What's this hole?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake, VA
What's this hole?
Hi guys,
I'm new to the forums...been reading through a lot of the existing posts and finding lots of great information, as well as seeing some beautiful trucks that have given me some good ideas for future mods for my own, but this is my first time actually posting. I have a 2003 XLT 4X4 with the 4.6, and do a lot of the minor work on it myself, but I am by no means a master mechanic. I have developed that famous tick on my passenger side exhaust manifold, and yesterday I was under the truck checking it out to see whether I think replacing the manifold is a project I want to try to tackle on my own. While I was down there, I noticed that there's a threaded hole that's right behind the manifold, with nothing screwed into it. I have no idea what this hole is for. It's difficult to see unless I'm looking at the correct angle, let alone get to. I can't even begin to think of what this hole may be, or what it may be for. Can any of you more experienced F-150 owners give me some idea, or is my description too vague? Thinking back on it, I would estimate that the hole is probably about 3/8" to 1/2" diameter. There's a bit of oil around it, but I can't find an active leak and I did just get an oil change. I had to take it to Firestone for the oil change in order to get a printed receipt to keep as a record so I don't lose my extended warranty, so I didn't change the oil myself and it could just be the technician that changed it was sloppy and got oil everywhere. Still, not knowing what the threaded hole is for leaves me a bit concerned. Thanks!
I'm new to the forums...been reading through a lot of the existing posts and finding lots of great information, as well as seeing some beautiful trucks that have given me some good ideas for future mods for my own, but this is my first time actually posting. I have a 2003 XLT 4X4 with the 4.6, and do a lot of the minor work on it myself, but I am by no means a master mechanic. I have developed that famous tick on my passenger side exhaust manifold, and yesterday I was under the truck checking it out to see whether I think replacing the manifold is a project I want to try to tackle on my own. While I was down there, I noticed that there's a threaded hole that's right behind the manifold, with nothing screwed into it. I have no idea what this hole is for. It's difficult to see unless I'm looking at the correct angle, let alone get to. I can't even begin to think of what this hole may be, or what it may be for. Can any of you more experienced F-150 owners give me some idea, or is my description too vague? Thinking back on it, I would estimate that the hole is probably about 3/8" to 1/2" diameter. There's a bit of oil around it, but I can't find an active leak and I did just get an oil change. I had to take it to Firestone for the oil change in order to get a printed receipt to keep as a record so I don't lose my extended warranty, so I didn't change the oil myself and it could just be the technician that changed it was sloppy and got oil everywhere. Still, not knowing what the threaded hole is for leaves me a bit concerned. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 386
Likes: 31
I wouldn't worry about it. It's an unused blind hole it wouldn't be leaking. IIRC it's just part of the manufacturing process. Perhaps a temp sensor would go there in another situation. Or perhaps both heads are drilled the same way for ease of manufacturing but that hole would only be used on the other side.
and you don't need a receipt for oil changes from a shop...you can change your own oil...just keep a log and the receipts for the oil and filter's you bought. That will be proof of oil change for warranty ... been doing this for 30 years...nobody has ever questioned it. Also great the have for when you re-sale you truck.