thewishkah
Full Access Members
1997 4.6 concerns
I have a 1997 exp with the 4.6 liter engnie and I know these trucks aren't great on gas and I know they get even worse once you throw a set of big tires one them. I have BFGoodrich 315/70 r17's on my truck currently and I am averaging about 8.5-9mpg high way which seems a little low even for those tires.
Now my concerns besides the gas mileage are when accelerating heavily or on an incline the exhaust sound like the truck is missing, like it sounds like it's sputtering. I can still accelerate but it doesn't sound right. There is no check engine light on nor has there been since I bought the truck. (the light does function) The other concern is after I have idled for a period of time (10-15 min or longer) when I hit the gas I get some smoke from the exhaust. Not a lot or for any amount of time just on the initial press of the gas when I go to start driving. I have checked my pcv valve and the hose going to it and they are both good. (shake pcv and it rattles and took the hose off and blew through it to make sure it wasnt clogged).
One last thing that may be tied into it all is sometimes the truck will start to idle rough but never throws a code. I have a decent actron scanner that can read the live data on screen if there is anything I can check that would help diagnose these issues. My initial thoughts were to change the spark plugs and wires (not COP) has the quad coils on each bank at the front of the motor. Then I got to thinking it could be the catalyic converts. Any input on these issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and have a great day!
I have a 1997 exp with the 4.6 liter engnie and I know these trucks aren't great on gas and I know they get even worse once you throw a set of big tires one them. I have BFGoodrich 315/70 r17's on my truck currently and I am averaging about 8.5-9mpg high way which seems a little low even for those tires.
Now my concerns besides the gas mileage are when accelerating heavily or on an incline the exhaust sound like the truck is missing, like it sounds like it's sputtering. I can still accelerate but it doesn't sound right. There is no check engine light on nor has there been since I bought the truck. (the light does function) The other concern is after I have idled for a period of time (10-15 min or longer) when I hit the gas I get some smoke from the exhaust. Not a lot or for any amount of time just on the initial press of the gas when I go to start driving. I have checked my pcv valve and the hose going to it and they are both good. (shake pcv and it rattles and took the hose off and blew through it to make sure it wasnt clogged).
One last thing that may be tied into it all is sometimes the truck will start to idle rough but never throws a code. I have a decent actron scanner that can read the live data on screen if there is anything I can check that would help diagnose these issues. My initial thoughts were to change the spark plugs and wires (not COP) has the quad coils on each bank at the front of the motor. Then I got to thinking it could be the catalyic converts. Any input on these issues would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and have a great day!
Last edited: