i have a 1997 150 4.6l with 166xxx miles. when ever you go to take off there will be no power and then all off the sudden it will shoot up too 4000rpm and then you back off it will be fine. until you stop and go again. also when ever you come up to a stop it drops down to 500rpm. does anyone know what might be going on

 

Any codes? I had a similar issue, turned out my air filter was too clogged up.

 

no idea about codes dont have a reader and havent had time to get it to the shop. and about the air filter i clean it alot so i dont think thats it but it probably needs replaced because its just a throw away one.

 

ok so this weekend im going to get new plugs and wires a new distributor and a new air filter should these things help this problem at all?

any advice on what brands and type of these 4 products to get?

 

Plugs... staying with motocraft is the general advice on the board here. Air filter... cheap paper filter, as long as you replace it at the right interval. The 4.6 doesn't have distributors....

 

Be carefull about buying part looking to get lucky and disapointed.
First indication you gave was a dirty Intake Air Controller (IAC).
Remove it and do a spray cleaning with throttle body cleaner.
Be sure the sliding valve inside moves freely.
Remove the big hose to the throttle body and spray clean the throttle body bore and plate while holding it open.
Do this first before replacing any other parts.
BTW, you have no distributor, only coil paks and plug wires.
After this work run it a while and check for codes with a either a scanner or a reader.
If you still have other drivability issues after this work, then address them.
Good luck.

 

Ok thats what i thought on the plugs. and ya ik that about the distributors idk why i but that in there lol. and the filter should i go with a k and n or is that a waist of money? and what about wires

 

im not just replacing parts hoping to get lucky these things need done any way just thinking they probably could cause this. and do i get the cleaner at like a napa or advanced auto?

 

Some ppl swear by K&N, waste of money according to alot of the older guys. Local parts store should have the TB cleaner.

 

ya thats what i thought about the filter i really dont have 50 bucks to spend just thought if it was worth it i would get one.

i plan on doing this stuff this weekend. any pointers to change the plugs? ive heard it can be hard and i dont want to take it to the shop hate doing that i like doing things myself.

 

The plugs are fairly easy. Short extension, knuckle, long extension. use a regular socket to break them loose, then a plug socket to pull them out. Use proper torque or you run a real risk of stripping the threads and blowing a plug. Do your wires one by one so you don't mess one up... don't ask how I know this... Start at the back first, they're the hardest, get em done and over with. the rest will be simple.

 

Ok Thanks for the advice. Only problem is I dont have a torque wrench. And another thing I have a question on is the rubber things that go on top of the plugs. should I replace those too because Ivr heard they can rip on when replacing plugs

 

do you have COPS or straight wires like the old pushrods?

 

No idea how do u tell

 

You have a 97.... you have wires. So what "rubber thing" are you talking about? Simply pull the wire, unscrew the spark plug, put the new one in. It would be highly advisable to get a torque wrench, even one from Harbor freight would do nicely.