I have a 1997 f 150 with a 4.6 it has 218,000 miles never had any work done except oil change and ac work,just recently it started spitting and coughing when I take off from red light if I give it a little gas it corrects itself and runs great ,however auto zone put their machine on it and I got EGR VALVE / # 2 & 3 cylind where misfiring code .now I know very little about engines and I will buy what ever they say I need ,but back in my day we had rotors / caps do I need to look at replaceing anything else?Thanks for any and all help .

 

I would start with new coil packs, wires, sparkplugs [motorcraft oems], and cleaning the throttlebody elbow ports going to the EGR.

 

Thanks Torkum
I'll get that done asap ,thanks for the advise ,I just want someones advise who wasn't wanting to sell me something..will keep everyone updated on outcome.
Thanks again

 

On changing those plugs, make sure the motor is overnight cold and use a penetrating oil. Make small turns when removing the plugs. Don't use anti seize and fill those spark plug boots with dielectric grease. Remember the torque on the plugs is 11-15 ft. lbs.

 

Torkum
Thanks again for the info ,Sunday is tune up day ,I'll let you know how it goes .Thanks again

 

So how'd it go?

 

Torkum
I have been on a mission ,not to let this tune up kick my butt.haha it has been different ,we have come along way from caps & rotors,but after all the changing (coil pk / plugs/ wires / air filter / egr vaule ) it still seems to be just a hair off ,it don't cough and spit ,but it isn't 100% is there any sensors I should check ?don't get me wrong ,it runs great ,but it don't feel like it's back to normal.Thanks for any info .

 

Pull the injectors and check and clean the nozzles. A good cleaning of the throttlebody elbow would also help. Maybe new 02 sensors up front? Another thing, clean the MAF with approved cleaner.

 

Torkum
Thanks for the advice ,I changed the air cleaner and will pick up the o2 sensor today,and will have the injectors cleaned,I hope that does the trick ,I miss my truck.Thanks again for all the info.

 

Don't forget the MAF cleaning. A can of cleaner is about $6.