Hello - I have a 1997 F150, with the 4.2L engine. I am having a problem which is driving me nuts. I have taken it to the local Ford dealer with no success.

The problem is that the check engine light comes on continually. I have had the code read, and it comes back as "cylinder 1 misfire", or "cylinder 2 misfire" etc. I have replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires. As a matter of fact, I have changed the spark plugs more than once. When I change them, they have a lot of carbon on them, like too much fuel is being dumped into the cylinders. After they are changed, the truck runs fine...for a few weeks, then the same thing happens again.

You can feel the truck stutter when you give it gas, but if you back off the accelorator, it does fine. If you continue to give it gas, it will stutter, and the check engine light comes on.

Can anyone give me any suggestions on what I can try? I don't feel confident that the dealership knows what they are doing.

Thank you.

 

Just a wild a$$ guess, but plugged EGR ports on the lower intake manifold? These engines are prone to that problem and usually what happens is all the EGR gasses recirculate to the #1 cylinder. THis could cause the hestations you describe, but I'm not sure about fouling plugs.

Anyone else with any thoughts?

 

What codes are the CEL throwing?