No plug wires on a Triton engine, direct coil-on-plug. BUT, the 'boot' between the two is a potential problem. FAR more likely the coil itself. Ford is on something like their 7th Generation epoxy formulation for those coils. Unfortunately, when the coils fail, they have a slim chance of back-feeding secondary (high voltage) voltage back into the computer and frying it. In this case though, it is most likely that one of the coils has failed in the more common way, and is simply not firing properly anymore. Cheap enough fix, but one or two of them are a bitch to get out unless you have a flex-head 7mm ratcheting-wrench because of the placement of the fuel rail and lines.
Not a thing...
You're correct. I've never changed plugs in a box truck that I bought for the very reasons you state. 1998 5.4L Triton. Most people who own these engines and are DIY mechanics often don't know the pitfalls with what first appears to be a straightforward job. Caveat emptor buying a used Ford and pray as you turn that wrench counter clockwise to loosen the plugs!No plug wires on a Triton engine, direct coil-on-plug. BUT, the 'boot' between the two is a potential problem. FAR more likely the coil itself. Ford is on something like their 7th Generation epoxy formulation for those coils. Unfortunately, when the coils fail, they have a slim chance of back-feeding secondary (high voltage) voltage back into the computer and frying it. In this case though, it is most likely that one of the coils has failed in the more common way, and is simply not firing properly anymore. Cheap enough fix, but one or two of them are a bitch to get out unless you have a flex-head 7mm ratcheting-wrench because of the placement of the fuel rail and lines.
At the same time, replacing the plugs while you are swapping out a bad coil(s) is a good idea/bad idea... Some years had too many threads on the plugs and they tended to snap off inside the heads during replacement, the other years had too few threads on the plugs and were known for blowing the plugs out and stripping the heads, requiring a Helicoil insert to fix them. Very difficult considering half the engine was crammed underneath the windshield in that truck. So, a lot of owners that might otherwise have maintained their F-150 properly instead ride those plugs into the ground.
...Not that I know anything about Ford engines, mind you.
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Yup, das boot & wiring. They can and do break down from heat. I remember when they switched to that setup. It does make for a cleaner arrangement under the hood. Been working on cars since I was 13 and have seen so many changes. That engine crammed under the cowl is akin to changing plugs on 68 firebird….not fun….did fleet maint for a PUC for two decades before transferring to another dept and worked on all sorts of equipment from trailers, Dollie’s and forklifts to heavy trucks and everything in between. I don’t miss it. Lol got away from it in 2000.No plug wires on a Triton engine, direct coil-on-plug. BUT, the 'boot' between the two is a potential problem. FAR more likely the coil itself. Ford is on something like their 7th Generation epoxy formulation for those coils. Unfortunately, when the coils fail, they have a slim chance of back-feeding secondary (high voltage) voltage back into the computer and frying it. In this case though, it is most likely that one of the coils has failed in the more common way, and is simply not firing properly anymore. Cheap enough fix, but one or two of them are a bitch to get out unless you have a flex-head 7mm ratcheting-wrench because of the placement of the fuel rail and lines.
At the same time, replacing the plugs while you are swapping out a bad coil(s) is a good idea/bad idea... Some years had too many threads on the plugs and they tended to snap off inside the heads during replacement, the other years had too few threads on the plugs and were known for blowing the plugs out and stripping the heads, requiring a Helicoil insert to fix them. Very difficult considering half the engine was crammed underneath the windshield in that truck. So, a lot of owners that might otherwise have maintained their F-150 properly instead ride those plugs into the ground.
...Not that I know anything about Ford engines, mind you.
Oops -sorry -I read @Secret Squirrel 's post about having a 2000 and mixed that up, thought that was yours. They had C.O.P. in 2000.
