2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.8L V-10 Engine Misfire Problems - Loose Spark Plugs & Burned Coil Boots

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[@thomasbailey8306]

I had a V-10 in a motorhome and it ran beautiful. It only had 23,000 miles on it when it bought it. It pulled my trailer with my Squarebody on the trailer no problem. Great Video Sir...

[@Lifestop5s]

they fixed a lot of these problems after the early 2000s

[@jbj27406]

Nice catch on the spark plugs and ignition issues. I know nothing about these engines, but I sure love that the plugs are not on the bottom of the cylinder heads!

[@clydeschwartz2167]

It's a good thing that you caught the miss before it wrecked the threads in the cylinder head

[@clydeschwartz2167]

@@squatch253 I can totally understand that I have never worked on a Ford engine like that but have heard plenty of horror stories about the affects of stripped threads

[@johnquinn3899]

Initial diagnosis is the way to start. “TOOL BOX TOUR”. “TOOL BOX TOUR”. Thanks Squatch

[@daohnstad]

Good information! Now I have another task to complete on my truck. I appreciate learning about these known issues to get ahead of them.

[@shifty4277]

Electrical grease in the spark plug boots?! You just as well be putting a cork in the end! Electricity can’t flow through that! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’m just messin with ya, great catch and great video! 👍

[@WasserSquatch]

Those v10's will do just about anything you need..... except pass a gas station

[@adobedoug2564]

Or go up a hill without throwing a code.

[@chevafootbrave7875]

Sold it for gas money

[@Gardendreamsforme]

I’ve said that about mine since it was brand new, lol

[@daddio3190]

😂

[@PeeterPuncher]

just like any other big gas engine truck.

[@SailingCorina]

Thanks for the video. I'm having a slight misfire on my 2001 and was dreading the fix because I don't have a scope or temp gun. Watching your video has motivated me because you made it look so easy (because of editing 😆). I'm still going to convince myself it's a 20 minute job and I'll have all the tools to make it easy (ya right 😆). I have rethread two blown plugs in the last 3 years but I did have to hunt for the problem. 👍

[@Mighty-Quinn]

Great video. I did all new plugs and coils in my pickup (2001 F250) awhile ago. Sadly, the pickup needs tires before I can really test it out. I did do a few short, light duty test runs though, and I will say, that new plugs and coils fixed a pretty obvious misfire that I was having. Oddly enough, the OBDII gave me a "system too lean, left bank" code, instead of an actual misfire code. Kinda weird, but weirder things have happened.

[@carterrouth7801]

This video makes me feel better about having my local Ford dealer replace all ten spark plugs on my 2000 F350 when I bought it. The pickup ran fine, but I wasn't sure the last time the spark plugs were replaced in its 329,000 mile life. I'm still running the pickup to this day. It now has 337,000 miles on it. I wish I could find one exactly like yours. The V10's are very good engines for the winter months here in Minnesota.

[@edwinhsingmaster9135]

Does NGK make a iridium plug for that motor?

[@carterrouth7801]

I'm not sure. I'm an OEM guy. I just know that I had Motorcraft spark plugs installed when the work was done and I've had to replace two stick coils since then and that was due to old age.

[@jonathanstancil8544]

Fords really seem to like OEM parts. The Motorcraft parts definitely last longer than most aftermarket parts.

[@carterrouth7801]

I've kind of noticed that the OEM Ford parts seem to last longer than aftermarket ones. I might be a little biased though seeing as how the Ford dealer that I deal with is good about finding OEM parts for the older stuff. They also aren't hesitant to work on the older stuff as well. The only thing that they won't work on is a Smart car and probably Teslas if I had to guess.

[@chrischieff5784]

How much did they charge you???

[@AndrewJacobson-cq2om]

I've got the 99E150 with the 5.4 the only real weak points are the spark plug blowouts and the exhaust manifold leaks, I recently sleeved all the spark plugs with 225 000 miles... Great video

[@jackanderson1418]

Excellent vidio thanks for addressing the lost spark plugs and mentioning that in 2003 ford added more threads to the head, I've been hesitant to mess with the v10 spark plugs I'm more confident after watching your vidio.

[@donkinzer5718]

Spark plugs, and their attendant problems, were the motivation for Rudolf Diesel's invention. ;)

[@daleolson3506]

If you read the book about him which is a great read. He was after efficiency and to use various oils like peanut and others. I think it was called diesels engine. Another good one is internal fire about Cummins.

