97up-list-digest Sunday, September 20 1998 Volume 01 : Number 218



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
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In this issue:

Re: FTE 97up - Re: Electronic Control Unit ( ECU )
FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts
Re: FTE 97up - 1999 Delivery Day!
Re: FTE 97up - New to List
Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts
Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts
Re: FTE 97up - puddles
Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts
FTE 97up - Rubber Flappers on Cab Vents
Re: FTE 97up - puddles
Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts
Re: FTE 97up - puddles
Re: FTE 97up - puddles

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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 07:51:46 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Re: Electronic Control Unit ( ECU )

The PCM is located by the passenger kick panel. It is slightly above the
panel, and you can put a chip in without removing the processor. It
requires a little time to clean, but can be done. Let me know what results
you have the one we put in a JLD1 5.4L made no apparent difference (may
shift slightly harder but the speed limiter is still there).

Nathan Bernard

- -----Original Message-----
From: MICHAEL P SCHAFFER
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Friday, September 18, 1998 4:33 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Electronic Control Unit ( ECU )


>Help! I can't find the ECU . Have looked behind the drivers side kick
>panel and behind the glove compartment but no luck. Anyone with a 1998
>f-150 that has gone to a super chip and knows the location of the ECU ,
>please share this info . Thanks for any help. mikes53 juno.com


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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 09:44:55 -0400
From: "Joel Sturm"
Subject: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts

Hi,

My '97 4.2 has a cold starting problem. It struggles, misfires, stalls--as
if the choke isn't on--or it's starved.

Flooring the accelerator once before starting solves the problem.

This is with air temperature well above freezing. Air humidity does not
affect the problem.

What is likely the problem? The ECU? A solonoid or two?

Any help will be appreciated.

Joel Sturm

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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 10:30:11 -0500
From: "Jack"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 Delivery Day!

Never went to the dealer, I had to go with a friend to pick it up at the
"ramp". Because they (convey co.) said it would be another 2 weeks or so
before the dealer go it (it had already been there for 10 days). So I drove
a mere 45 miles to get it and then drove it to the dealer this morning to
sign the paper work!

Jack

- -----Original Message-----
From: Alan Wilson
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Friday, September 18, 1998 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 1999 Delivery Day!


>What time did it arrive at the dealer?
>What time did it reach your drive way?
>etc. etc...don't forget the details.
>
>:)
>
>At 06:17 PM 9/18/98 -0500, you wrote:
>>I FINALLY GOT MY TRUCK TODAY. MORE DETAILS THIS WEEKEND WITH
>>SOME PIXS.
>>
>>1999 XLT SC 4.6 Flareside
>>
>>I also plan to do some before and after shots of the grills when I change
it
>>out next week.
>>
>>Thanks to all for their help and especially Nathan.
>>
>>Jack
>>JBowell msn.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>Alan Wilson
>
>
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>



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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 09:15:18 -0700
From: Danny Gaudenti
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - New to List

>Hello everyone, this is my first posting to the list. I just ordered a '99
>F150 XLT Sport, 4.6L 5-Speed and am really excited about working on it. I
>am curious to know what kind of 5-speed is in the truck (i.e. Borg Warner,
>Tremec, Ford, etc.). Does anyone know of any transmission upgrades such as
>high performance clutch plates and shorter throw shifters? I know it's a
>truck (I don't expect Mustang like shifting!), however it seems much
>sloppier than my Dakota. Also, I am curious to know what the Owner's
>manual says about a breaking in period for the drivetrain in general.
>
>Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
>John Walker

You may not like the answer. When I first started looking at F-150s, I
noticed that a window sticker says "U.S./CANADIAN PARTS CONTENT: 95%".
Then I thought, uh oh, where's the other 5% made? Below that, it says
ENGINE PARTS: U.S., TRANSMISSION PARTS: JAPAN. Yep, our 5-sp is Made in
Japan by Mazda. Ford owns part of Mazda and has them manufacture the 5-sp.
Don't know if there are any performace parts for it, please let us know if
you ever find out. I changed the oil to Red Line MTL a while ago. Heard
all good things about it on various newsgroups. Some say it takes
thousands of miles for it to make a difference.

The only thing the manual says about break-in is to vary engine speed the
first 1,000 miles.

Congrats on the new truck,

Danny
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 13:51:37 -0500
From: John Walker
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts

Joel,

When researching the F150 before I purchased mine, I came accross a list of
differences between the '97 model and '98 model on Ford's Website. Under
the "What's New" Section of the Ford F-Series website, it says "Exhaust
pipe moved from the front to the rear of the rear wheel for improved cold
weather performance." I am not sure what "cold weather performance" is
refering to, but it could be related to your problem. I see several
trucks, including '97 Fords, and many aftermarket exhaust systems that exit
before the rear wheel. I am curious to know what difference an extra
couple of feet makes, if any.

I hope this helps your research.

