Gas & Spark Plug question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: Portsmouth, VA
Gas & Spark Plug question
I got a couple quick questions for you guys. My truck is a 1999 F-150XL 4.2L manual
I kept hearing around my parts (Norfolk, VA) how great Citgo gas was. So I let my truck run itself out and filled it up with Citgo gas. Everytime I start to go and begin in first gear the truck would buckle a few times. A buddy at work said that what probably happened is letting the tank empty and then refilling I probably pushed any dirt down into the fuel injectors clogging them up. Though I'm not so sure about that answer because once I finished off half a tank I filled it back up using Exxon and did not have another problem, it was so smooth in 1st. Anyone ever heard of something like that happening?
Also I bought my truck at 56,000 miles and it's now at 61,000. I've been thinking of going in and changing my spark plugs and all that good stuff but everyone keeps telling me that you do that at 100,000 miles. I was also curious if you guys think it might be a little early to change them. The Ford dealer called and wanted to do 60,000 mile maintnance which included new plugs but they wanted $550 to do the service, I'd rather just change the fluids and so forth on my own.
- Chris
I kept hearing around my parts (Norfolk, VA) how great Citgo gas was. So I let my truck run itself out and filled it up with Citgo gas. Everytime I start to go and begin in first gear the truck would buckle a few times. A buddy at work said that what probably happened is letting the tank empty and then refilling I probably pushed any dirt down into the fuel injectors clogging them up. Though I'm not so sure about that answer because once I finished off half a tank I filled it back up using Exxon and did not have another problem, it was so smooth in 1st. Anyone ever heard of something like that happening?
Also I bought my truck at 56,000 miles and it's now at 61,000. I've been thinking of going in and changing my spark plugs and all that good stuff but everyone keeps telling me that you do that at 100,000 miles. I was also curious if you guys think it might be a little early to change them. The Ford dealer called and wanted to do 60,000 mile maintnance which included new plugs but they wanted $550 to do the service, I'd rather just change the fluids and so forth on my own.
- Chris
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
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From: Trussville, Alabama
As far as the Citgo gas episode. I guess anyhting is possible. I have never gottn bad gas and doubt that one brand or the other would make that much difference. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Run a bottle of a the high-end fuel systems cleaners through and let it go.
Regarding spark plugs: You can replace plugs and wire with Motorcraft parts for about $75-100. It takes about an hour or two in your driveway. It is very easy to do.
60,000 miles is getting close. No harm done in changing now but you could probably go to 70,000 or maybe a little more.
Regarding spark plugs: You can replace plugs and wire with Motorcraft parts for about $75-100. It takes about an hour or two in your driveway. It is very easy to do.
60,000 miles is getting close. No harm done in changing now but you could probably go to 70,000 or maybe a little more.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,887
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From: Florida
Yeah, could have just been some water in the fuel. It doesn't matter what brand you buy so much as where you buy it from. Always try to buy your gas from a high volume station, one that turns over tanks of gas frequently. Otherwise, you can be getting some old old gas with traces of water from condensation that develops on the inside of the tanks. Run some fuel system cleaner through the tank as Brian suggested.
Also, plugs and wires? That depends on your environment, how you drive, driving conditions and so forth. Our motors are so easy to change the plugs it's silly. There is so much room inside your engine compartment you can probably sleep in there. Pull a plug out and look at it. otherwise, just replace them if in doubt. Wires are a bit more expensive and motorcraft makes a really good wire (quiet Brian
) so they'll probably last a bit longer, but check them for wear anyway.
Your truck as at least 2 fuel filters (I think) so even if there is junk in your tank, it won't get past the filter and get jammed in your injector. If anything, replace the filter, it's very easy.
tom
Also, plugs and wires? That depends on your environment, how you drive, driving conditions and so forth. Our motors are so easy to change the plugs it's silly. There is so much room inside your engine compartment you can probably sleep in there. Pull a plug out and look at it. otherwise, just replace them if in doubt. Wires are a bit more expensive and motorcraft makes a really good wire (quiet Brian
) so they'll probably last a bit longer, but check them for wear anyway.Your truck as at least 2 fuel filters (I think) so even if there is junk in your tank, it won't get past the filter and get jammed in your injector. If anything, replace the filter, it's very easy.
tom
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
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From: Cajun Country
First,ide replace the fuel filter.Then I would only put 5 gallons of gas in the tank and add a can of SeaFoam.Drive the truck until the tank is almost empty.Refill with a full tank of gas,add another can of SeaFoam and drive as usual.
About the plugs and wires,ide check resistance on the wires and go from there.I would definately change the plugs and go back with factory Motorcraft brand.
About the plugs and wires,ide check resistance on the wires and go from there.I would definately change the plugs and go back with factory Motorcraft brand.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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I agree with Brian as far as the gas brand goes. I've seen significant differences with 93 octane Shell gas on 4 bangers, but on anything bigger than that it dosen't effect as much, or not at all. I've used Shell 93 and cheapo gas like Arco and Costco (gas comes from same plant and same distributer) and have noticed absolutely no difference. It could be due to the fact of running injector cleaner once a month.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Florida
So Dr, are you saying that you liked the Shell gas or not? I can't tell by the way you worded that sentence. Chevron 93 octane is loaded with cleaners already, so they advertise at least anyway. I would imagine that running 93 octane consistently would negate the need for injector cleaner.
Tom
Tom
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cajun Country
The only reason you should be running 93 octane is if you have a chip.Other then that you are wasting money and masking any problems your engine encounters by not using the specified 87 octane.Also,93 octane will leave excessive carbon deposits too.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Florida
True, it takes more air to fully burn higher octane fuel, so you need to lean out the mixture otherwise your just blowin' it out your tailpipe.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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My truck has no chip or intake or anything except FM40 exhaust. Thats why the 87 works great. Tom, my gas of choice is shell. I don't use chevron cause I don't want my truck to start talking to me and grow a mind of its own. There's enough problems with the driver, let alone having to argue with the truck when I want to go somewhere it dosen't
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Lufkin
Originally Posted by dr-dirt
the chevron commercials with the talking clay cars. or is that a different brand? I don't know. it's no fun if I have to explain it, so just forget it
LoL! I get it now! Good joke...just took me a little bit.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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its alright man. its dead now. a joke is not a joke if has to be explained. so you know............ ok sorry i'm not angry so don't think i am. If you use shell do you have fish in your tank? won't they clog your fuel filters? OK OK OK I'll shutup now
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Florida
Ok Dr., I think you've been dipping into your own medicine cabinet again. Maybe you should stay away from all that Xanax for a while We just don't know your sense of humor yet that's all. Now that we know you're a little cookoo like the rest of us, we'll realize a joke when you tell one next time.
We just don't know your sense of humor yet that's all. Now that we know you're a little cookoo like the rest of us, we'll realize a joke when you tell one next time.