MCpllabelle

I had the ping and lack in power.

I reseated all my plug boots since I realized alot of them weren't clipped in properly, they are a pain to push down until a "click" is heard.

I also applied Dielectric grease to each boot.

Ping and lag disappeared since then. I can take off harder at intersections and not a ping is heard and the "getup and go" is really there. Also, going uphill is no longer an issue.

Give it a peek, might be your issue as well

clarsen

I definitely will thanks for the advice.

Jbrew

Yes, it's a large advantage in both mounting correctly, conductivity and protection. All are needed, can't be stressed enough IMO BUT; - it must be applied correctly and the correct (non solidifying) grease (non conductive and conductive) should be used in order to take advantage of the benefits.

Jbrew

The shorty header comment is useless. Delete that from your mine, - it's a waste of space. With these engines, headers enhance injector noise which is a click or tick. Not a problem, the injectors are just loud, specially the tall skinny design 3's. I believe I explained the "ping" ? Well Carcrazy may have in this one.

With your miles and once the convertors are deemed "GOOD" after a flow test, only then can move forward and concentrate onto the largest problems the engines can have with those miles. - That being ignition and fuel related. At this point in an engines life, overcoming the degrading of these two systems can make a night and day difference that's very noticeable first time out.

Ignition coils, - You mentioned replacing them, - but with what ? So many knock-offs avalible it isn't worth the effort UNLESS,- you know which COP system coils to use. That said, here's the answer, -

1. Motorcraft Brand (watch out for the knockoffs) , must be true Motorcraft coils... DG508's for the majority of these model years.

2. Visteon Coils, - Identical builds as Motorcraft Coils. As Visteon use to have a stronger affiliation with Ford Motor Company. These coils, also known and Vista Pro's 60-1000's (DG508), made in HUNGARY now. These are difficult to find as they sell out fast. That's because of the price. On average they cost half of what Motorcraft coils do. So, individuals/resellers and even distributors who know a enough about the quality of gobble them up quickly.

3. WeaponX, - Newer brand , high performance, high price as well.

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Injectors, - at this time , just get new or some fresh sonic cleaned units. These can be found for a good price as well.

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O2 Sensor update. Fresh O2's will keep your A/F's quick and responsive.

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Catch up on all maintenance. EVERYTHING works together; - it's usually not just one thing with a high miles engine. It's has to be gone thru in a way that focuses on system integrity.



Anyway, -Now that you know, - do all the above all she may just give yuh a tickle.

clarsen

Thanks for all the info jbrew, I did the dielectric grease on all cops. I do have cheap knock offs which I've replaced three with original motocrafts others are fine for now.update thou upon working on cops I did find the back mounting bolt on the egr was loose and I've haven't messed with that since buying the truck. Upon removing egr I did notice where it had been leaking for sometime, could see where gasket was making contact on tight side and where it hadn't been on loose side cleaned up all surfaces with wire wheel replaced gasket with new, reset computer, drove 5 miles up a fairly steep grade along the way with outside temp 83° and AC on full blast listening for ping and paying attention for lag issue, seems to be gone,keep in mind before doing the work to egr,I had ran it doing cops, still pinged and lagged to be able to see if egr would be sole main culprit of the issue being that this has been occurring since I purchased truck in similar or hotter Temps, hopefully my issue is solved
👏👍

MCpllabelle

Awesome! Happy its fixed. Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress.

Jbrew

Yea, that's what can happen when using poorly made COP's. It's a big problem that has caught my interest in the past. All said and done, I post my results when warranted...when someone can use them. In short, those knock offs are going to hinder the ignition system until replaced. They may not show signs of deterioration currently, but that is usually short lived. I could write 2 pages on how this occurs but, -I trust you'll take my word ...by now anyway lol.

Regardless and at this point, - since you have replaced 3, be prepared to replace the rest in the future...perhaps near future. If your looking to save on expense, -DON'T purchase these from the dealer. Try O'riely's, ebay or Amazon. Like I've posted before, ONLY use Vista Pro (Visteon coils 60-1000/DG508) or Motorcraft coils. Which are the ONLY COP system coils built to Ford spec.

I attempt to help people avoid doing this this particular way, -it doesn't always work. Some have a hard time with internet information soo, can't really blame them.
Hmmm. Yea, on the line in assembly they are given a shim if needed....If the mating surfaces do not align within tolerance. True, - sometimes a shim and gasket, at times they may have a 16 gauge combination shim gasket. This kept the engine (also exhaust,emissions) from being red tagged and sent to quality control I expect lol.

Anyway, as far as a drivability concern (pinging/lag) ? To help make sense to you, - perfect sense : The EGR valve ONLY opens at cruising speeds upon PCM command... that's it! So keep that in mind (look up duty cycle info if desired).
While the EGR is closed and if the leak was bad enough to effect engine AF's, you would have had a system lean DTC recorded in the KAM (KeepAliveMemory). So, the leak wasn't that bad with the EGR closed.

In short, while the EGR was open and at cruising speed on an upgrade under power, you had power lag and pinging. While the PCM was monitoring values during the EGR duty cycle, that leak may have cause the PCM to hold the valve open for too long.

Yes, that will most definitely cause lag, misfire and pinging.

You found it IMO. If it reoccurres, post back in this same thread, so we can go from here.

clarsen

Thanks so much jbrew, you sir definitely know your stuff, appreciate your info, advice and experience. I believe sooner rather than later I will be selling it due to high miles and the fact that I can still get something out of it as it looks great and hopefully is running great now.

clarsen

Thank you!

Jbrew

No problem. Selling or trading up use to cross my mind with the 98, never could do it, it's been a great truck other than the rust. Restoring it has been a project and a half. Probably one I'll never take on again lol.

High miles ? 321,000 currently and runs , has more torque and power than it had new. Doesn't use a drop of oil between changes. Thought I was just lucky until learning any of these engines will last with a good maintenance regimen. So you have plenty of time to think about it...IF, your not in the rust belt.