'03 F150 5.4L running very rough
08-03-2017, 11:00 AM
#11
Senior Member
Sorry, having a hard time understanding.... are you saying you can't read codes, but the check engine light is on?
08-03-2017, 11:04 AM
#12
No longer stuck in 2003
He didn't mention a light, but replaced the fuse as he wasn't getting any data at all. Once he did he got zero codes from the scanner (so I assume no light.)
08-03-2017, 01:04 PM
#13
Ok.
I found a blown fuse and replaced it. Now my reader gets power from the Data Link Connector (otherwise known as OBD II plug, I guess). Never had a CEL on the dash, even though the truck could barely run.
I replaced the pcv valve last night. Made no difference to how it ran. Yes I did check the tubing to it and found it to be sound, as well as all of the other vacuum lines. As far as I can tell anyway.
This morning I ordered up a full set of Motorcraft SP 479 plugs, and AC Delco COPs, along with swivel sockets, and additional extensions to reach those difficult ones in the back that I've read about.
Last night I read through the instructions put up by Otto on how to change them. Parts and tools will arrive first of next week. I will replace them as time permits after work next week.
If this doesn't solve my issues I will look into the software for my laptop and take it from there.
I hope this clarifies things from my post late last night.
A big thank you to everyone that has given me advice and helpful hints. I really do appreciate your generosity.
Rick
I found a blown fuse and replaced it. Now my reader gets power from the Data Link Connector (otherwise known as OBD II plug, I guess). Never had a CEL on the dash, even though the truck could barely run.
I replaced the pcv valve last night. Made no difference to how it ran. Yes I did check the tubing to it and found it to be sound, as well as all of the other vacuum lines. As far as I can tell anyway.
This morning I ordered up a full set of Motorcraft SP 479 plugs, and AC Delco COPs, along with swivel sockets, and additional extensions to reach those difficult ones in the back that I've read about.
Last night I read through the instructions put up by Otto on how to change them. Parts and tools will arrive first of next week. I will replace them as time permits after work next week.
If this doesn't solve my issues I will look into the software for my laptop and take it from there.
I hope this clarifies things from my post late last night.
A big thank you to everyone that has given me advice and helpful hints. I really do appreciate your generosity.
Rick
08-03-2017, 01:37 PM
#14
Senior Member
Kind of got confused, lol.
08-03-2017, 05:28 PM
#15
Never had a CEL, or Service Engine Soon as Ford identifies it, but runs terrible.
I discovered two of the COPs are not bolted down tight and can move around quite a bit. Especially #7. I finaggled a way to get my 7mm boxed end wrench on both of them and cannot turn either bolt in or out. The wrench slips on the head. I think the PO cross threaded them and gave up. Now they are seized up. I ordered swivel six point sockets today. Hopefully I will be able to remove them with that.
Rick
I discovered two of the COPs are not bolted down tight and can move around quite a bit. Especially #7. I finaggled a way to get my 7mm boxed end wrench on both of them and cannot turn either bolt in or out. The wrench slips on the head. I think the PO cross threaded them and gave up. Now they are seized up. I ordered swivel six point sockets today. Hopefully I will be able to remove them with that.
Rick
08-04-2017, 08:45 AM
#16
No longer stuck in 2003
Those could be a major source of the problem. Just as general maintenance when you fix it up check the O2 sensors as well. I'd have to look at my old intake to see if you could pull those bolts and re-thread them or not.
08-04-2017, 10:38 AM
#17
Yes you can tap the bolts for the cop. Thread is a machine screw thread iirc
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Aragorn (08-04-2017)
08-05-2017, 09:31 PM
#18
Stumped
Hey Guys,
The plugs and COPs arrived today. After work tonight My buddy and I started to change them beginning with the passenger side. First two were straight up and easy without removing the fuel rail.
Removed the COP from #3 and noticed a couple things. It was very strangely shaped/bent and the boot end had been cut a little short and unevenly.
I blew air down the hole and a lot of debris blew everywhere. Started the vacuum and sucked a bunch of loose debris that the air had loosened but not removed. I put the socket down the hole and could not get it to go down all the way and grip the plug. Finally found my small mirror and flashlight and discovered something is jammed crosswise across the hole and up against the porcelain of the spark plug. We tried multiple tools including a screwdriver, pick, and some stiff stainless wire that I bent a small hook on to remove the foreign object. I hooked it a couple times and pulled with a pair of channel locks and just straightened out my hook.
It appears to be thin metal and possibly a flat washer on edge, but I can't see enough of it to verify it.
Question: Do I dare reach down in there with a large screwdriver and snap off the upper portion of the spark plug, then suck out all the loose debris with my shop vac, and then remove the base of the plug with my socket?
What are the chances that the electrode could break off and fall into the cylinder if I break the porcelain?
