Fuel Injectors

[dbrat]

Hey Folks,

I've got 100,000 on my 5.4 since I've had to replace my fuel injectors or plugs(done by a professional mechanic) But recently I have had my engine light come on with bank 1 running lean. I have had this code before for several reasons but now I am getting a "pinging noise" in my engine when I hit the accelerator. The engine doesn't seem to be running rough, just a slight delay when I hit the gas with a slight ping/crackling noise whether at a full stop or just stepping on it to down shift. Seems odd with such great power and acceleration throughout the entire driving experience that I get this ping problem. I even forked out the cash for a full tank of Supreme and a shot of Lukas(not my usual practice) with no improved results. I did a thorough check of all ducts and vacuum hoses, I even forked out a few bucks for some new vacuum hoses, and found no leaking. I replaced my Mass Airflow Sensor and the fuel pump a couple of years ago. I saw a post on cleaning the sensor and was planning that procedure this weekend.

Back to the fuel injectors, I was wondering what your recommendations would be on the brand. I keep seeing them available on ebay, don't laugh, but I'm a little ski-dish buying odd brand stuff.

Also have heard some horror stories about changing the plugs, I have replaced a few of the firing coils(what a pain with some having to pull of the fuel rail) but never the plugs. what brand of plugs would you recommend here in the desert(temps get up to 125).

Any experiential advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
The Brat

 

[ELVATO]

If you're going to change plugs, stay with Motorcraft.

When's the last time the fuel filter was changed?

 

[dbrat]

I replaced it a couple of years ago when I replace my in-tank fuel pump(which was toast). It was a smokin hot day in and I was pulling a heavy grade just this side of Death Valley, Temp was a toasty 112 degrees. My rig started chugging and coughing and sputtering as if I had just blown a coil. I was concerned it might be a water pump issue. After pulling into the only gas station for miles(to which every creature breathing in the desert was nested, as well as every other vehicle having temp. issues). I spent a fortune on coolant in that little thirsty oasis. Come to find out a couple of weeks later, that my fuel pump bit the dust. Gradually the problem got worse until I had a buddy who knew the problem well.

I'm sure that it is due to have it replaced again, although it is a pain disconnecting the fuel lines. Thanks for the feed back.

Thanks for the recommendation to stay with Motorcraft as well. I've had people recommend Platinum Plugs before but I'm concerned that using plugs that run hotter with the increase in temperature here may have adverse effects on my engine life span.

Thanks
The Brat

 

[Reconracer]

2nd for using Motorcraft plugs. I changed all of mine on my 2005 XLT. No issues with breaking the plugs off in the head.