Shop computer Diag worth it?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: New Braunfels, TX
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Hello,
I replaced my original plugs with Bosch 1p's at 88,000 miles. By 88,500 the truck was missing intermittantly. I've started moving to the Bosch +4P's. I've put two in so far (time constraints) #1 and #7 and swapped the coils too. Now it's missing to the point that the engine won't idle and stalls right after startup and gives a check engine light with idle underspeed error. I hate to replace the rest of those plugs if it's going to get any worse. Is it worth it to get a shop to hook up to it and tell me their opinion? All I have is a code scanner. I can't tell for sure which cylinders are missing.
'97 5.4L Expd'n EB 4x4
Thanks,
I replaced my original plugs with Bosch 1p's at 88,000 miles. By 88,500 the truck was missing intermittantly. I've started moving to the Bosch +4P's. I've put two in so far (time constraints) #1 and #7 and swapped the coils too. Now it's missing to the point that the engine won't idle and stalls right after startup and gives a check engine light with idle underspeed error. I hate to replace the rest of those plugs if it's going to get any worse. Is it worth it to get a shop to hook up to it and tell me their opinion? All I have is a code scanner. I can't tell for sure which cylinders are missing.
'97 5.4L Expd'n EB 4x4
Thanks,
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Go to a Pep Boys, or similar, for an oil change, and have them read your codes. It will only cost you an oil change. I have used the bosch plugs you speak of, but pulled them after only 1000 miles because they really sucked. I bought a set of the OEM motorcraft plugs, and it runs fine..............
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: New Braunfels, TX
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Thanks for the replies. I believe I'll just get the motorcraft plugs and cut my losses.
Another question if you will... RtpJunior, you mentioned getting my codes scanned. I have a code scanner and all it's ever returned is an idle underspeed error. Would it return a code indicating which cylinder was missing under any certain circumstances? Just wondering if there is a clue there I'm missing. It's a '97 model, in case there is a difference in later model computers.
Thanks
Another question if you will... RtpJunior, you mentioned getting my codes scanned. I have a code scanner and all it's ever returned is an idle underspeed error. Would it return a code indicating which cylinder was missing under any certain circumstances? Just wondering if there is a clue there I'm missing. It's a '97 model, in case there is a difference in later model computers.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Yes, if you get a particular cylinder that misfires, you will get a specific code for it. I have a 97' as well, and whenever one of my coils would crap out, I would get codes from 0301-0308. Each one represents a particular cylinder misfire (0301 for cylinder 1, and so on...). I do not know which scanner you have, but mine (Actron) will display the code # on screen, as well as its definition. It would be highly unlikely to have all 8 cylinders misfire at once, but if they did, the code you are getting may be right. You idle speed is set by the ECM, and not user adjustable. That being said, something is causing the motor to idle incorrectly, possibly the plugs. Expy's are picky on spark plugs, and the OEM motorcrafts are very high quality for a factory part. I know the logic you are following : better plugs=better spark=better combustion=more mpg & HP. This is true for most vehicles, but most do not use the coil-on-plug system, as our trucks do. I have tried the Bosch plugs you used on other vehicles (non-expys) with very good results. I hate to say this, because I know the labor involved, but I think a switch back to the OEM plugs will solve your problem...
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: New Braunfels, TX
Shop computer Diag worth it?
I agree with you now, Rptjunior. That's exactly why I posted here. I wanted to know if I should continue replacing plugs with the Bosch or go back to the motorcraft. This should save me a lot of labor. These are about the hardest plugs to replace I've ever done. It takes some of the craziest combinations of u-joints and wobble joints and extensions I've ever seen! Even the COP is hard to get off on some cylinders.
You nailed the logic I was hoping for. My mileage had been slipping and I thought I'd get it back up with a set of spark plugs. Maybe I'll browse the other forums and see if there are any good suggestions for increasing mileage with upgrades.
Thanks a lot for the help. It was exactly what I was looking for!
You nailed the logic I was hoping for. My mileage had been slipping and I thought I'd get it back up with a set of spark plugs. Maybe I'll browse the other forums and see if there are any good suggestions for increasing mileage with upgrades.
Thanks a lot for the help. It was exactly what I was looking for!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
You are very welcome. As for MPG upgrades, keep your tire pressure constant, get a good wheel alignment, and try not to drag race from a stop. I have a problem with that because I love the sound of my Flowmaster....................
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: New Braunfels, TX
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Okay, one last question, I hope... I went to the auto parts store and asked about their selection of Motorcraft plugs for the Expy. They had what they called Fine Wire. It is a tiny electrode with one ground bar. I've heard Motorcraft Double Platinum suggested as the only plug to use. Is this the same thing? I thought double platinum would mean it has two electrodes or two grounding bars (like the bosch 2+ does).
Thanks again
Thanks again
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
I think the "double platinum" OEM plugs refers to a 2X coating of platinum at the tip. If memory serves, when I did mine, the plugs had a single tapered electrode, and 1 ground bar. I would just ask for the OEM's, part # AWSF22E.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: New Braunfels, TX
Shop computer Diag worth it?
So I installed the FoMoCo double platinums and it runs a lot smoother. But it still stalls after starting when hot. And it generates a MIL with a manufacturer specific code of P1507, Idle Underspeed Error. Anyone know how the idle speed is controlled on these engines? I'm going to read the maint. manual cd and try to get some insight. Shortcuts to the answer are always appreciated!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
I am sure you reset the ECM after the new plugs were installed. I believe the motor is set to idle at 750 rpm, and to the best of my knowledge, is NOT user adjustable. There is, however, a screw on the throttle body that looks like you can adjust, opening the throttle is small increments. Give that a try.....
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Bronx, New York
Shop computer Diag worth it?
Originally posted by Rtpjunior
I am sure you reset the ECM after the new plugs were installed. I believe the motor is set to idle at 750 rpm, and to the best of my knowledge, is NOT user adjustable. There is, however, a screw on the throttle body that looks like you can adjust, opening the throttle is small increments. Give that a try.....
I am sure you reset the ECM after the new plugs were installed. I believe the motor is set to idle at 750 rpm, and to the best of my knowledge, is NOT user adjustable. There is, however, a screw on the throttle body that looks like you can adjust, opening the throttle is small increments. Give that a try.....
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 54
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From: Sykesville
Would bad gas also cause this situation?
I recently went on vacation and stopped to fill up at a cheap filling station. I then experienced this same problem (same code) with the exception of bad idle on cold starts not hot as someone else mentioned. On my return trip home I selected BP for gas, the light continued to stay on until I cleared it but the stalling never returned.
So far I have not had a re-occurance (knocking on wood).
I recently went on vacation and stopped to fill up at a cheap filling station. I then experienced this same problem (same code) with the exception of bad idle on cold starts not hot as someone else mentioned. On my return trip home I selected BP for gas, the light continued to stay on until I cleared it but the stalling never returned.
So far I have not had a re-occurance (knocking on wood).
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