Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

4.6 question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 09:45 PM
  #1  
lonerangerinaz's Avatar
lonerangerinaz
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
4.6 question

Just removed my intake manifold on my 97 F-150. Does anyone know what that "sensor?" is screwed into the middle top of my block is for?? Getting ready to install a 5.4 and noticed the 5.4 doesn't have anything screwed into the top of the block. Just trying to cover all the bases before I do the engine swap.

Thanks for your help.
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 12:53 AM
  #2  
JJ98's Avatar
JJ98
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Hanford Ca.
i think its the knock sensor if its by the the water pump hose then it the sensor hop this help good luck on the swap
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 09:59 AM
  #3  
montanafordman's Avatar
montanafordman
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, ID
Keep us posted on how the swap goes! Are you changing out the entire engine wiring harness as well? I'd love to hear some details!
 
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 10:36 AM
  #4  
lonerangerinaz's Avatar
lonerangerinaz
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Using the wiring harnness that came with the truck so I can use the same PCM. Getting a custom hand held programer so I can retune the PCM to make up for the larger displacement so the engine wont run lean.
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 07:33 AM
  #5  
Johnny Langton's Avatar
Johnny Langton
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by lonerangerinaz
Using the wiring harnness that came with the truck so I can use the same PCM. Getting a custom hand held programer so I can retune the PCM to make up for the larger displacement so the engine wont run lean.
It won't run lean-the MAF will measure the amount of air entering the engine,and deliver PCM will deliver the appropriate amount of fuel to meet the commanded air/fuel ratio.
Now,when displacement changes-the calculated load will change. Ignition advance is based on calculated load,as well as transmission shift schedules and firmness-those will all be off a slight bit. It will be safe to drive it,and won't hurt a thing to do so until you get the tuner setup-it just won't be up to it's full potential until that time.
JL
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 12:56 PM
  #6  
lonerangerinaz's Avatar
lonerangerinaz
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info Johnny. Should have my scanner in time for the swap. Any idea what that sensor is in the top middle of the block right under my intake is on the 4.6? the 5.4 doesn't have it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 01:11 PM
  #7  
Johnny Langton's Avatar
Johnny Langton
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 12
From: SE Texas
Originally Posted by lonerangerinaz
Thanks for the info Johnny. Should have my scanner in time for the swap. Any idea what that sensor is in the top middle of the block right under my intake is on the 4.6? the 5.4 doesn't have it.
That would be a knock sensor.
JL
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 01:34 PM
  #8  
BURNSTOUGHFORD's Avatar
BURNSTOUGHFORD
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
the only thing that my 4.6l had that my 5.4l didnt has the variable volume intake, so i just left it unhooked... i get a code for it but no CEL..

Also i put about 15k on my truck with the stock ECM and a tune from my edge for a 4.6l... my new edge with a custom 5.4l tune is in the mail right now... shoudl be here in the next couple of days..
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 04:02 PM
  #9  
lonerangerinaz's Avatar
lonerangerinaz
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Well if that's a knock sensor then I need to find were it's suppose to be on the 5.4 and hook up to it. Any idea where it would be on the 5.4?
MY 4.6 also has the variable volume intake so I'll just leave the plug for in disconnected.
Should get started this weekend on the swap. Doesn't look like anything major to get the 5.4 in place and get everything put back together. I had to make a mount for the right side coil pack and the throttle mount. I also welded close a extra tube on the back of the engine where the heater hose connects to.
I've heard the exhaust is a pain but I have duel pipes all the way back so all I should have to do is open them up to fit the wider engine.
Other then that is should be a straight engine swap.
I'll keep you posted.
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 05:04 PM
  #10  
BURNSTOUGHFORD's Avatar
BURNSTOUGHFORD
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
you will need to use the 4.6l exhaust manifolds to, the 5.4l has a different angle on them to....
 
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2008 | 08:28 PM
  #11  
lonerangerinaz's Avatar
lonerangerinaz
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
I looked at the exhaust manifold from the 5.4 and one did look different so I installed the ones off my 4.6.
My programer just got here today so I'll reprogram the PCM before I start the new engine.
Thanks for your help BURNSTOUGHFORD.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NDNMOJOMAN
2004 - 2008 F150
18
Aug 9, 2022 08:22 PM
waboose
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
11
Jan 5, 2009 10:54 AM
ijaraptor
1997 - 2003 F150
3
Nov 2, 2006 05:44 PM
agelder
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
1
Apr 9, 2004 12:02 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:18 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE