2007 Expedition Intermittingly violent shaking while idling

[DesertDawg]

My 2007 Expedition Limited has been a workhorse with 235,000 miles on it. I've only had to change the out the radiator and starter and Cat Converter in 10 years and she's run strong.

Lately, I have an issue with the vehicle shaking really bad when sitting at an intersection or just at a stand-still intermittingly. It seems to be more when it's warmed up than when it is cold. If I turn it off and restart it - it will go away until another time when it decides and this isn't the next time I come to a light or stop and idle. It also goes away once I start driving and get up to 3mph.

Any thoughts, not sure if it's the transmission, or tuning, maybe she needs a tune up but I was quoted like $450 for a tune-up with new plugs and labor. ouch! I was also told that if it snaps a spark plug the engine is toast?

Note: Discount tire gave me two new tires which I have on the front now and they are a size bigger than the front. They told me not to use 4 Wheel Drive or AWD until I have 4 tires of matching size. I drive in 2-Wheel Drive.

Thanks for your hep.

 

[JExpedition07]

Sounds like you need an all around tune up. And if the plugs break the engine is not shot it is just a royal PITA to get them out. I'd spend money on a tune up so you know your good. Good luck

 

[Big Brian]

I would agree with JE but I would not go to the place that told you the engine would be toast

what maintenance level is the vehicle at now? Is it time?

 

[drokmofo]

I agree with JE and BB

 

[DesertDawg]

Yes, it was my Ford Dealer, I should be able to go somewhere else and knock 25% off of that price. I called and their pricing is obviously rediculous. Their price for the plugs are $19.16 each. Coils are $83.64 each. I can get both the plugs and coils on Amazon for $160.99 and then just find someone to do the labor. Ford dealer for the same is about $900 - CRAZY! SMD

Wondering if I should do the boots while Im at it?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...ield-keywords=2007+Ford+Expediton+Spark+Plugs

 

[gixer2000]

Sounds like a VTC solenoid is hanging up. Very common issue on the 5.4 and 4.6 and can be intermittent. They control oil to your phasers that is a key part of the variable timing

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Yes, it was my Ford Dealer, I should be able to go somewhere else and knock 25% off of that price. I called and their pricing is obviously rediculous. Their price for the plugs are $19.16 each. Coils are $83.64 each. I can get both the plugs and coils on Amazon for $160.99 and then just find someone to do the labor. Ford dealer for the same is about $900 - CRAZY! SMD

Wondering if I should do the boots while Im at it?

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=2007+Ford+Expediton+Spark+Plugs

My best friend has his own shop. He always says to change the boots with the COPs to eliminate high resistance due to galling or even minor corrosion in the boot. He tells me that will take out a COP and that it just saves a whole lot of problems down the road.

 

[Habbibie]

Well Gixer beat me to it but your symptoms seems awfully close to how mine use to be, replacing the VCT's fixed it for me.

Don't cheap out on those, buy the motorcraft ones

 

[DesertDawg]

Sounds like a VTC solenoid is hanging up. Very common issue on the 5.4 and 4.6 and can be intermittent. They control oil to your phasers that is a key part of the variable timing

 

[DesertDawg]

This is an awesome video. Probably nailed it on the head. Sounds like I may need two VTC solenoids at about $80 each and to pre-clean and to change the oil out with some quality Pennzoil with detergent. However, near the video, he does say if there is knocking sound and what not it could be a phaser although he's never experienced this issue with a Ford unit. What is a phaser? Sounds like StarWars. Wish this guy was in Phoenix, I'd take it to him take care of it.

Thank you for the video. I have subscribed.

 

[gixer2000]

This is an awesome video. Probably nailed it on the head. Sounds like I may need two VTC solenoids at about $80 each and to pre-clean and to change the oil out with some quality Pennzoil with detergent. However, near the video, he does say if there is knocking sound and what not it could be a phaser although he's never experienced this issue with a Ford unit. What is a phaser? Sounds like StarWars. Wish this guy was in Phoenix, I'd take it to him take care of it.

Thank you for the video. I have subscribed.

I encourage anyone with a Ford vehicle to subscribe to him. He an amazing technician and knows ford up and down.

Try the shocking method he explained to get it working then run some oil with heavy detergents for a few weeks. Maybe it'll clean them up enough so theres no hurry to get it done. Ive also heard some of the valve covers allow replacement without valve cover removal but not sure how early or late your 07 model is. Good luck sir and hope this gets you rolling!

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[gixer2000]

The phaser is what actually adjusts the timing. They can be done with valve cover removal but a few roller followers need to be removed and timing set locked in place with a cheese wedge. You'll have to skim through his videos for phaser replacement for better instruction as I'm gearing up to do it on my 07 but have never done it before

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