rough running
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Chicago
rough running
Was looking for some assistance with my engine running rough.. '99 E150 4.6. No lights coming on, no smoke coming out of exhaust, but a strong sulphur smell when it's running. never had this problem before. plugs, wires about 2 yrs old. I can drive it ok but can feel a little hesitation. It started right after I filled it up. Could possibly be bad gas? Thanks
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Junior User
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From: Chicago
Well I had code P0305 come up. went to check the #5 cylinder and the spark plug boot was under 2" of anti-freeze. changed the spark plug, the code went away and so did the sulfuric smell. Rest of the engine was dry and drove it for about 10 miles and the #5 plug wire was still dry. However still missing and backfiring on acceleration. Had tune up 2 years ago, plugs wires, fuel filter. Any ideas on what to check next? Thanks
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You mean "what to check next" - besides the source of the anti-freeze that leaked?
These FORD motors use Adaptive Software that tries to adjust to changing conditions. It can take several start-warm up cycles for the system to try to re-adapt to an anti-freeze drown plug being taken care of.
Catalytic converter likely had a lot of raw fuel burn off inside it. They can overheat severely b/c of fouled spark plug & come apart, even clog up.
Catalytic converter likely had a lot of raw fuel burn off inside it. They can overheat severely b/c of fouled spark plug & come apart, even clog up.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Chicago
thanks for the response. any ideas on what may have caused the leak. the rest of the engine is bone dry. don't see signs of antifreeze in the oil. all hose connections are dry. also could a bad converter be the cause of the backfiring..
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
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From: Maryville
The heater lines run down the passenger side over the intake, check your hose and clamps, this is usually what causes what you are experiencing.
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If the 4.6 is laid out like the 5.4's there shouldn't be any coolant lines running close enough to #5 that would leak into the plug well. You can also post this in the V8 Modular Motor Forum: Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums Plenty of smart fella's there!
If the leak and rough running persist after checking the COP's I'd do a cooling system leak test, looking for the head gasket issue as Maples cites.
Hope its something simple and cheap though---keep us updated if you remember.
If the leak and rough running persist after checking the COP's I'd do a cooling system leak test, looking for the head gasket issue as Maples cites.
Hope its something simple and cheap though---keep us updated if you remember.
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You need to find the source of the leak first. I've had pinhole leaks so small you couldn't see it squirting out unless the light hit it right. I had a leak in a coolant reservoir that squirted right on the side of the engine. It could be leaking anywhere and traveling in that direction.
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Junior User
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From: Chicago
well I brought it to my mechanic who is certified. Found 2 burnt plug wires so he replaced all of them so everything is back to normal. plugs and wires were only 2 yrs old. he could not account for the wet plug well or the burnt wires but noticed that the outside of the anti-freeze reservoir was wet. guess i'll keep my fingers crossed with the head gasket. Thanks everyone for the help
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Cappo - Same problem on my 1998 e150 4.6
Same problem Here
I have replaced the fouled plug #5 a couple of times about 15,000 miles apart and I found antifreeze in the plug well both times. I cannot figure this thing out.
also Just last weekend I had a rough ride and the engine light came on. Number #6 plug. So its been around 100k since I changed all of the plugs. So now I changed all 8 and put motorcraft OEM plugs in. Started fine and ran good for a mile then #6 code and #7 code came on. misfire again!
It seems that the only thing that fixes this problem is new plugs and only for a short while. This is the first time I have ever had back to back same plug misfires after changing plug.
I am baffled and my chest still hurts from hanging over the engine, changing all 8 plugs. I don't look forward to doing this again tomorrow for 6 and 7 plugs again.
I have replaced the fouled plug #5 a couple of times about 15,000 miles apart and I found antifreeze in the plug well both times. I cannot figure this thing out.
also Just last weekend I had a rough ride and the engine light came on. Number #6 plug. So its been around 100k since I changed all of the plugs. So now I changed all 8 and put motorcraft OEM plugs in. Started fine and ran good for a mile then #6 code and #7 code came on. misfire again!
It seems that the only thing that fixes this problem is new plugs and only for a short while. This is the first time I have ever had back to back same plug misfires after changing plug.
I am baffled and my chest still hurts from hanging over the engine, changing all 8 plugs. I don't look forward to doing this again tomorrow for 6 and 7 plugs again.
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Junior User
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From: Chicago
rustypierce, did you change the plug wires the first time it happened. mechanic found 2 burnt wires on mine. been good so far for about a year