Wow......maybe this is why i got crappy mileage?

[rusty ol ranger]

Ive always been disappointed outta the mileage on my F150, anyways, i went to change plugs in it and found 4 of the 6 plugs not even hand tight.

Think thats why it sucked fuel and spark knocked?......and made the computer throw a lean code?

later,
Dustin

 

[Sunk]

Nah, they're supposed to be like that. Lol.


My first truck was a '75 F-100 4x4 that got absolute crap mileage, like 6 or 7. I discovered the 2 sections of rubber hose between the fuel pump and the carb had almost completely rotted through on the bottom.

It went a little better after that, needless to say.

 

[Jspafford]

Don't feel bad, the motor in my F-250 has a bad rep for spitting out plugs. I am scared to death to even mess with them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Don't feel bad, the motor in my F-250 has a bad rep for spitting out plugs. I am scared to death to even mess with them.

You could just trade it off for a newer one that likes to break them off in the head when you try to change them.

It is too bad they can't find the middle ground again, like they did for the 100 years before they tried to improve the spark plug in 1997.

 

[chittybangbang]

Don't feel bad, the motor in my F-250 has a bad rep for spitting out plugs. I am scared to death to even mess with them.

Ditto
I'm leaving it up to the next owner, I simply cant afford another repair with my truck.

 

[BLOODBANE]

I only get 10mpg out of my F-350, but it has the V-10 and thats loaded/empty/hubs in.....

 

[predator]

Ive always been disappointed outta the mileage on my F150, anyways, i went to change plugs in it and found 4 of the 6 plugs not even hand tight.

Think thats why it sucked fuel and spark knocked?......and made the computer throw a lean code?

later,
Dustin

nothin like proper maintenence huh?????

 

[Defective]

What year is that f150?

if it's 97-03 you have to be pretty careful not to over or under tighten those plugs. They can work their way loose and come out while flattening the threads in the head, which btw there is are only 4 or 5 threads.

Experienced this for myself, twice. Somehow the second one caused greater problems and mixed water and oil forcing me to replace the whole motor.

 

[almostclueless]

What year is that f150?

if it's 97-03 you have to be pretty careful not to over or under tighten those plugs. They can work their way loose and come out while flattening the threads in the head, which btw there is are only 4 or 5 threads.

Experienced this for myself, twice. Somehow the second one caused greater problems and mixed water and oil forcing me to replace the whole motor.

His user information says he has a 96....


And to answer the original question.....it's POSSIBLE the loose plugs weren't shedding heat to the heads....you should also evaluate whether or not you really have the proper heat range.

 

[Jspafford]

I think the aluminum heads only have 3 threads.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I think the aluminum heads only have 3 threads.

wtf? i think an engineer needs to be kicked in the nuts for that one.

 

[Bent Bolt]

What year is that f150?

if it's 97-03 you have to be pretty careful not to over or under tighten those plugs. They can work their way loose and come out while flattening the threads in the head, which btw there is are only 4 or 5 threads.

Experienced this for myself, twice. Somehow the second one caused greater problems and mixed water and oil forcing me to replace the whole motor.

Torque wrench does wonders for spark plug longevity.

 

[Jspafford]

wtf? i think an engineer needs to be kicked in the nuts for that one.

Too bad they are the same way on the 4.6, 5.4, and 6.8L "Triton" series motor.

Everytime I get on my SD, I am always afraid I will pop one out the side.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Too bad they are the same way on the 4.6, 5.4, and 6.8L "Triton" series motor.

Everytime I get on my SD, I am always afraid I will pop one out the side.

Only the Windsor based 2 valve engines do it, which means most 4.6's are safe. They made most of them at the Romeo engine plant but did make some at the Windsor plant, where they also make all the 5.4's and I think V-10's as well.

It is supposed to give you a little warning before they pop out, if it sounds like you have a lifter tick you either need to look at it or have it looked at ASAP. It starts by coming loose, then it just sits there working the threads back and fourth until they give and the plug comes free. Sometimes people catch it early enough they can just retighten the plug and they are good to go. So far I haven't had an issue with mine, it seems alot of the problem is when people change them they tighten them "about that tight" like you do with just about any other engine, which is probably either too tight stripping the threads or not tight enough, torque wrenches are critical for changing plugs on these things.

 

[Jspafford]

I've heard of plenty of 4.6's doing it too. Mainly in the expeditions.