F150 Engine Problems

[Sandberm]

Is this "Blowing the sparkplugs out" problem specific to the 4.6V8 or does it happen to other ford engine designs....like say the 5.8 in my 95 F-250?

[gallion_t]

Pretty common issue . I recommend pulling all the plugs on a cold engine and replacing them and helicoil as needed . the kit isnt too bad on cost and can be done in the truck . the #4 and 8 cylinders can be tricky but done . Dont use gobs of anti sieze just a pinch . I have the kit if you want to borrow it . I see your up in Everett Jermy up at Auto and truck is a pretty good guy if that works for you . If you wanna give me a ring its (206)522-6100. Corey

Thanks Coach. I might take you up on that offer to borrow the kit. I think im going to call a couple shops this morning and get some quotes on what it will cost to have it done. If its not to expensive i might just have someone else do it.

[Skillet]

Is this "Blowing the sparkplugs out" problem specific to the 4.6V8 or does it happen to other ford engine designs....like say the 5.8 in my 95 F-250?

Your 351 is fine - this is a problem with the aluminum-headed modular motors. 4.6, 5.4, etc.

[Woodchuck]

 

[LabChamp]

I just got rid of my older 4.6 F150 about 6 months ago. Ran great for years and started having the same kind of problems. Went with a new ecoboost and am in love with it. Time to take one for a test drive if you haven't already

[gallion_t]

I just got rid of my older 4.6 F150 about 6 months ago. Ran great for years and started having the same kind of problems. Went with a new ecoboost and am in love with it. Time to take one for a test drive if you haven't already

Oh I fully agree. I have been looking off and on since about February for a new one. I was hoping to hold out until the 2016s came out and the 15s go on sale. In hind sight I should have bit the bullet back in February during the presidents day sales. Had some great deals then.

[Woodchuck]

I would bet there will be Father's Day and 4th of July sales coming soon. 

[gallion_t]

Yea, and im still looking and as soon as I find a good deal I will be jumping all over it. Just doubt the really good ones will come out until the 16s are released and theyre blowing out the 15s.

[Woodchuck]

There is a certain member here that works at a Ford dealer, You might shoot him a pm and see if he can keep an eye out for something. 

[CP]

Yea, and im still looking and as soon as I find a good deal I will be jumping all over it. Just doubt the really good ones will come out until the 16s are released and theyre blowing out the 15s.

Let us know when you find that good deal.  My 1997 F150 has served me well but its list of issues is growing.

[gallion_t]

Thats where im at too. I dont mind the minnor stuff, but i dont want to hold onto the truck so long the big things start popping up.

[gallion_t]

I ended up having it towed to the shop last night. They are getting it fixed for me today. They figured 1-2 hours of shop time and I already had the parts. When it came down to it I figured it wasn't worth my hassle. Last thing i wanted to have happen was spend the day working on it to screw something up and have to pull the head off. Plus this way i have it back for the weekend and can focus on my spring bear tag.

Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions and Coach for offering to let me borrow the tool. There truely are a lot of great people on this site.

[Alchase]

Pretty common issue . I recommend pulling all the plugs on a cold engine and replacing them and helicoil as needed . the kit isnt too bad on cost and can be done in the truck . the #4 and 8 cylinders can be tricky but done . Dont use gobs of anti sieze just a pinch . I have the kit if you want to borrow it . I see your up in Everett Jermy up at Auto and truck is a pretty good guy if that works for you . If you wanna give me a ring its (206)522-6100. Corey 

Couch, just curious, I always heard when working on tough to get loose parts (or aluminum) to heat it up first.
Can you explain why you do this on a cold engine?

[coachcw]

Aluminium  grows a ton when hot and the cold head  holds its threads better  . On those ford's I have had much better luck cold plus you get a true torque on the new plug .one the 9/16  sparkplug models the best way to get them out is with a 3/8 impact gun.. sca red me on the first one but works great .

[Alchase]

Aluminium  grows a ton when hot and the cold head  holds its threads better  . On those ford's I have had much better luck cold plus you get a true torque on the new plug .one the 9/16  sparkplug models the best way to get them out is with a 3/8 impact gun.. sca red me on the first one but works great .

Good to know thanks!