New member, Pacific NW

[rallison203]

Hi, new member, registering so I can learn more about my 1997 Expedition. Owned about 18 months. I do most of the medium to light duty maintenance on all my cars. On my (5.4L, 4WD, 222K miles) Expy, I've had two problems. Primarily, I've had 2 spark plug blowouts. After the first one, I read up on the problem and had time-serts installed on all 8 cylinders. Unfortunately within 6 months I had another blowout, which fortunately was repaired under my service warranty. Second problem, is my P0446 evap code, about which I will post separately. Otherwise I love this rig and if the engine holds up, I plan to do an airbag to coil spring conversion on all 4 corners, and replace some basic front end suspension and steering components. Good to be on board!

 

[GAINMOB]

welcome to the site

 

[jg09]

Hey, you're not far from me! I'm north of Bellingham in Whatcom County

 

[rallison203]

This is a great site and the members are awesome. However the 5.4 triton engine and thus the 97 Expedition, with its nonstop spark plug problems, was the worst car I've ever owned.

I paid $1800 for a running vehicle with 200K miles on it. Spark plugs started blowing within 6 months. After an additional $4K in "repairs", and after driving it MAYBE 25K miles, I got the news it was time to replace the head. I'm into the car for at least $5-$6K, and I should spend another $3K? So after $8K, when the smoke clears I get a 230K mile vehicle with a patched up engine? No thanks. I sold it to a mechanic for scrap value.

So, my son needs a replacement car for school. Never gonna buy another Ford, that's for sure.

 

[rallison203]

Also, please, can someone tell me how to de-register from this forum? Thank you.

 

[GAINMOB]

It's not that it's due to being a Ford... it's due to the previous owners nor taking care of it properly...i have 166k and mine is a beast...i don't have the probs with mine that others in my year on here have... regular maintenance is key... but u can't tell buying a used car... which is why I don't buy use... spark plugs need to be replaced every 100k anyway... new head? Sorry bro... bad pick

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[1ATony]

Thanks for joining, it's great to have you here

Tony

 

[rallison203]

Yes bad pick is right. I should have checked it out more thoroughly. The spark plug problem was likely due to over torquing by the prior owner who had the good sense to get rid of it when he learned of the problem (1 plug hole apparently was repaired before I bought it). But here's the thing. I've changed spark plugs on chevys, triumph, honda, escort, chev vans, pontiacs, miata, mitsu, and countless bikes, mowers, blowers and chain saws. Even with an aluminum head. Never heard of this problem before owning a triton engine. On the ogher hand, I just put 6k miles on my '89 chev van in 3 weeks, 150K+ miles on my 350 TBI, and it didn't give me a moment's trouble. Changed the plugs along the way, no torque wrench, no problem. It's a poor design and I would never buy another. Especially given Ford's response to the problem.