Sparkplug/Engine Oil Questions

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Jan 9, 2004 | 07:04 AM

NewTruckGuy

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From: Virginia

Sparkplug/Engine Oil Questions

I am taking possession of a '97 F150 with a 4.6L motor tomorrow. It has 93K miles on it and I will be changing all the fluids, belts, etc. I was thinking of also doing a tune-up (plugs, wires, etc). Although I will not have the original owners manual, there is a '99 manual in the glovebox.

My questions are:

Are the same plugs used in a '99 4.6L as in a '97 4.6L? If not, what are the "best" plugs to use for this motor?

What is the recommended/best oil?

My driving will be a mixture of 65% city and 35% interstate.

Thanks for any advice and information.

Jan 9, 2004 | 08:23 AM

tominator

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From: New Baden, IL. USA!

Re: Spark plug/Engine Oil Questions

Quote:

Originally posted by NewTruckGuy
I am taking possession of a '97 F150 with a 4.6L motor tomorrow. It has 93K miles on it and I will be changing all the fluids, belts, etc. I was thinking of also doing a tune-up (plugs, wires, etc). Although I will not have the original owners manual, there is a '99 manual in the glovebox.

My questions are:

Are the same plugs used in a '99 4.6L as in a '97 4.6L? If not, what are the "best" plugs to use for this motor?

What is the recommended/best oil?

My driving will be a mixture of 65% city and 35% interstate.

Thanks for any advice and information.

There is really no such thing as a tuneup anymore. If the truck is running ok don't touch it. The only real way to tell if there is a problem is with the proper diagnostic equipment and only a shop can afford that.

I use Amsoil in all my cars and trucks. Amsoil filters as well.

If the truck has an automatic transmission my next move would be the local transmission shop for a through check and fluid change.

Use synthetics for everything.

If you must change the plugs, and you don't know if they've been changed before, use the factory specified Autolite/Motorcraft. Although they come 'pre-gapped' check them very carefully.

You did not mention the air filter and especially the fuel filter.

Possibly clean the MAF and check the TPS voltage, but don't just throw money at it.

Jan 9, 2004 | 09:25 AM

NewTruckGuy

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From: Virginia

tom...thanks for the advice...guess I forgot to mention:

a. It is automatic...so I will get the tranny and rear end fluids changed also.

b. I have my K&N on order...

I will pick up a fuel filter and look for directions on cleaning the MAF. What is TPS?

Thanks again...

Jan 9, 2004 | 10:26 AM

tominator

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Joined: May 2000

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From: New Baden, IL. USA!

Quote:

Originally posted by NewTruckGuy
tom...thanks for the advice...guess I forgot to mention:

a. It is automatic...so I will get the tranny and rear end fluids changed also.

b. I have my K&N on order...

I will pick up a fuel filter and look for directions on cleaning the MAF. What is TPS?

Thanks again...

I would not settle for just a fluid change in the transmission. A qualified tech should drop the pan and he will know what parts to closely check. The transmission is much more expensive to fix and way more complicated than you motor. We often neglect it.

That service will cost in the neighborhood of $75.

The 'TPS' is the throttle position sensor, but again, if it's running fine now don't bother with it.

Jan 9, 2004 | 01:21 PM

NewTruckGuy

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From: Virginia

tom...thanks again...I will check with my neighbor who is a life long resident of our county as to the best tranny tech to go see for the check up.

As long as the drive home from Rocky Mount, NC goes without any problems (which I am sure it will), I will not touch the motor except to change fluids, etc.

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