ISO: A Good Mechanic The Knows Truck...

[MissMelissa]

I just bought a truck ( cash ) from the auction. Its running a little slow and shaking a lot when I am at 60 miles an hour. I gave it a tune up, oil change, and change the catalytic converter on it. It still shaking like a wash machine.. The mechanic I took it to for the tune up said they cant pull the spark plug that are on the back because they are stuck like glue... I am looking for a mechanic that can help me pull them with out messing my heads up. If you can help me please pm or call me, text me.. I need help bad to get this truck going... Any help at all....

I have a 98 Lincoln Navigator that need some help.....

[hemiman]

I'm going to assume it's the 5.4L motor. Spark plug issues are common. If they are siezed, there is a good chance the threads will come out with them. Lickily there are thread repair kits so the whole head doesn't need to be replaced.

[MissMelissa]

No repair kits.. If they brake they will have to take the intake vaule off to replace it I want to avoid that

[hemiman]

Yes, there is a thread repair kit.

A not so good kit http://www.northernautoparts.com/Pro...tModelId=27946

A good kit http://www.timesert.com/html/triton_repair2.html


These are designed to be done with the head still on the engine to save time & money. While the first design is less expensive, It's not as good of a repair.

The intake valve has absolutely nothing to do with a spark plug.

[MissMelissa]

oh ... sorry not to good with cars as you can see... Getting the sparks plug replace now thanks for the advice it has help out a lot....We learn something new everyday.....

[ManSlut]

If it was running as badly as you described it should have been tripping the 'Check Engine' light. The computer monitors things that will effect emissions, mainly the things that effect engine performance, so you should have had someone 'scan' the computer for 'DTC's - Diagnostic Trouble Codes, and traced the running problem from there...Throwing parts at problems, also known as 'shotgunning', is foolish and expensive. If the check engine light does not illuminate when you turn the key on but not to the crank position then someone may have disconnected it (this is an old auction trick)....A vibration while driving at certain speeds may not be running related at all, could be bad tires, wheel balance, steering or suspension related, harmonic balancer on engine.

[thisguy23]

If it is shaking when you hit sixty then stops when you back down to 55 or so, odds are your tires are out of balance. If shaking is in the stearing wheel it is the front tires, if you feel the shaking in the seat it is in the rear tires. Or it could be a seperated tire.

[citizen33]

didnt think the 98 5.4l had spark issues, thought it was just the 05-06 ish 5.4s. but i agree with whats said above about speed related vibrations......get them tires check....make sure they are the correct load rating as well.

[Jewish Lawyer]

I agree - the tires and wheel balance are highly suspect. If spark plugs are causing misfires, why doesn't it shake at all times and set off the check engine light? Plugs probably need changed anyway, though.
Catalytic converter?????? Never needed unless it has a hole and/or a check engine light.

[ElisabethWhispers]

So. Is anyone going to suggest a great (reasonable/honest/knowing) mechanic?

If someone can recommend someone in the north Garland area, I would be thrilled. There is a great mechanic close by me, but he's expensive. Probably as expensive as they can be.

Perhaps Miss Melissa could share with you where she is located and what area might work best for her?

[hemiman]

Originally Posted by citizen33

didnt think the 98 5.4l had spark issues, thought it was just the 05-06 ish 5.4s.

The earlier models had issues with the plug threads. It's not uncommon for them to blow out of the hole while running. To fix this, Ford switch to a new 2 piece plug design. Those pieces of shit tend to break when removing. If you're good & have the correct tools, the broken pieces can be removed semi-easy.

[boogie420]

bent wheel?

[rcg001]

With my limited knowledge of this trucks I would also suggest an alignment. The alignment will come with a balancing of the wheels. Others have suggested this and it should not be that expensive.

[MissMelissa]

Thanks everyone getting my truck fixed now.. Look like I had some codes and some other stuff to work on but I should have it by Thursday.....

I can say though, not bad for 2500 cash and about 250 in repair

[thisguy23]

Take it for a test drive before you pay to make sure the problem is solved.