Tune-up time

[Hman]

My 99 with 5.4 is ready for a tuneup. I know I have at least one bad coil as it labors when I tow at highway speeds. I've had the problem before so I'm confident it's a coil. Since I have 82k on the motor I was thinking of a complete tuneup. Should I change all the coils (after market Granatelli's or stay with oem) and also should would it be best to go with Motorcraft plugs.
If I stay with Ford's coil I will just replace the one that is bad.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

 

[phatbak]

alot of guys on the F150 site use the DG508's from Global automotive. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-IGNITION-COILS-00-05-FORD-EXCURSION-V8-DG508-8_W0QQitemZ380147194926QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item588289dc2e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

I'll be ordering a set this week once I get my paypal info updated.

 

[JUST4FUN]

if you dont chang the coils at least get the boots

 

[tonydiv]

With all the spark plug issues that the 5.4s have, I'd be sure to hit them with some PB Blaster and let them soak overnight before trying to remove them.

You may also want to prepare yourself mentally (and financially) for the possibility of plug breakage or the need to install some thread inserts.

 

[phatbak]

the 97-03 5.4 have insufficient threads, so if you torque them to 28ft/lb you'll be ok. The 04-08 have the plug-break problem.

 

[ELVATO]

Yea, only the 3V 5.4 engines have the breakage problems. Changing plus before the 100k mile mark is recommended.

The 2V 5.4 (and apparently 4.6) don't have enough threads, so they sometimes got spit out by the engine.

 

[Hman]

Thanks guys for the input. I've never been such a nervous wreck about changing a set of plugs. What were the engineers thinking? In the mean time I ran some Seafoam thru the engine as per the directions on the can and not only does it run better but I have a .5 mpg improvement (not much but I'll take it).

 

[whoopassharley]

well from my experiance (sp) on coils with my harley truck oem is the way to go and i drive that ***** like i stole it and they handle good and im boosting it to 16psi

 

[Boomer]

Plugs

I have a 07 EL Limited with 35K, 5.4 of course, what is the issue with the plugs? What should I be worried about?

 

[phatbak]

I have a 07 EL Limited with 35K, 5.4 of course, what is the issue with the plugs? What should I be worried about?

I've read some reports of 3V's going beyond 100k before plug change, and not having any issues with breakage. Here's a link that has a pic of a broken plug from the 3V, removal of the broken piece can be extracted with a Lisle tool, or rigging up some all-thread with nuts & washers.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/2004-2008-f-150/385361-spark-plug-change-report.html

 

[Boomer]

Thanks for the link to the F150 site. So bottom line is on a 5.4 they just get stuck and are an SOB to remove?

 

[trdragons44]

the 97-03 5.4 have insufficient threads, so if you torque them to 28ft/lb you'll be ok. The 04-08 have the plug-break problem.

like he said the 97-03 2v spit plugs out. 04-08 3v have the plug breaking problem.

 

[Boomer]

Ok, how about this. Say at 50,000 I change plugs. This would be a waste, yet the cost of plugs is very minor compared to issues at 100,000 like breaking plugs. So if I change plugs at 50,000 would they be easier to remove???? Just a thought.

 

[tonydiv]

That's the theory. The thought is that the two piece plug design can break if it is left in too long (100,000 + miles)

 

[Boomer]

Any brand someone can suggest, or just anything other than Motorcraft? I am at 37K right now so I have time.

 

[trdragons44]

i'd stay with motorcraft ive had bad luck with anything else in these motors(97+).

 

[trev0006]

Thanks for the info.

alot of guys on the F150 site use the DG508's from Global automotive. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-IGNITION-COILS-00-05-FORD-EXCURSION-V8-DG508-8_W0QQitemZ380147194926QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item588289dc2e&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245tirescarsparts

I'll be ordering a set this week once I get my paypal info updated.

 

[grantikal]

i was at wally world with Bosch 4304's in my cart ready to buy, but something told me not too. any one had bad experiences with them?
BTW
i wanted to know if 10/30 full synthetic oil is ok to use on my none towing expy?
just want to get it ready for the hot cali summer and the long 4 hour trips to the lake..