[@TheFlash-cat]

I always put the install date on top of coil and abbreviation of where It came from, helps if you get an infantile failure on the new part

[@charliebardo6255]

I don't remember anything about the Snap on box coming home ?? Do you still work at the Ford garage bud? Keep the variety coming sir it keeps it interesting and I'm always learning things from you 😎 shows that this old dog can learn new tricks 😆

[@bigears4014]

Oh the old 6cyl from the seventies were so maintenance friendly, even the old eights weren't to bad

[@personator907]

This video is inspiring/motivating me to finally get around to the plugs and wires on our 05 Freestar. I've had the parts for a few weeks, but haven't wanted to mess with it in the cold. I'm no pro like you, but it's been doing the same thing for a month or so with what feels like a small miss or weak fire when cold. Then there was a dead miss on cyl 1 that prompted the parts purchase. Short term, the plug wire seemed loose on the coil. It's been fine since fiddling with the wire and pushing it on fully. The plug wires look original Motorcraft, plugs unknown, but at 230,000 miles there's lots of opportunity for degradation. I just hate how crammed in the 4.2 is under that short hood. Pretty much have to remove the cowl to do anything, even the brake fluid reservoir is obstructed. Front side plugs are easy enough, back side is a big pain, and the coil is tucked way up on the back side too for good measure. *sigh* Rant over.

[@aserta]

Re-watching the video, this brings to mind the fact that at some point in the past, plugs had locks, so they couldn't come out on their own. Seems to me, that some engines would still benefit from an adapted method to lock the plug in place so it doesn't walk (and plenty other engines too).

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Damn! She purr’s like a kitten! That engine sounds smooth! I like the way the layout of those spark plugs are! Easy and on top! I used to own a 2005 Jeep Liberty with the 3.7 with the same spark plugs configuration! They where so easy to change. Great job man!👌😎👍

[@dougkubash8673]

Good call on the coils. We had about 15 Econolines with the 5.4 a little bit earlier vintage. I think it was easier repairing spark plug threads in the Econolines than the pickups

[@agrifan9368]

I picked up on the hints that you were "sprinkling" in your videos about possibly having left/leaving the mechanics shop :)

[@cndream1]

So, you are not at the Ford garage anymore ? If not did I miss it somewhere ? Not using OEM coils ? $$$$ ? Thanks Steve

[@notajp]

I was thinking the same thing. AFAIK, I haven’t missed any videos…..

[@mortson978]

@@squatch253 glad to hear you're making ends meet with the channel. Based on the quality of your videos, you deserve it. The only thing I'm worried about is what you'll do for insurance. IUOE local 49 represents mechanics in your area. The insurance is good and the great thing is, you can keep your insurance between jobs. Your retirement isn't tied to your employer either. I don't mean to stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but I thought I'd make the suggestion as you definitely have the aptitude for that work. I'm an operator, and life has certainly been a lot easier since I joined.

[@twostroke12v71]

Commenting on the video for the algorithm. I manage a fleet of school buses and have four machines in the fleet with a ford OEM C10 propane conversion

[@brucebeard978]

I remember the first time I performed a tune up on a V-12 Jaguar. I was admiring the smoothness of the engine when I was done only to find that I’d knocked off a plug wire! You almost couldn’t tell by listening to it.

[@ronaldbradley9949]

I had a 2000 F-150 with a 5.4 Triton never had any trouble with loose plugs. In the 10 years I owned it I replaced all 8 coils twice not all at the same time and started doing 3 of them for the third time. By the way from the looks of replacing the back ones I may have replaced all 10 and be done with it.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

*"Start in the back while I'm still in a relatively good mood!"* LoL 😂😆

[@paulciampa]

Glad to see a real parts store and not auto zone et al...

[@merlepatterson]

Have you thought about doing a good rust protection undercoat to keep Big Red healthy through all those bad winters to come?

[@merlepatterson]

@@squatch253 Yeah, that works too.

[@homelessman2257]

I have a 99 triton v8. this job took me 5hours. After watching this video I began to wonder, am I some kind of special moron? I ask this because I removed the fuel lines and injectors beforehand, i thought I needed to, but seeing you work made we wonder.

[@Mighty-Quinn]

I asked the same question myself. When I did new plugs and coils on my 01 V10, I removed a bunch of stuff to get to everything easily. Then here comes Squatch, pulling plugs and coils out all casual like........I feel silly now.

