..
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: slowhand on December 03, 2017, 10:04:56 PM
Buy a used tundra
Perfect for what you need
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 04, 2017, 05:12:29 AM
Bofire - I do also want a new truck :) with 4 kids it would be nice to get a quad cab. Also, my 97 truck has plenty of other issues.

slowhand - A tundra is what I have been wanting since before I even got my current truck :) I have been looking at used Tundra's on Craigslist.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: THE GUN 67 on December 04, 2017, 05:25:22 AM
Easy fix I've done it twice no problems
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: THE GUN 67 on December 04, 2017, 05:28:29 AM
Lots of YouTube videos show how to repair this really easy.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: biggfish on December 04, 2017, 05:30:36 AM
Had the same thing happen to my plymouth neon. Cost me around 40 bucks for the sav-a-thread kit, loctite, and new plugs. The tow bill was 350, aluminum heads suck.

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Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 04, 2017, 08:19:26 AM
Had the same thing happen to my plymouth neon. Cost me around 40 bucks for the sav-a-thread kit, loctite, and new plugs. The tow bill was 350, aluminum heads suck.

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Plenty of vehicles with aluminum heads and no issues. It's an issue of how much material they're threading the plugs into.
Too bad the tow bill was more than any neon is worth.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 04, 2017, 08:20:10 AM
Buy a used tundra
Perfect for what you need
For under $12k?
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 04, 2017, 08:25:39 AM
Easy fix I've done it twice no problems
Do not use this, in my experience (having repaired 3 vehicles that repaired there own with these) they do not work
First off the one pictured is incorrect for your vehicle, Second off the threads in the head are what is damaged and the insert shown here does not address this problem correctly. The way i suggested earlier in this thread is the best way i have found to do this repair, but hey what do i know compared to the armchair huntwa mechanics?
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: huntnfmly on December 04, 2017, 08:32:55 AM
Wow
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: runamuk on December 04, 2017, 08:35:43 AM
I think you will have better choices over the mountains. I have been looking for a truck since March the SE corner thinks their trucks are worth a lot more than kbb and nada that's for sure.

I have the luxury of not being in a huge hurry so I am sticking to my budget. In fact I have seen my same truck that I bought in 2011 with a higher asking price than I paid back then. My truck is 20 yrs old.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: slowhand on December 04, 2017, 12:45:51 PM
Buy a used tundra
Perfect for what you need
For under $12k?
Sure Why not?
Let Me know if You need any Toyota Tundra info. I have 15+ years as Toyota Master Tech
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Woodchuck on December 04, 2017, 01:00:43 PM
Easy fix I've done it twice no problems
Do not use this, in my experience (having repaired 3 vehicles that repaired there own with these) they do not work
First off the one pictured is incorrect for your vehicle, Second off the threads in the head are what is damaged and the insert shown here does not address this problem correctly. The way i suggested earlier in this thread is the best way i have found to do this repair, but hey what do i know compared to the armchair huntwa mechanics?
Listen to this guy. All of this is 100% right on the money.  :twocents:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: fish vacuum on December 04, 2017, 06:06:23 PM


Buy a used tundra
Perfect for what you need
For under $12k?
Sure Why not?
Let Me know if You need any Toyota Tundra info. I have 15+ years as Toyota Master Tech

I'm a Toyota fan. The prices on used ones are pretty high. The Tundras under $12k are gonna have a ton of miles.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 05, 2017, 08:59:59 AM
I will be getting it fixed the way Buckmark describes. I am in no hurry but I will also be watching for the right Tundra to buy.
I have been looking at between 2005-2010. Which motor is better? I like the power of the 5.7L but I don't necessarily need that much power. I heard the 5.7L had some issues and the 4.7L is the better motor. What are your thoughts, does the 5.7L have issues that make it work getting the 4.7?
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: skeeter 20i on December 05, 2017, 09:10:07 AM
I think you will have better choices over the mountains. I have been looking for a truck since March the SE corner thinks their trucks are worth a lot more than kbb and nada that's for sure.


 :yeah:  Man that is no joke.  The prices these jokers are asking..... :bash:

Fix yours.  I fixed my 02 back in 09 and am still driving it today.  No payments and still runs great.  They all need a repair of some kind at some time. 
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: coop2424 on December 05, 2017, 09:26:19 AM
I will be getting it fixed the way Buckmark describes. I am in no hurry but I will also be watching for the right Tundra to buy.
I have been looking at between 2005-2010. Which motor is better? I like the power of the 5.7L but I don't necessarily need that much power. I heard the 5.7L had some issues and the 4.7L is the better motor. What are your thoughts, does the 5.7L have issues that make it work getting the 4.7?

I have the 5.7 and have had it for 7 years with no issues at all.  Also had the older 4.7 before that.  I prefer the 5.7 for towing my trailer but other than that have no complaints with either.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: slowhand on December 05, 2017, 01:36:54 PM
Common issues with the 5.7L
oil leak at timing cover (huge job)
oil leak at cam towers (both heads)
premature water pump failure
premature serp belt cracking (like really early)
secondary air injection issues (lots)
That's about it with the engine. There is a long list of issues with the truck itself

Common issues with the 4.7L
large oil leak requiring reseal of engine sub oil pan (huge job)
water pump leaks (water pump is driven By the timing belt ) 5+ hr job
secondary air injection issues (lots)
very solid engine. Only seen 3 fail in 15+ years as a Toyota Master Tech
also multiple small issues I have seen with the truck itself

