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I installed non-OEM plug wires 6 years ago before I knew better and have put on 35k miles since the install and It feels like its missing. No CEL. After driving a vehicle for so long, one gets a feeling when it's not running correctly.
I ordered a set of Ford's new old stock OEM wires that I found on eBay for $30. I Pulled 1 plug today for an inspection and it looks okay. The gap was off by .004.
I plan on gapping and setting the torque to factory specifications on all the plugs.
Would most of you install new plugs? They are $4 each with free shipping on Amazon.
Does that engine have COP's or wires and a distributor? Thought that year was completely a Modular Motor? The sped'd plugs should have the gap already set, suggestions say the electrodes should not be fiddled with as it might crack it without your notice. At any rate...........
If you're in there mucking about anyway even though 35K isn't a lot of miles its not a terrible idea installing new plugs----its a way of knowing they're new and unlikely to be an issue. You'll also know they've been properly torqued, anti-seize in place etc etc.
The V6 is not a MOD engine. It has a remote engine coil. The plugs are easy to replace if you don't drop the spark plug wrench like I did late yesterday afternoon.
I will order new plugs for $4 each on Amazon. I bought new old stock FORD wires (not Motorcraft) for $30 delivered on eBay!. $54 for the complete tune-up! Seem like every part that I bought tor the diesel was $100 or more.
As much as I complain about the performance of the E150 V6, this old van is super reliable. Other than a new battery terminal, new battery, and fuel filter, I have done zero maintenance on the vehicle in 5 years. I do change the oil, but that does not count.
I swear I can't keep the 4.2 & 4.6 motors clear in my head---sorry 'bout that CoolFeet. That is a good price from either seller---can't believe RockAuto's shipping was so cheap.
FWIW the better quality wires from NAPA are good too---probably great replacements for OEM quality. I've used them in the past to good effect.
I'm with ya on attending to those small annoyances that pop up on an "older" vehicle. Every time I'm repairing something on one of my own I remember the time and mileage between the last repair and how dependable its been all along. It's not my favorite thing to do but its a part of vehicle ownership---someone's gonna be working on it so might be someone I trust.
I swear I can't keep the 4.2 & 4.6 motors clear in my head---sorry 'bout that CoolFeet. That is a good price from either seller---can't believe RockAuto's shipping was so cheap.
FWIW the better quality wires from NAPA are good too---probably great replacements for OEM quality. I've used them in the past to good effect.
I'm with ya on attending to those small annoyances that pop up on an "older" vehicle. Every time I'm repairing something on one of my own I remember the time and mileage between the last repair and how dependable its been all along. It's not my favorite thing to do but its a part of vehicle ownership---someone's gonna be working on it so might be someone I trust.
I found out yesterday that the annoying noise on my low mileage E350 5.4 2v engine is coming from the timing chain. It sounds like marbles bouncing at startup. I will post this in the MOD forum. Have you replaced the timing chain and gears on your rigs?
I found out yesterday that the annoying noise on my low mileage E350 5.4 2v engine is coming from the timing chain. It sounds like marbles bouncing at startup. I will post this in the MOD forum. Have you replaced the timing chain and gears on your rigs?
No I've not yet had to endure that process. Typically the 2V engines don't have this as a huge issue but of course its been known to happen. If there's an upside its there are many, many YouTube videos as well as Ford improved parts in addition to aftermarket offerings. Were it me I'd opt for the Ford parts as they're about the same cost and supposedly coming from the same people who designed and built the original engine.
There are a few tools I'd consider highly important but the author of the video goes through that. I did buy and quickly return the OTC brand in favor the highly less expensive no-name versions I found on Amazon. The OTC tool numbers are 6024 & 6881----here's what I bought instead:
(I didn't use these tools myself but bought them for a mechanic friend who was warranty replacing a defective right side 5.4 2V head on a Ford reman'd engine. They're great tools, tough to tell apart from the OTC stuff and as mentioned favorably priced.)
Thanks for the video link. The mechanic who works on lots of 5.4's said the noise is nothing to worry about yet. He said the problem is rare on the 2 v engine.
He's replacing the broke manifold studs on the passenger side. I was not too concerned about the broken stud. However, as you mentioned as well as others, better to repair/replace before it causes other problems. I signed into 12 hours of overtime work to pay for the repair. I could do the repair myself, but it would take much longer than 12 hours as I am a turtle. The parts are cheap. 8 studs and bolts and 1 manifold gasket. Maybe resurfacing the gasket.
As much as I like wrenching, I don't like doing acrobatics inside and under the van engine. I cherry-pick my repairs.
I found out last night that I am running the wrong oil in my 5.4-5w-30w. The factory specification is 5w-20w. The mechanic said using the correct oil it will make a difference at start-up. He said the ticking noise that I hear at start-up is common after an oil change or when a heavier oil is used.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
