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5.4l 3v Expy running issues

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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 06:56 PM
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Question 5.4l 3v Expy running issues

So title says it, my 05 expy is missing like crazy. Just bought it a couple weeks ago needing a trans. Finally got one in and now on to the next issue which is misfiring. The battery was out when I bought it and has been out until I got the trans installed. Under fast idle when cold she will run on what I feel is 7 cylinders once hot and idles down maybe 4-5 cylinders. It won't run long enough to get a good scanner reading. I am new to these motors and have read about these dreaded spark plugs. The guy I purchased it from was really no help other than changing the oil I do not believe he did much in the 150k he owned it.
What I am wondering is what could cause an issue like this because in my experience it does not sound like a plug issue. It is irratic

FYI I had exhaust off with it running so it is not clogged cats.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Oldsman003
So title says it, my 05 expy is missing like crazy. Just bought it a couple weeks ago needing a trans. Finally got one in and now on to the next issue which is misfiring. The battery was out when I bought it and has been out until I got the trans installed. Under fast idle when cold she will run on what I feel is 7 cylinders once hot and idles down maybe 4-5 cylinders. It won't run long enough to get a good scanner reading. I am new to these motors and have read about these dreaded spark plugs. The guy I purchased it from was really no help other than changing the oil I do not believe he did much in the 150k he owned it.
What I am wondering is what could cause an issue like this because in my experience it does not sound like a plug issue. It is irratic

FYI I had exhaust off with it running so it is not clogged cats.
If he hasn't changed the plugs, now's the time to do it. Some pb blaster and the right tools help a lot. There's also plenty of guides on youtube. If you can get it to ideal long enough to warm up, it'll help you loads.
Personally I'd recommend Bosch platinum IR fusion plugs.


More than likely your issue is going to be the COP's ( Coils over Plugs). Orileys has a 8 pack of accel supercoil coils for $250 and change, or you can order them from summit for $214 +s/h (click here) But personally I'd suggest BWD if purchasing from orileys ($65 each).

As for the exhaust, I would personally say it needs to be on for it to run propely. If all the o2 sensors Arnt getting the right readings (none if they're on the exhaust parts that are off) it will run like complete hell. Speaking from personal experience with a 5.4l 2v.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 08:24 PM
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It ran awful, well same, with and without exhaust. I can get it fairly warm playing with the throttle. It'll run on like I said 7 cylinders with a smidge of throttle after warm. To be honest I just flipped a grand for a trans and a grand for the truck plus battery etc... I may be forced to hit the yard for a bunch of COPs at least for the time being. I attempted to remove the easy plug but decided to research a bit more when I didn't just break lose before I "F" something up. Hence when I found out about the lovely spark plug dilemma with them. I'm going to run some sea foam through the tank and lines and down throttle body because I can smell it is carboned up real bad. Truck sat for over a year when I got it.
I'd like to get at least the one plug out just to see what they look like.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2016 | 09:41 PM
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Went the Accel coil route once. Spent $250 on coils that I figured were of better quality. First one went bad after 4 months ( right out of warranty) then pretty steadily every month or so. I ordered a set of ten off eBay for less than $100 and have only had one of those go out. Be careful with the plugs. Do some research and we all recommend having the removal tool on hand. Chances are you'll need it. Good luck 🍀
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 12:20 AM
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It's usually not the COPs that go bad, but the rubber boots. You can buy a new set of 8 rubber boots with springs for 20 bucks or something. I recommend replacing the rubber boots every time you replace spark plugs. And don't forget a dab of dielectric grease in the boot before installing the COP on the plug.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 04:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Skauber
It's usually not the COPs that go bad, but the rubber boots. You can buy a new set of 8 rubber boots with springs for 20 bucks or something. I recommend replacing the rubber boots every time you replace spark plugs. And don't forget a dab of dielectric grease in the boot before installing the COP on the plug.
Agreed. However I had extras so I switched them around and tried a different boot and the Accel coils really had gone bad. Maybe I just got a bad batch.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 06:16 AM
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I am going to try and get the carbon build up down and try and get the engine nice and hot and try and back the plugs out and hope and pray they come out easy. But the guy bought the truck at 48k and it broke down on him at 204k. He says he hasn't done plugs so they are more than likely stock at 200k....wish me luck
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 09:35 AM
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If you break one or more, don't panic. Just get the Lisle extraction tool. Many opt for buying the tool and having it ready in case they need it. Since it takes 3-4 weeks to get here, I did just that. I was lucky enough to get all 8 out without breaking, so I've never used mine and probably never will.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 10:09 AM
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I am definitely going to try the impact gun on a hot engine and hope for the best, before hand will pull each cop and clean out the plug tunnels and check each cop for ohm resistance to see if and which ones are bad. Spray some pb blaster in the tunnels and let he sit for awhile. I'm going to take every precaution I can to get them out in one piece
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 10:11 AM
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 11:15 AM
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Thank you, hopefully I won't need it but if these are still fa tory plugs I'm not having much hope in them coming out easy...
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Skauber
It's usually not the COPs that go bad, but the rubber boots. You can buy a new set of 8 rubber boots with springs for 20 bucks or something. I recommend replacing the rubber boots every time you replace spark plugs. And don't forget a dab of dielectric grease in the boot before installing the COP on the plug.
I disagree. I just had a coil go out on my 2000 f250 5.4l. Boot was in great shape. No detoriation. No discoloration. I've never seen or personally heard of anyone I know having a boot go bad. Typically the coils die. My dad has a 2000 f250 5.4l as well, and has had a coil completly die aswell. Replaced that one. And all others are still stock (close to 200k miles on them. And the second motor they've been on)
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 06:24 PM
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Also when replacing the coils be sure to use some high temp dielectric grease inside the connections.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 07:00 PM
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Don't waste your money at the parts store, buy a set on Ebay starting in the low $30's for 8 or buy 10 and have 2 spares for $50.

Set of 10 Ignition Coils for Ford Lincoln Mercury V8 V10 4 6L 5 4L DG508 C1454 | eBay
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by tsw902
I disagree. I just had a coil go out on my 2000 f250 5.4l. Boot was in great shape. No detoriation.
Skauber said usually not always. BTW, he is correct, failed COPs tend to be the result of bad boots and not the actual COPs. Accel COPs are the exception and are known to be problematic...the plastic housing cracks and moisture gets inside them.

You can read about the Accel COPs starting here: Accel COP's are Junk - F150online Forums
 
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