Hope that helps. Any other Toyota questions, I'm Your guy.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 05, 2017, 01:56:08 PM
thanks slowhand! how common are the issues? Would you say every truck will have them eventually or 10% of trucks? At how many miles? Do you recommend one motor over the other?
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: slowhand on December 05, 2017, 02:34:19 PM
Both are good motors.
I would say 5.7L for guys who plan to tow.
it's hit or miss on the issues. 10% is a good number.
More often on the first years of production. Yes, the never buy a new model or engine are true and always will be.
FYI on your Ford spark plug issue. make sure they are installing an insert not a heli coil.
The insert repair when done By a pro is a forever fix. I have done many over the years.
The heli coil is a poor man's 1/2 ass repair. don't do that
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: TC_outdoorsman on December 05, 2017, 02:51:44 PM
thanks for the tips slowhand! starting what year do you think they worked out the kinks with the 5.7?
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Alchase on December 06, 2017, 10:10:37 AM
Common issues with the 5.7L
oil leak at timing cover (huge job)
oil leak at cam towers (both heads)
premature water pump failure
premature serp belt cracking (like really early)
secondary air injection issues (lots)
That's about it with the engine. There is a long list of issues with the truck itself

Common issues with the 4.7L
large oil leak requiring reseal of engine sub oil pan (huge job)
water pump leaks (water pump is driven By the timing belt ) 5+ hr job
secondary air injection issues (lots)
very solid engine. Only seen 3 fail in 15+ years as a Toyota Master Tech
also multiple small issues I have seen with the truck itself

Hope that helps. Any other Toyota questions, I'm Your guy.

4.7s are prone to engine slug blocking up the journals, burning out valve do to oil starving. I got 280k out of one and 230k out of the other before the same problem showed its head. Have seen others at 70k with the same problem.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 06, 2017, 12:42:20 PM
Well is this not perfect timing, look what got towed into the shop yesterday a Ford V10 with a blown out spark plug on cylinder #4 
Pictures as follows
#1 - Truck
#2 - Cyl 4 coil missing from its correct location (you can see the coil above the crank vent hose and make out is broken mounting ear)
#3 - Cyl 4 spark plug hole minus a spark plug, note the part of the coil ear still bolted in place, (fuel injector unplugged so truck doe not become a carbbq)
#4 - The repair parts and tools, Coil, Spark plug, Rethreader/Reamer (i showed the 2 i have) and insert (note missing from photo are ratchet, extension, grease, loctite, shopvac, scan tool and technician as he is camera shy  :chuckle: )
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: DRobnsn on December 06, 2017, 01:39:48 PM
Ahhhhh yes, wish I could mimic the sound better with words. VROOOOMMMMM, BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG,BANG, :yike: WHAT WAS THAT!!  :chuckle:

Couple buddies of mine had it happen, one v10 the other was a 4.6. I still hear the sound in my head every time someone talks about it. Makes for a good chuckle, you know, cause FORD... 
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Curly on December 06, 2017, 01:43:07 PM
What causes that to happen?  Just bad design?  :dunno:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 06, 2017, 03:26:28 PM
What causes that to happen?  Just bad design?  :dunno:
In a nut shell yes, poor design. The head does not have enough threaded area for the plug and if the plug gets loose in anyway it wiggle and over time compromises what little area there is to the point it can no longer contain the spark plug and it blows out.
The majority of the failures but not all have been replaced spark plugs which i can only guess are not installed/torqued correctly or slathered with antisieze  but it can take some time to fail and i have also seen factory plugs that blew out so who knows....
Or as some one else said it is all that horse power coming out  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: skeeter 20i on December 07, 2017, 07:27:21 AM
Mine went at 4am dropping down a hill headed to the boat launch.  Everyone was awake by the time I got to the bottom.  Loud is an understatement.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Igottanewknee on December 10, 2017, 08:18:43 AM
Buckmark,
On a side note, I asked about a tune up after blowing a plug out of my truck  ( repair was $375). They quoted me around  $700 ...
Does that sound right?
Bruce
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Buckmark on December 10, 2017, 08:32:59 AM
Buckmark,
On a side note, I asked about a tune up after blowing a plug out of my truck  ( repair was $375). They quoted me around  $700 ...
Does that sound right?
Bruce
If it was 325 on top of the 375 then it sounds about right for the other 7 plugs and labor and if it included an air filter, fuel filter and pcv valve then it was a pretty good deal.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Cylvertip on December 10, 2017, 10:27:32 AM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge
Fixed it for you.  :tup:
I agree 100%.

Well, yeah, isn't that what dodge means???...  avoid.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 10, 2017, 10:35:24 AM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge
Fixed it for you.  :tup:
I agree 100%.

Well, yeah, isn't that what dodge means???...  avoid.  :dunno:

I’ve owned my Ram Cummins brand new since 2004, still love it, would buy another one if I wanted payments.
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Igottanewknee on December 10, 2017, 12:14:54 PM
Buckmark,
On a side note, I asked about a tune up after blowing a plug out of my truck  ( repair was $375). They quoted me around  $700 ...
Does that sound right?
Bruce
If it was 325 on top of the 375 then it sounds about right for the other 7 plugs and labor and if it included an air filter, fuel filter and pcv valve then it was a pretty good deal.
On top of the  $375 ...... +$700
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Curly on December 10, 2017, 12:18:49 PM
From the experiences of friends and coworkers, i would avoid dodge
Fixed it for you.  :tup:
I agree 100%.

Well, yeah, isn't that what dodge means???...  avoid.  :dunno:
:chuckle:
Title: Re: Trucks recommendations? Or avoid?
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on December 29, 2017, 12:19:46 AM
Were you the "Broke-Down on 82" guy? How'd you git er home?
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