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Gregary mitchell

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Hello I've just got a 97 ford expedition 4x4 with the 5.4 v8 and its running like it has a misfire but vibrating worse then it would if it was misfiring from a bad spark plug. Its is not showing any codes either and While drive it smokes like its burning oil and vibrates but when I let off the throttle its stops vibrating. Any help is much appreciated thank you.
 

riphip

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How many miles, any maintenance history, remaining oil in pan new or old, etc. May need to get access to a code reader to get codes in history before you start wrenching.
 
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Gregary mitchell

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Unfortunately I didn't get any history on it. I got it for cheap knowing there are issues and the vehicle has 200000 miles it has fresh oil in it the dipstick is reading half today as yesterday it was full so i know rings could b bad but what could b causing the violent vibration at idle in park and while driving.
 

docraymund

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Remove spark plugs, clean and gap them or replace if extremely dirty and worn out. Check vacuum hoses for leaks, try to remove brake booster hose to check for brake fluid leak into the intake manifold.

Post your results.
 

JVinOlathe

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There is a number of things that could causing this issue. A code reader will give you a lot of information on what is causing the issue; without it you can swap parts forever and never really solve the issue. Most any engine issues will show a code and you can go from there. I had something similar and turned out to be a leak around the throttle body.
There are also suspension issues that could show similar signs. You can look at the rear trailing arms and when one of the upper ones is cracked the truck drives funny. On mine the lower finally collapsed and made the car undriveable but the symptoms prior to that were vibration under load.
Again, make sure you or someone with knowledge diagnoses your problem before you start investing money on parts that will not fix the issue.
 

Wal92tt

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I'd start with the basic cheap stuff. Replace the fuel filter. Inspect, regap or replace spark plugs. With the truck running, pull the coils one at a time and see if they all work or if one ha no effect when it's pulled, that's the bad one. There will be vacuum leaks. Take your time and find them all! Replace the pcv valve. Remove and completely clean the throttle body. Run a can of Sea Foam with a full tank of gas. Rent a free code reader form Autozone, and it will tell you more than any cheap reader online will ever tell you! It'll give you codes you may have that cheap readers will not pick up. Clean the MAF sensor only with MAF sensor cleaner. Clean the egr.

Everything I've mentioned is either free or very cheap to do yourself. After having done all this on a truck you have ZERO history on, it should run much better, with more power. Will it fix your issue? Hard to say since we don't know the cause yet....
 

Don Hall

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........May need to get access to a code reader ........

I haven't tried this instruction yet, but would be interested to learn if it works.
I'm crippled, so any entry into the vehicle is a painful exercise.

How To Read Ford Check Engine Light Without a Code Reader
  1. Press and hold the reset button for the odometer.

  2. Turn the key on to accessory.

  3. Keep holding the button until the words TEST appear.

  4. Once the words TEST appear let go of the odometer button and press it again to cycle through the onboard test.

  5. Push the button to dtc which will give an error codes.
 
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docraymund

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I think you'll have a hard time on this one. It might become a money pit. Why not sell it now and scout for another expy -one that has fewer problems but be sure to bring along with you a mechanic. Good luck! Stay safe!
 

Brent Harward

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Plugs are absolute. And with 200K I'd RnR the coil overs. Injectors could be snotty too. With low gas in tank run 2 or 3 injector cleaning juices. Look for any wiring trubs along top of engine where the coil over wires are. Look for wires chewed up by squirrels, etc. This is a REAL problem in Texas. Good luck.
 
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