Hey everyone,

I have a 1998 Ford F150, 4.6 V8 with around 56,000 miles. I've had this truck for almost 3 years (bought used) and have some problems with it, but nothing really major.....yet.

One thing that is happening now is that, and excuse my ignorance with trucks, but it bogs down just a little when I give it gas, but not all the time. Its almost like it hesitates, maybe when switching gears..I can't tell. I can tell mostly when I am towing or going up a hill, when I am just cruising (not in cruise mode) let's say around 60 and I start to go up a hill, I hit the gas pedal and it has a slight bog/hesitation before it kicks in. This happens whether I am towing or not, whether I am in overdrive or not.

I've had new spark plugs put in a few months ago because the check engine light came on with a Cylinder 4 misfire. The mechanic told me that one of the spark plug wires is a little worn but should still be fine for now.

So now my question is this, what could this be? Could it be the fuel filter/injector (if it was, wouldn't it do it everytime I gave it gas?), could it be the spark plug wires or a bigger problem like the transmission? If it is the fuel injector/filter is this something I can do myself?

Do I have a huge problem on my hands?

Thanks,

Eric

 

Replace your fuel filter.

 

Prolly a sensor

 

My Guess is change the wires as well as the plugs. My 98 F250 w. 4.6l has 63000 miles on it, and I had similar issues. The truck would bog down, and stutter when trying to excelerate. Check engine light came on and cylinder 2 and 8 were mis firing. changed the plugs and the driver side coil because 2 and 8 are both on that coil. Problem still occurred. change the spark plug wires, and that solved my problem.

Chuck

 

If that plug wire is intermittently grounding out...that may cause your stall...happened to me 2 years ago.

 

Same problem with my 98 and changed wires and plugs and fixed it, but mine never lit the check engine light.

99 dark torredor clear xcab super duty
98 f150 xlt 145,ooo miles and still running strong

 

Hello ericatUNC

I'am having the same problem and it started happening right after I took it to the mechanic to do a hole tune-up. I have a 98 F150 v8 and it was running lovely. I don't know to much about this king of engine so I got scarred and took it to my mechanic. Well I should of done it myself, because now is doing the same thing yours is. It starts happening when I'am on the highway going about 45 or so and also when I'am at a complete stop. It feels like if its going to shut off on me. He took out the spark plugs and the wires so I don't know what else to do. I took once again to him right after I got it from him because the engine light when on it was the 4th spark plug. He took it out and replased it. He told me it was ok now, but still the problem is there. I think I'am going to get the book and start reading on how to do it myself. I'am going to do it from scratch. If there is any sight you might know about where I can donwload the manuel or anything you can shoot my way please it will be greatly apriciated. Well hope everything gets resolve with your truck. I love my truck so I'am going to give it some of my tender loving care it has to last me until the tire are square lol!!!


Thank you and forgive my for not knowing
F150_1 aka Nelson :-X12 :-)

 

Hello all,

Thanks for all the input. Well, here's the status:

As I stated in my original post, I've had the new plugs put in a few months ago (just plugs, not wires). I tried changing these myself and couldn't get the damn plug wires off to change them myself.

I took my truck to Midas and had them change the fuel filter and perform a fuel injection service....still having the same problem.

The only other thing that was suggested is changing the plug wires. I would think that I could change these myself, but after the fiasco of not being able to get them off to change the plugs, I just might take it to someone and have them change out the wires. I hate paying someone to do this because its very expensive. Leave it to Ford to make it so that the plug wires are nearly impossible to get off (I could only get the first two off, and I even bought a plug wire remover)

So, I will probably end up spending $60 on plugs and $75 on getting someone to change them out. I hope this fixes the problem. I am too afraid to try it myself.

I will let you all know what happens and if that solves my problem.

Thanks,

Eric

 

For the plug wires you might try twisting and pulling. Also sometimes it's easier to yank the wires while wearing gloves. Not the rubber ones but some work gloves. It just gives you a little more confidence when you don't think you'll rip your hand apart once the wire comes free.

Tim