Help deciding which spark plug problem I want
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New User
Joined: May 2008
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Help deciding which spark plug problem I want
So I'm trying to decide if I want an F150 with the 3v and the carbon and break-off problem or if I want one with the 2v and the spitting/ejection problem.
I normally purchase a vehicle that is 3 years old with 30,000 miles on it for around 1/2 the cost of new. Going by that criteria, I'd be looking at the '06 version with the 3v. However, I'm thinking that with trucks, I can expand my usual purchase criteria to '03 with 65,000 miles and thereby consider the 2v. (or the 2004 F250 with the 2v).
I also don't like the idea of having a very specific spark plug to select; I like choices of many brands and manufactures for this type of item.
I'm thinking I could use SeaFoam to 'decarbon' the motor. I use this all the time to decarbon my outboard motors. If this would work, then the newer truck is a done deal!!
I normally purchase a vehicle that is 3 years old with 30,000 miles on it for around 1/2 the cost of new. Going by that criteria, I'd be looking at the '06 version with the 3v. However, I'm thinking that with trucks, I can expand my usual purchase criteria to '03 with 65,000 miles and thereby consider the 2v. (or the 2004 F250 with the 2v).
I also don't like the idea of having a very specific spark plug to select; I like choices of many brands and manufactures for this type of item.
I'm thinking I could use SeaFoam to 'decarbon' the motor. I use this all the time to decarbon my outboard motors. If this would work, then the newer truck is a done deal!!
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
I'd go with the 3v because its an easy fix if you catch it early on and follow the TSB to remove the plugs. Once you get them out you can replace them with a one piece plug.
The 2v blow-out issue is not an easy fix. I had a 2001 Expy 5.4L and after reading all the blow-out posts it made me paranoid...so I traded her in an '06 Expy 5.4L. So i went from an SUV that would blow out plugs to one that wouldn't give them up.
The 2v blow-out issue is not an easy fix. I had a 2001 Expy 5.4L and after reading all the blow-out posts it made me paranoid...so I traded her in an '06 Expy 5.4L. So i went from an SUV that would blow out plugs to one that wouldn't give them up.
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That's really funny! One extreme to the other, I suppose!! Anyhow, yeah, I guess if I did get one of the 3v with 30,000 on the counter, it shouldn't be too bad to remove the plugs. Then I'd have a regularly scheduled remove/clean/install every 12,000 or so.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
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Go with the 3 valve 5.4 engine. The 2 valve motors are slugs and gas hogs compared to the 3 valve engines. The 3 valve will run circles around the two valve engine and pull more besides. The Lisle plug removal tool works very well if you do happen to break off a plug. It's a whole bunch easier to deal with than one that spits plugs out.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
5.4 3v FTW hands down
the 04+ trucks are superior to anything else every built...the newer F-150 is for all intents and purposes a thinly veiled 3/4 ton...that rides nice
You cannot go wrong with them. I'd be cautious of the Spark Plugs...but honestly wouldn't let it affect my decision. If you are buying from a Dealer, have them do the Plug change as part of the deal prior to accepting delivery.
the 04+ trucks are superior to anything else every built...the newer F-150 is for all intents and purposes a thinly veiled 3/4 ton...that rides nice
You cannot go wrong with them. I'd be cautious of the Spark Plugs...but honestly wouldn't let it affect my decision. If you are buying from a Dealer, have them do the Plug change as part of the deal prior to accepting delivery.
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Thanks everyone for your assurances and answers. I'd much rather get a truck that's three years old, so I'll begin the search for a 1996 SuperCrew F150!! And, I'm glad to have learned a bit ov 2v vs 3v performance, towing, etc.
Thanks, again! I really like this forum!
Thanks, again! I really like this forum!
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Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
Thanks everyone for your assurances and answers. I'd much rather get a truck that's three years old, so I'll begin the search for a 1996 SuperCrew F150!! And, I'm glad to have learned a bit ov 2v vs 3v performance, towing, etc.
Thanks, again! I really like this forum!
Thanks, again! I really like this forum!
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
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I wouldn't turn down a like new 1996 f-150 E/C though. As long as it was a 351 4X4. I had a 95 and it was a great truck. It didn't have as much power as the 06 5.4 that I have now, but it was closer than the 97-03 F150 5.4L trucks and it got as good as fuel mileage as my 06 towing.