I am really stumped on how to loosen and remove the foreign object at this point, and really not wanting to remove the head to get it out where I can really see what is in there and how to get it loose.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Rick
The plugs and COPs arrived today. After work tonight My buddy and I started to change them beginning with the passenger side. First two were straight up and easy without removing the fuel rail.
Removed the COP from #3 and noticed a couple things. It was very strangely shaped/bent and the boot end had been cut a little short and unevenly.
I blew air down the hole and a lot of debris blew everywhere. Started the vacuum and sucked a bunch of loose debris that the air had loosened but not removed. I put the socket down the hole and could not get it to go down all the way and grip the plug. Finally found my small mirror and flashlight and discovered something is jammed crosswise across the hole and up against the porcelain of the spark plug. We tried multiple tools including a screwdriver, pick, and some stiff stainless wire that I bent a small hook on to remove the foreign object. I hooked it a couple times and pulled with a pair of channel locks and just straightened out my hook.
It appears to be thin metal and possibly a flat washer on edge, but I can't see enough of it to verify it.
Question: Do I dare reach down in there with a large screwdriver and snap off the upper portion of the spark plug, then suck out all the loose debris with my shop vac, and then remove the base of the plug with my socket?
What are the chances that the electrode could break off and fall into the cylinder if I break the porcelain?
I am really stumped on how to loosen and remove the foreign object at this point, and really not wanting to remove the head to get it out where I can really see what is in there and how to get it loose.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Rick
08-07-2017, 03:50 AM
#19
Senior Member
Looks like you're headed the right direction to me. You fixed a vacuum leak, eliminated the EGR as culprit, and are headed toward plugs and coils (which should probably done anyway not knowing the history). When you checked the PCV, did you look closely at the entire tube assembly? They're known for developing cracks as well.
Good luck!
P.S. Only Motorcraft plugs and COPS are recommended (although I've read folks have good results with Denso coils, too.)
Good luck!
P.S. Only Motorcraft plugs and COPS are recommended (although I've read folks have good results with Denso coils, too.)
AC Delco coils ? Good luck with those, I see more problems ahead. Might get lucky for a little while though. Honestly, that's just asking for problems.
Other than that, yea, just have to go through it. Maintenance everything you can and bring it back up to snuff. But those coils, your just begging for it with those lol.
08-07-2017, 09:07 AM
#20
Senior Member
Hey Guys,
The plugs and COPs arrived today. After work tonight My buddy and I started to change them beginning with the passenger side. First two were straight up and easy without removing the fuel rail.
Removed the COP from #3 and noticed a couple things. It was very strangely shaped/bent and the boot end had been cut a little short and unevenly.
I blew air down the hole and a lot of debris blew everywhere. Started the vacuum and sucked a bunch of loose debris that the air had loosened but not removed. I put the socket down the hole and could not get it to go down all the way and grip the plug. Finally found my small mirror and flashlight and discovered something is jammed crosswise across the hole and up against the porcelain of the spark plug. We tried multiple tools including a screwdriver, pick, and some stiff stainless wire that I bent a small hook on to remove the foreign object. I hooked it a couple times and pulled with a pair of channel locks and just straightened out my hook.
It appears to be thin metal and possibly a flat washer on edge, but I can't see enough of it to verify it.
Question: Do I dare reach down in there with a large screwdriver and snap off the upper portion of the spark plug, then suck out all the loose debris with my shop vac, and then remove the base of the plug with my socket?
What are the chances that the electrode could break off and fall into the cylinder if I break the porcelain?
I am really stumped on how to loosen and remove the foreign object at this point, and really not wanting to remove the head to get it out where I can really see what is in there and how to get it loose.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Rick
The plugs and COPs arrived today. After work tonight My buddy and I started to change them beginning with the passenger side. First two were straight up and easy without removing the fuel rail.
Removed the COP from #3 and noticed a couple things. It was very strangely shaped/bent and the boot end had been cut a little short and unevenly.
I blew air down the hole and a lot of debris blew everywhere. Started the vacuum and sucked a bunch of loose debris that the air had loosened but not removed. I put the socket down the hole and could not get it to go down all the way and grip the plug. Finally found my small mirror and flashlight and discovered something is jammed crosswise across the hole and up against the porcelain of the spark plug. We tried multiple tools including a screwdriver, pick, and some stiff stainless wire that I bent a small hook on to remove the foreign object. I hooked it a couple times and pulled with a pair of channel locks and just straightened out my hook.
It appears to be thin metal and possibly a flat washer on edge, but I can't see enough of it to verify it.
Question: Do I dare reach down in there with a large screwdriver and snap off the upper portion of the spark plug, then suck out all the loose debris with my shop vac, and then remove the base of the plug with my socket?
What are the chances that the electrode could break off and fall into the cylinder if I break the porcelain?
I am really stumped on how to loosen and remove the foreign object at this point, and really not wanting to remove the head to get it out where I can really see what is in there and how to get it loose.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Rick