John Walker


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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 14:38:00 -0500
From: "Steve Stavos"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts

Joel,
I own a '97 f150 sc 4x4, the dealer told me the reason for the change in the
exhaust pipe location was the exhaust gases would change the plastic center
cap on the wheel green. The '97-up's it was called an upgrade exhaust kit.
My cap turned green and I got a new muffler and tail pipe. I have noticed no
difference in performance or gas mileage.
Steve S.
- -----Original Message-----
From: John Walker
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 2:07 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts


>Joel,
>
>When researching the F150 before I purchased mine, I came accross a list of
>differences between the '97 model and '98 model on Ford's Website. Under
>the "What's New" Section of the Ford F-Series website, it says "Exhaust
>pipe moved from the front to the rear of the rear wheel for improved cold
>weather performance." I am not sure what "cold weather performance" is
>refering to, but it could be related to your problem. I see several
>trucks, including '97 Fords, and many aftermarket exhaust systems that exit
>before the rear wheel. I am curious to know what difference an extra
>couple of feet makes, if any.
>
>I hope this helps your research.
>
>John Walker
>
>
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>

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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 15:54:40 EDT
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - puddles


between this truck and my previous vehicles is quite noticeable. I've
noticed that the water must also accumulate up on the truck, too; after
parking in the garage in the evening, the puddle eventually dries, but when
I pull out the next morning it drops a bunch more water. I haven't taken
the time to see where its sitting, to find out if that might do any damage
over time. Anyone know?

Mike Fairleigh
mikef sky.net
...Always remembering their sacrifices.>>

Come on guys, get a life! Worrying about "puddle-size"! A/C's always do it
and, unless you park on an incline, it free drains from the heater/AC plenum.
What do you guys do after a rain storm - calculate how much water stays
trapped in the orifices and panels of the truck! Drive the thing and leave
the paranoia alone.

RobbC
...
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 15:59:58 EDT
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts



When researching the F150 before I purchased mine, I came accross a list of
differences between the '97 model and '98 model on Ford's Website. Under
the "What's New" Section of the Ford F-Series website, it says "Exhaust
pipe moved from the front to the rear of the rear wheel for improved cold
weather performance." I am not sure what "cold weather performance" is
refering to, but it could be related to your problem. I see several
trucks, including '97 Fords, and many aftermarket exhaust systems that exit
before the rear wheel. I am curious to know what difference an extra
couple of feet makes, if any.

I hope this helps your research.

John Walker >>

There were rumors that condensate from the exhaust would freeze on the rear
wheel/tire under very cold conditions causing out-of-balance and thus reduced
performance. Living in the south, I never got to experience it on my '97.

RobbC
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 16:08:41 EDT
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Rubber Flappers on Cab Vents

I'm getting a lot of noise intrusion through the rubber flaps on the two cab
vents behind the rear seat back-rests. Anyone seem any detrimental effects
from blocking these off completely?

I was also shocked to get under my '98 5.4L and find that neither of the two
coolers in front of the radiator were from the oil-cooler. One is a cooler
for the transmission and the second is a cooler for the power steering. The
piping from the oil cooler assembly (above the oil filter) was just a line
routed to the front of the truck and then back to the oil filter assembly;
extra oil capacity but no real cooling! How is everyone elses connected?

RobbC
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 16:22:04 EDT
From: BigFords1 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - puddles

My 97 5.4 Expedition does the exact same thing! When I drive onto thee drive
way I can see drip marks all the way to the garage, then it leaves a puddle.
Will it run out of water sooner than normal?
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 20:55:47 -0400
From: "Kenneth W Schatzman"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts

I was told that the reason for moving the tail pipe from in front of the
tire to behind the tire was because of discoloration of the wheel. Should
not be a problem if you rotate your wheels on a regular bases, put enough of
a problem for Ford to replace the old exhaust for free.
- -----Original Message-----
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 4:08 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Terrible Cold Starts


>
>
>When researching the F150 before I purchased mine, I came accross a list of
>differences between the '97 model and '98 model on Ford's Website. Under
>the "What's New" Section of the Ford F-Series website, it says "Exhaust
>pipe moved from the front to the rear of the rear wheel for improved cold
>weather performance." I am not sure what "cold weather performance" is
>refering to, but it could be related to your problem. I see several
>trucks, including '97 Fords, and many aftermarket exhaust systems that exit
>before the rear wheel. I am curious to know what difference an extra
>couple of feet makes, if any.
>
>I hope this helps your research.
>
>John Walker >>
>
>There were rumors that condensate from the exhaust would freeze on the rear
>wheel/tire under very cold conditions causing out-of-balance and thus
reduced
>performance. Living in the south, I never got to experience it on my '97.
>
>RobbC
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Date: Sat, 19 Sep 1998 22:50:54 -0500
From: "Mike Fairleigh"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - puddles

I do have a very full life, and I'm not paranoid about anything of the kind.
I was responding to a poster who, like me, had noticed that this particular
truck seems to generate a lot more condensate than any other vehicle we've
ever owned. I'm not particularly worried about it, but I *have* had other
cars that have had parts damaged by having a/c condensate sitting on them
constantly over the years. When you drive the same vehicle for 10 or more
years (as I intend to do with this truck), it is worth being aware of what's
going on with these kinds of things. If I leased the truck or planned to
trade it in 2 years from now (as many do, I know), then I wouldn't give a
rat's behind about it either.

By the way, yes, I do care about where water stays in the body panels. One
reason I opted against the Lariat was because I don't want fender lip
guards. They trap and hold water, which, once again is an issue when we're
talking about a 10-year vehicle in an area where the roads are covered with
salt 5 months out of the year. Think that's crazy? Fine. Let's compare
trucks in 10 years.

Mike Fairleigh
mikef sky.net
...Always remembering their sacrifices.

- -----Original Message-----
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Saturday, September 19, 1998 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - puddles


>Come on guys, get a life! Worrying about "puddle-size"! A/C's always do
it
>and, unless you park on an incline, it free drains from the heater/AC
plenum.
>What do you guys do after a rain storm - calculate how much water stays
>trapped in the orifices and panels of the truck! Drive the thing and leave
>the paranoia alone.


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