Hello everyone,

I hope I'm finally in the right forum for this question, if not, please let me know.

I and my entire family have been lifelong Ford Truck enthusiasts, and I'm having my first real issues with a Ford.

I have a 1997 F-150 4x4, extended cab with the 4.6L V8 Triton motor. I don't have the VIN# with me as I write this. Approximately a month ago it blew a plug out of the head. Service heli-coiled the bad plug, and replaced all plugs and wires. It blew again same cylinder (I'm not mechanical at all) but, it's the driver side second cylinder from the front.

Anyways the shop replaced it again, and of course it blew again. On examining the plug it was discovered that something was hitting the bottom of the plug. Long story short, the piston is cracked.

They have brought in a remanufactured engine to replace it, and are now saying the fly wheel on the old engine has 8 bolts, and new one 6.

Has anyone else ever been through this, or is this garage yanking my chain?

Ray

 

The garage can be telling you the truth. Windsor 4.6L motors used an 8 bolt crank and the Romeo 4.6L motors used a 6 bolt crank.

 

The shop either received or ordered the wrong engine.

Check your VIN, 8th digit should be a 'W' for the Windsor built 4.6 V-8.
If it's a '6', then the mystery deepens, as that's the Romeo built 4.6.

-Kerry

 

Actually a number 6 for 8th didget is a windsor and the W is for a Romeo.Go figure but it's true. Sounds like you had a windsor and recived a Romeo.

 

Thanks for correcting me, as you can tell I own neither ... I'm a 5.4 guy running loose in a 4.6 thread.

-Kerry

 

It's an 8 bolt, and apparently the new engine went in today!!!

Keep your fingers crossed. It's supposed to be ready to go tomorrow.

The original engine had 149,000~ miles. The truck is sound, and has never missed a scheduled maintenance, or oil change. All work has been done by the same garage since the truck was new.

Ray

 

I'm with you Kerry, when I bought my truck it had to be a "L" !!