Help with '97 4.6L.....
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Help with '97 4.6L.....
Hello all, I recently bought a '97 F-150, 2WD with a 4.6L motor. It has approximately 128,000 miles. I'll note that this truck was used as a County Road Department work truck. I have a few questions, I'm no mechanic at all and would appreciate the help.
First question I have, is what is the difference in a 4.6L VIN 6 and a 4.6L VIN W? I wasn't sure about this at all when looking up parts.
My final piece I need help with. I've been trying to do a light tuneup on the vehicle myself (plugs, plug wires, 02 sensors, etc...). When driving the truck, I am having a lot of hesitation when holding the throttle steady, and really have to push the throttle when wanting to accelerate. I noticed the rpm's really drop when the truck in idling while in drive, and it has even stalled or shut off a couple of times. I read that I new IAC valve motor would aid with this. My question about the hesitation, do you think the fuel injectors may need replaced? For some reason, the truck seems to run a little smoother with the Overdrive turned off. I haven't gotten a chance to change the plugs or wires yet, or put on the new fuel filter I bought. I did put on a new Throttle Position Sensor, which had no effect on the hesitation/skipping. I appreciate any help, or input I can get. Thanks.
First question I have, is what is the difference in a 4.6L VIN 6 and a 4.6L VIN W? I wasn't sure about this at all when looking up parts.
My final piece I need help with. I've been trying to do a light tuneup on the vehicle myself (plugs, plug wires, 02 sensors, etc...). When driving the truck, I am having a lot of hesitation when holding the throttle steady, and really have to push the throttle when wanting to accelerate. I noticed the rpm's really drop when the truck in idling while in drive, and it has even stalled or shut off a couple of times. I read that I new IAC valve motor would aid with this. My question about the hesitation, do you think the fuel injectors may need replaced? For some reason, the truck seems to run a little smoother with the Overdrive turned off. I haven't gotten a chance to change the plugs or wires yet, or put on the new fuel filter I bought. I did put on a new Throttle Position Sensor, which had no effect on the hesitation/skipping. I appreciate any help, or input I can get. Thanks.
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I kind of thought the plugs/wires may have been the biggest problem. Someone else told me that the #4 plug wire is often the source of this problem. I appreciate the help. Do you or anyone else happen to know the difference in a 4.6L VIN: 6 and a 4.6L VIN: W Thanks!!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Detroit
This is one of the stupid things Ford does, kind of like when they had the 351 Windsor, 351 Cleveland, and 351M (modified) motors. I can't understand why they wouldn't just standardize a specific engine.
Most pickups from the early years would have the Windsor motor but check because there were exceptions; my '02 E150 van is a Romeo engine.
I would also run a bottle of Techron (injector cleaner) through it to see what happens. In the old days, I remember buying a lot of cars that ran crappy, and a can of Gumout (in those days) would often make a big difference. Techron is great stuff; BMW and other mfrs officially recommend it to keep injectors clean.
George
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Hernando Ms
You will get the best performance increase out of a good professional fuel injector cleaning.The fuel additives make a suttle difference,but the real thing does wonders.
With that being said,there are a couple of "professional" cleanings typically used out there...the REAL DEAL is when the fuel pump relay is removed,and a can of injector cleaner(pressurized) is hung on the hood latch,and run through the fuel rail.The truck will run for about 4 minutes,and then quit.They then re-install the fuel pump relay,and your done.You will notice an IMMEDIATE difference.The only thing better is new injectors.New plugs/wires are a great idea as well(as previously mentioned)...Dont pay for a fuel injector "service" that is suction injected through the Brake booster vacum line.This cleans the combustion chamber,but does nothing for the innards of the injector itself....waste of money.
Do your homework,and find a place that uses the process I suggest...youll not be disappointed.
With that being said,there are a couple of "professional" cleanings typically used out there...the REAL DEAL is when the fuel pump relay is removed,and a can of injector cleaner(pressurized) is hung on the hood latch,and run through the fuel rail.The truck will run for about 4 minutes,and then quit.They then re-install the fuel pump relay,and your done.You will notice an IMMEDIATE difference.The only thing better is new injectors.New plugs/wires are a great idea as well(as previously mentioned)...Dont pay for a fuel injector "service" that is suction injected through the Brake booster vacum line.This cleans the combustion chamber,but does nothing for the innards of the injector itself....waste of money.
Do your homework,and find a place that uses the process I suggest...youll not be disappointed.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Good little flow chart: Ford VIN Decoder - F150 F250 Pickup Trucks
ONLY use FOMOCO plug wires, expensive but life-time warrenty! Mine just rolled 182,000 (!) and runs like a champ, looks kinda dang sharpe too!!
ONLY use FOMOCO plug wires, expensive but life-time warrenty! Mine just rolled 182,000 (!) and runs like a champ, looks kinda dang sharpe too!!
