Any Symptoms BEFORE a plug blows?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Puget Sound
Any Symptoms BEFORE a plug blows?
I have a new ticking sound - only when cold - 1997 5.4 litre 140,000 miles. The dealer changed the plugs a month ago.
(I read all the threads and instructions, bought all the tools, then CHICKENED OUT on changing them at the last minute.)
What usually happens right before one blows out?
Thanks,
Dan
(I read all the threads and instructions, bought all the tools, then CHICKENED OUT on changing them at the last minute.)
What usually happens right before one blows out?
Thanks,
Dan
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
In.....40 years, I have never seen a plug blow. A few months ago I changed the plugs in my 390. Interesting because there were two with broken insulators. It was running fine. I saw my 65 Mustang start missing a few times. I would pull over and short out the plugs one at a time. When I found the one that didn't slow down the idle, I would pull it out and knock out the little piece of carbon shorting out the electrodes. Put it back in and take off, end of missing. 
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Joined: Jul 2004
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A college at work's check engine light came on right before it blew. Of course there are probably a million reasons that the check engine light would come on but if yours is on have someone read the code. The problem you discribe sounds like a lifter? Do you change your oil at the recomended intervals? How is your oil pressure? Ask your mechanic what he thinks about going to a thicker oil?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 16
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From: Puget Sound
sounds like a lifter?
You know, it does kind of sound like a lifter. Not sure if the 5.4 is overhead cam or not...
Do you change your oil at the recomended intervals?
I try for 3,000 but it is usually closer to 4,000
How is your oil pressure?
Oil presure is good.
Ask your mechanic what he thinks about going to a thicker oil?
That is a great tip. It's been about 80 degrees here (Sea-Tac) for a month or so - we're not used to this heat wave - Global Warming?? -- so I am due for an oil change and I will go up one grade and see what happens.
I'm still suspicious that the Ford Dealer left a plug too loose, or it loosened up. I wish I would have done it myself. The dealer is great, but they have no special love for this truck if that makes sense. The torque value on those aluminum heads seems pathetic to me, I'm used to cranking a spark plug in good and tight!
Thanks for those tips,
Dan.
You know, it does kind of sound like a lifter. Not sure if the 5.4 is overhead cam or not...
Do you change your oil at the recomended intervals?
I try for 3,000 but it is usually closer to 4,000
How is your oil pressure?
Oil presure is good.
Ask your mechanic what he thinks about going to a thicker oil?
That is a great tip. It's been about 80 degrees here (Sea-Tac) for a month or so - we're not used to this heat wave - Global Warming?? -- so I am due for an oil change and I will go up one grade and see what happens.
I'm still suspicious that the Ford Dealer left a plug too loose, or it loosened up. I wish I would have done it myself. The dealer is great, but they have no special love for this truck if that makes sense. The torque value on those aluminum heads seems pathetic to me, I'm used to cranking a spark plug in good and tight!
Thanks for those tips,
Dan.
