Need to replace COP - one or many?
#1
Need to replace COP - one or many?
Question, got a code thrown for a cylinder 8 misfire. I've been running rough, and was expected it soon, and was just waiting for the problem to be bad enough for the ECU to throw a code. My understanding is that the '03 4.6 V8 was coil-over-plugs. I used to have a Lincoln LS that had coil packs, and they started going bad, and I replaced them as they went out. This was a real PITA, and I started just taking it in to have them swapped - but that was mostly because that motor is shoehorned into the LS, and they were a nightmare to get at towards the back. I'm thinking my F150 is much more manageable and I'll try it myself this time before caving to a shop on it.
In retrospect, I sorta wish I'd done them all at once on my LS, since one going is a sign that others probably aren't far behind. I'm curious what others think about this. If you have to get in there, is the replacement process simple enough that you'd just do the bad one, or would you go ahead and do all of them on one side while you're in there?
And in a similar fashion, if you're swapping the coil, would you just go ahead and drop in a new plug while you've got things opened up? Seems like sort of a waste to go to all that work and not swap the plug too, but maybe I'm being overly cautious.
In retrospect, I sorta wish I'd done them all at once on my LS, since one going is a sign that others probably aren't far behind. I'm curious what others think about this. If you have to get in there, is the replacement process simple enough that you'd just do the bad one, or would you go ahead and do all of them on one side while you're in there?
And in a similar fashion, if you're swapping the coil, would you just go ahead and drop in a new plug while you've got things opened up? Seems like sort of a waste to go to all that work and not swap the plug too, but maybe I'm being overly cautious.
#2
Senior Member
How many miles on the coils?
How many miles on the plugs ?
Owners manual ?
Answer these, then answering you will be much easier.
How many miles on the plugs ?
Owners manual ?
Answer these, then answering you will be much easier.
#3
And yes, I have the owner's manual.
#4
Senior Member
Yea, update everything. Just make absolutely sure you get the CORRECT brand of parts.
I'd go through it at those miles. It's a good idea to catch the O2's as well.
I'd go through it at those miles. It's a good idea to catch the O2's as well.
#5
Senior Member
At that mileage, it's definitely peace of mind knowing that you have a fresh start on them. If it were me, I'd replace the COPs and plugs. Do not assume that they are gapped correctly. Get a proper gauge and check them before you install them. Might just want to get a basic tune up kit and do everything at once so you limit your downtime on the truck. Oil, filters, etc. Since you're unsure on the maintenance history, this would be a good starting place.
#6
At that mileage, it's definitely peace of mind knowing that you have a fresh start on them. If it were me, I'd replace the COPs and plugs. Do not assume that they are gapped correctly. Get a proper gauge and check them before you install them. Might just want to get a basic tune up kit and do everything at once so you limit your downtime on the truck. Oil, filters, etc. Since you're unsure on the maintenance history, this would be a good starting place.
#7
As long as you're there, just do them all,cops and plugs. Some people never have problems with their cops, but its recommended maintainence at 100k. You'll feel better about it.
Ive actually been very lucky with knockoff brand Cops. For a set of 8, it was less than a single motorcraft part. Worth a try and no problems in 30k.
You're almost better off buying the coils and installing them, then having your plugs done in a reputable shop. If you're confident doing them, great, but that can go really well or horribly wrong. At Least that way if you spit a plug its the shops fault. This is about the time that starts happening.
Ive actually been very lucky with knockoff brand Cops. For a set of 8, it was less than a single motorcraft part. Worth a try and no problems in 30k.
You're almost better off buying the coils and installing them, then having your plugs done in a reputable shop. If you're confident doing them, great, but that can go really well or horribly wrong. At Least that way if you spit a plug its the shops fault. This is about the time that starts happening.
Last edited by Mike Gross; 04-27-2015 at 03:04 PM.