4.6 v8
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Cross-Country
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4.6 v8
Hello , I'm wondering if Ford solved the problems that their 1997 to 2000 engines had with head gaskets and plugs blowing out of the block. I'm looking to buy a truck with a 4.6 v8 Thanks Gary
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From: allen park
Originally Posted by panelguy
Hello , I'm wondering if Ford solved the problems that their 1997 to 2000 engines had with head gaskets and plugs blowing out of the block. I'm looking to buy a truck with a 4.6 v8 Thanks Gary
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From: SE Wyoming
Plugs can blow out on all modulars before the '03 2V redesign, then of course they went to the 3V's. I've seen most head gasket problems with '99 V-8's and '97 4.2L's. There was no head gasket change that I know of even when they switched to PI heads.
So in short, unless you are looking at an '03 then no to the plugs and no to the head gaskets no matter the year.
So in short, unless you are looking at an '03 then no to the plugs and no to the head gaskets no matter the year.
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From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by galaxie641
Plugs can blow out on all modulars before the '03 2V redesign, then of course they went to the 3V's. I've seen most head gasket problems with '99 V-8's and '97 4.2L's. There was no head gasket change that I know of even when they switched to PI heads.
So in short, unless you are looking at an '03 then no to the plugs and no to the head gaskets no matter the year.
So in short, unless you are looking at an '03 then no to the plugs and no to the head gaskets no matter the year.
I still stand by the theory that improper maintenance and improper installation causes those plug blowout issues.
JL
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From: SE Wyoming
I agree it is a definitely a maintenance and/or install issue. Fords 100K mile tuneup is one of the big problems, people think they can leave them in that long. Check the CorwnVic forums and other F150 forums and there are plenty of NA 4.6L's and 5.4L's that have blown plugs and ruined threads. I have about 210K on my 5.4L and a '92 4.6L with about 140K miles and neither have blown plugs but it does happen.
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I didn't have the plugs changed out on my 98 4.6 Romeo until 90k miles and it wasn't because of any performance issues, the engine ran fine, I just didn't think a set of plugs could last 100k miles. They probably would have made it though......
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From: Funston, Ga
I have a 97 F150 with a 4.6, and I put 270,000 miles on it before i had any real issues with it. I changed the plugs and wires as a set at 75,000 mile intervals. I had to do a rebuild on it at that milage due to using it as an F-250. I put extra heavy duty shocks on it and used it to pull a 26 foot camper. I bent the #8 cyl. valves, and decided to go ahead with a complete rebuild. But to answer you, I have had no issues with spark plugs being blown out or head gasket problems with mine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Yorkton Sask
i was talking with my dealer yesterday during an oil change and they have only seen 2 plug blow-outs ever!!! one in an Econoline 5.4 and one in a f250 w/5.4. both of these vehicles have seen extreme usage so i think that says something in itself. maintenance is definately the key to the life of these engines...any engine for that matter. but i haven't seen too many other brands with over 200000 miles on them without major overhauling!!! GO FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
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From: SW VA
Originally Posted by Volfandt
I didn't have the plugs changed out on my 98 4.6 Romeo until 90k miles and it wasn't because of any performance issues, the engine ran fine, I just didn't think a set of plugs could last 100k miles. They probably would have made it though......
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From: Edgerton, WI
My plugs had 110,000 miles on them when I changed them. They didnt even really need to be replaced, the truck was running fine and the plug gap was well within spec, but I figured since I had the plugs out, why not put new ones in.
My truck has the headgasket oil leak and its not really that big of a deal. Its more of an annoyance than anything. The amount of oil it leaks is minimal. I just add 1/2 a quart every 1500 miles and its all good. The only really bad thing is that the oil drips on the exhaust manifold, so they truck has a burnt oil smell to it when the engine is warm. However, considering my truck has over 151,000 miles on it, Im not going to invest the $1500 in it to fix the oil leak. It has had that leak since about 90,000 miles and its not getting any worse, so Im not worried (knock on wood).
My truck has the headgasket oil leak and its not really that big of a deal. Its more of an annoyance than anything. The amount of oil it leaks is minimal. I just add 1/2 a quart every 1500 miles and its all good. The only really bad thing is that the oil drips on the exhaust manifold, so they truck has a burnt oil smell to it when the engine is warm. However, considering my truck has over 151,000 miles on it, Im not going to invest the $1500 in it to fix the oil leak. It has had that leak since about 90,000 miles and its not getting any worse, so Im not worried (knock on wood).
