2001 F150 5.4L registered Misfire in Cylinder 3
#11
Member
Thread Starter
Rained all day and I do not have a garage so didn't get to the swap. I did get the plugs,Motorcraft of course, an extended swivel spark plug socket, dielectric grease, anti seize and a can of spray Seafoam. I did watch a few videos on spark plug replacement and they have me a bit scared about the breaking the plug issue. Two talked about making sure to work on a hot engine to expand the aluminum heads, one showed sparying some brake cleaner and letting is soak/evaporate and then working the plug back and forth until it loosens. What is the general consensus here?
This evening when it dried out a bit I removed the misfire code, added a full bottle of seafoam to the 1/4 tank I have left and then did the fog, soak drive thing. The Service Engine Soon light came on after just driving around the neighborhood a bit, up a few hills, and then when I got out on the highway and was running 70+ I did get the flashing Service Engine Soon light but by the time I pulled over and sat in the parking lot it was back to solid. It did not flash at all on the way home.
I also did rent the compression tester tool. I figure since I am going to be pulling the plugs in 1 and 3 that I might as well test them.
I hope to start bright and early in the AM.
Wish me luck on no broken plugs.
This evening when it dried out a bit I removed the misfire code, added a full bottle of seafoam to the 1/4 tank I have left and then did the fog, soak drive thing. The Service Engine Soon light came on after just driving around the neighborhood a bit, up a few hills, and then when I got out on the highway and was running 70+ I did get the flashing Service Engine Soon light but by the time I pulled over and sat in the parking lot it was back to solid. It did not flash at all on the way home.
I also did rent the compression tester tool. I figure since I am going to be pulling the plugs in 1 and 3 that I might as well test them.
I hope to start bright and early in the AM.
Wish me luck on no broken plugs.
#12
Senior Member
Breaking plugs is not an issue on the 2V, it is an issue on the 3V. Seeing as how yours is a 2V, you should be fine unless you get nutty.
Anti-seize.... not recommended on these 2V's. Torque the plugs to 28 ft. lbs. dry. The anti-seize will make them easier to blow out, which IS a 2V issue.
Anti-seize.... not recommended on these 2V's. Torque the plugs to 28 ft. lbs. dry. The anti-seize will make them easier to blow out, which IS a 2V issue.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Hope IM not jinxing myself but when I went to take out the plug from cylinder number 3 it was not tight at all. I was able to loosen with just the socket in my fingers. So I did still put new plugs in 1 and 3, switched coils. I did check voltage on coil and fuel injection connectors and all were at 12v. I checked ohms on coils both primary and secondary and they were at spec. Since I was right there I went ahead and changed the plug on number 2. Put it back together and took on a test run so far no misfire codes. Runs much better/stronger. So could the problem have been just a loose plug? I will change the rest of them tomorrow and follow up. Oh BTW, I did try to check compression but I couldn't get the rental tool to thread into the cylinder. I will try again when I do the rest of the plugs. I sure hope it was just the loose plug. Will post again tomorrow after I finish.
#14
Senior Member
Yes it could have been. That is a reason why anti-seize is not recommended on these heads. Install DRY and to 28 ft pounds.
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kd4gij (05-19-2019)
#15
My older compression testers won't fit down in the newer design deep wells.
The plug may have had a crack in the insulator, but since it was replaced won't know.
I use anti seize all the time, never had a problem.
Leaving the plugs in for 100k with an initial torque of 15 ft/lbs allows the plugs to work loose.
Last edited by R&TBabich; 05-20-2019 at 12:23 AM. Reason: Updated compression tester comment.
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Well from what I can tell it seems that the loose spark plug was the cause for the Misfire code registration. I did change out all the spark plugs and they all looked worn. Now the bad news. When I pulled the plugs in 7 and 8 there was oil in the spark plug well. Looks like I must have a leaky valve cover gasket. Oh well what do I want from a 17 year old truck. At least now is is running good, lots more power.
Thanks again for all the help.
Thanks again for all the help.