Where should i start?
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Where should i start?
I have a 2006 F150 with the 5.4. It really stumbles upon light acceleration @ 45 - 55 mph. It also misses and backfires a little under hard acceleration. I changed the fuel filter and that didn't help. I'm mechanically inclined , but have heard so many horror stories about the risks of breaking off a spark plug that I'm scared to try. Should I try some other things first? It has not thrown any codes or check engine lights!
Fleet Owner
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
You don't mention your current mileage or whether you've owned this truck since new--that's helpful to know.
There are plenty of threads here and in the V10 forum about plugs in the 3V motors which I assume you have? It does seem the first plug change can be quite a challenge, one that is made more difficult if they're left as long as 100K. Plugs should be changed every 50K to prevent drivability issues like you describe.
Here's one of my favorite YouTube videos about this very topic:
Another I thought was also interesting and possibly helpful:
It's only tough the first time!
There are plenty of threads here and in the V10 forum about plugs in the 3V motors which I assume you have? It does seem the first plug change can be quite a challenge, one that is made more difficult if they're left as long as 100K. Plugs should be changed every 50K to prevent drivability issues like you describe.
Here's one of my favorite YouTube videos about this very topic:
Another I thought was also interesting and possibly helpful:
It's only tough the first time!
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bought it march of 2013 with 82k miles. It currently has 114k miles!. All I've done is a brake job, filters , and keep the oil changed! It's the first truck I have ever owned that is not used for work. It stays on the asphalt 90% of the time!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Have the plugs ever been changed, perhaps by the previous owner?
Not to be negative but it seems the original plugs installed when new have been known to break and require the specialized tools. Fortunately newer plugs aren't prone to the same breakage.
While some claim plugs are just fine even after 100K miles that just can't be. If they're not worn to the point where performance and MPG's are affected then their relative difficulty during eventual removal makes a good case for changing them closer to the 50-60K mark.
Not to be negative but it seems the original plugs installed when new have been known to break and require the specialized tools. Fortunately newer plugs aren't prone to the same breakage.
While some claim plugs are just fine even after 100K miles that just can't be. If they're not worn to the point where performance and MPG's are affected then their relative difficulty during eventual removal makes a good case for changing them closer to the 50-60K mark.
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I don't know what kind of routine maintenance, if any, the previous owner did! My question is, am I skipping any other steps by going directly to the plugs? is there a MAF sensor or something else. i saw some other posts that mentioned changing "cops" what the heck is that? Guess i need to break down and buy a manual for this truck. Any recommendations, or just go with the old faithful "Chiltons"? Thanks!! Oh yeah, what plugs are you seeing the best results from as a replacement? I have located myself the Ford spark plug tool if it comes to that!
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From: Denver, CO
COPS - Coil Over Plug(s).
Each plug has its' own coil, connected directly to them.
Do the plug change with a COLD (ambient temperature) block, I've found that the threads expand when hot and bind leading to breakage.
What's strange is that you're not getting any codes. Unburnt fuel would throw an O2 sensor 'out of range' code. Same with misfires.
You mentioned backfiring, is this through the intake or exhaust?
Each plug has its' own coil, connected directly to them.
Do the plug change with a COLD (ambient temperature) block, I've found that the threads expand when hot and bind leading to breakage.
What's strange is that you're not getting any codes. Unburnt fuel would throw an O2 sensor 'out of range' code. Same with misfires.
You mentioned backfiring, is this through the intake or exhaust?
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Thanks for replying Driver Jim. It sounds like it is coming from the intake or at least under the hood. I only have issues under light acceleration at @ 45 to 55 mph and the misfiring under hard acceleration like when I'm in passing gear. It's strange to me also that there have been no check engine lights. That is why I am so apprehensive about changing the plugs. With 114,00 miles I'm sure it wouldn't hurt, but man I don't want to break one of those suckers if that's not the problem. The stumble under light accel. is very noticeable and annoying! oh yeah thanks for clearing that up but I put 2 & 2 together and realized what cop's were right after i posted that!
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I have another question. How often/rapid is the backfire? Is it just a single 'pop' or does it get to be sounding a bit like an automatic assault rifle?
First, the fuel rating. Just don't use BELOW what's listed in the book, which should be 85 Octane Rating. All that Octane does is give a hint about how well it burns and how 'pure' the fuel is. The cheap stuff tends to be a dirtier fuel than the high-end ten bucks a gallon go-juice.
Well, okay. Five a gallon but still expensive.
First, the fuel rating. Just don't use BELOW what's listed in the book, which should be 85 Octane Rating. All that Octane does is give a hint about how well it burns and how 'pure' the fuel is. The cheap stuff tends to be a dirtier fuel than the high-end ten bucks a gallon go-juice.
Well, okay. Five a gallon but still expensive.
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It's more of a misfire/backfire poof/hesitation (feel like I should be on an Aamco commercial) under hard acceleration. The light acceleration at low rpm in overdrive is more annoying. It feels like a bump bump bump bump for a lack of rpm. If it was an older vehicle, i would swear the timing was off! I took it to autozone and they hooked their scanner to it and nada! About to start a new job in couple of weeks and it comes with a company truck, so I plan on taking mine to a guy that i can trust to go ahead and change the plugs. He's got the tool and the know how as long as I give him the time he needs to do it! He said its a two hour job, but it takes two days to do it correctly with no problems! Thanks Jim!
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