Missing at startup

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 6, 2005 | 10:30 PM

BLK94F150

Thread Starter

Postmaster

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 3,077

Likes: 1

From: None of your business

Missing at startup

I have a 2000 F150 5.4 auto 4x4 that misses every once in a while for about 2 minutes or less after startup. After that it runs like a champ all day and night. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all. It has been sitting more often since my new job allows me to walk to work and I think that that has something to do with it.

It has 71000 miles on it. The air and fuel filters were just changed not too long ago. The check engine light has never come on.

So I'm thinking that it might need new plugs, the IAC might need cleaning (possibly replaced?), or maybe a COP. What do you all think?

Mike

Jun 7, 2005 | 01:13 PM

2000 F-150

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 93

Likes: 0

From: San Diego, CA

It could probably use some new plugs and silicone boots. My spark plugs at about 79K were in pretty bad shape (gaps were uneven) and my boots had a cracks at the bottom where they slip over the plugs on about 4 of them. Be sure to use dielectric grease if you decide to change them.

Jun 7, 2005 | 02:00 PM

pfogle

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 8,140

Likes: 4

From: Oak Harbor, OH

Most HIGH QUALITY wire sets come with the grease... If not the auto chains have the stuff in little foil packages by the checkout usually.

Jun 7, 2005 | 09:03 PM

BLK94F150

Thread Starter

Postmaster

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 3,077

Likes: 1

From: None of your business

I'm thinking just plugs. After it warms up for a little bit, it runs like a champ. Very smooth idle, good power, and good mileage.

I've never changed COP plugs. Are the boots a separate item? I always use dielectric grease on my connections. I've got a whole tube in the garage.

Mike

Jun 8, 2005 | 12:53 AM

2000 F-150

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 93

Likes: 0

From: San Diego, CA

Yes, The silicone boots are a seperate item. You just wiggle them a little bit and they come right off of the coil. I was asking a lot of questions and researching COP's on the internet and discovered that the boots and the little spiral spring inside the boot are like spark wires. See one of the articles below. I didn't get mine there because I prefer MotorCraft but it serves as a good reference.

COIL ON PLUG TUNE-UP KITS<O

</O

Many newer vehicles are using coil on plug ignition in lieu of traditional coil and ignition wire systems. The spark plug connector spring and boots are starting to fail. Contact springs are corroding and in some cases rusting because of moisture in the S.P. well. Boots are developing cracks and pin holes allowing spark leak and arcing. Until now, the only alternative was to replace the complete coil assembly which could cost you $45-$80 per coil. For example, a 6 cylinder has 6 coils.
Sherco Auto Supply is happy to announce the immediate availability of Coil-on-Plug Tune-up Kits that include Spark Plug boots, and contact springs in sets of 4 – 6 – 8 & 10 cylinders.

28-1697RS

FORD CROWN VIC, MERCURY MARQUIS, LINCOLN </ST1TOWN CAR, F150/250/350, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MUSTANG GT<O</O

4.6L - 5.4L (16V) 1998 – 2004, 8 – CYLINDER, $29.95 (ON <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com[img] /><st1:City><ST1<IMG class=inlineimg title=[/img]<st1:date Year="2005" Day="19" Month="3">3/19/05</st1:date>)