So, it's been a while, and I just thought I'd update you all on the saga so far...here's the old thread if you want to read that:
http://www.fordtrucks.com/forums/sho...hreadid=151008

Anyway, I cleaned the MAF sensor (one of the filaments was thick with black stuff), but that didn't change anything noticeable.

I gave up and took it to the dealer, who then wanted to charge me an arm and a leg for basically nothing. What I wound up having them do was put on all new wires and replace the serpentine belt (I knew the belt was going to need to be changed soon). They also were really adamant about replacing my K&N air filter with their stock one, and I had to tell the guy no like 5 times (I put on the K&N filter after these problems started, so I'm pretty sure it's not related to that).

So, they charged me $485 to replace the wires and the belt. I got the truck back, and it was just the same, or maybe even worse. I had to take it back in, and they had a guy go on a "long test drive", and then they re-checked their work, and they hadn't pushed down the wires until they snapped!!! LOL!

Needless to say, I"m never going back there again. As for the problem, it's mildly better, but still misses occasionally, and has never thrown a code.

I asked them about the spark plugs, and they said they're all fine, but I think they're just thinking if one was bad it would throw a code.

So, I guess I'll replace the plugs myself now, and see if that fixes it once and for all. The wires did help (my F-150 was manufactured in 2/1997, so it has normal wires, not COPs), but I'm guessing there's a plug that's at least going bad.

I was hoping to avoid doing the plugs, since I can't figure out how to get at 3 of them. Maybe I'll do one at a time, and hope it's not one of those three - I did read the how-to about changing your plugs...does anyone have specific recomendations about extensions, swivels, etc. on how to reach those suckers!?!?

Scott
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'97 F-150 XLT 4x4, 4.6L V8
Big ol' mean brush guard and PIAA lights on front
nerf bars

 

There is an execellent tech article written by Racerguy on how to change your plugs, its on the FTE homepage under the tech articles section.

My suggestions are to follow the instructions down to the last detail, and to make sure that you have a jointed sparkplug socket (socket with a ujoint on it), an additional 3/8'' ujoint, and a 1/4'' ujoint, with various extentions in 1/4'' and 3/8''. \

A good spark plug gapper is also a must.

Make sure that you go with either motorcraft double platinums, or autolite double platinums......unless you like to change your plugs often.

good luck!