[@homelessman2257]

@@squatch253 This is one of the many reason we watch Squatch. Keep it up, we learn a lot from you.

[@nappyheadedhoe]

Do you torque the plugs in?.Would anti seaze help?

[@ao6364]

I sure do appreciate that tool drawer organization

[@8068]

I purchased a 1998 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer that was advertised by the seller as having "engine problems." Replaced all the plugs and coil packs and the Expedition runs fine.

[@faithandfarmingtennessee872]

Red toolbox at home now. Did you quit the Ford prison?

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Cousin wants to give me an Excursion with the V10, would make a good texture hauler.. Only one problem.... Someone recently stole the catalytic converter(s) off of it, and the parts alone are not cheap. Gotta love the older vehicle mishaps. Just did the tensioner and serpentine on the old Buick this last week.

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Thanks for sharing buddy glad you got it fixed and it wasn’t nothing to bad

[@ron827]

The BIG red tool box. "Hi, my name is Toby and I am a toolaholic but I can quiet any time." :-) BTW, I also attend those meetings.

[@stevemino142]

Usually loose plugs are from inferior threads in the heads always remember if the cylinder heads are aluminum wait til it cools down to pull them out had a pontiac 6000 with a 3.1 multi port that had an issue with blowing the middle rear spark plug heli coil it a few times to keep er goin

[@doesnothinspecial6680]

I have a 06 with the 3v 5.4 . The longer I own it. The more I start thinking about Tundras and Rams.

[@StubProductions]

Can’t go wrong with 2nd and 3rd gen Tundras. Million miles trucks.

[@52SuperC]

Let’s see some vintage snowmobile video!

[@DanTyson]

You're a very talented man. Love your work.

[@JasperFromMS]

Good Lord! Look at all that snow!

[@AndyFromm]

Time-sert makes the best insert kit for these 2v tritons. I have the kit and have done quite a few.

[@steveschumacher5470]

I've had pretty good luck finding the culprit of these misfires by laying the inductive pickup of my timing light on top of the coils & watching the light

[@pdmustgtd1013]

NOOOOO put your hand on them and see if it lights you up LOL. I had a friend who pushed plug wires on with screw driver. I didn't know it but heard something snapping touched the wire got me good damn did it hurt. On my 70 mach 1 had MSD coil and box. Somehow wire came off coil it jumped 2 inch gap and was running ok look like flame. Dad like just push it back on while it was running MMMM NOOOOOOO. I remember shock i got from helping my friend not a chance I'm doing that again

[@rickyg2406]

Nice tool setup!

[@bcbloc02]

That is some fast service at the parts store!

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Unrelated, I know. You ever heard of a song called 'the weight' by' the band' ? Man that is a #%$% good song.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Not OEM😱. Nice job. A little different video. Looks like there will be some run off this spring with all that white stuff.

[@gregoryschmitz2131]

That was a fun one to see a more modern engine that my 5.8 aka 351 W. And I had my round at 90k or so, turned out to be a bad distributer cap but the plugs got changed then as well.

[@farmallpaul4518]

Thanks for the video. I better check my 08 that I use to pull our 5th wheel camper. Only 62k miles, but you have me wondering now...

[@washietatonka]

Thank you for shopping at Auto Value.

[@davidmashburn6890]

Funny thing my son called me yesterday his 2010 F150 is doing the same thing I guess I’ll be changing plugs tomorrow when I get home

[@wizzells]

Good approach, well done!

[@timothyball3144]

Whenever I go to my box and grab all of the tools that I need, there's always one more trip. Then another. But I work on so much varied stuff, I usually don't have the opportunity to get it beat into my head every tool I need. So it's, climb up on the tractor, work a bit, climb down, grab more tools, climb back up, wash, rinse, repeat. I really should invest the time in some kind of EDC tool tote.

[@michaelscriffiano9267]

Nice change of pace... Thank you

[@Fatamus]

Big Reeed🎵 Ed 🎵 Big Bad Red🎶 Well, 🎶 he stood 6’6” 🎵 and weighed 245. 🎶 kinda broad shoulders and 🎶 narrow at the hips 🎵 and everybody knew you didn’t give no lip to Big Red. Big Reeed🎵 Ed 🎵 Big Bad Red🎶

[@ronedelenbos272]

Great video, what was the milage on those plugs and coils, my 98 E350 based RV has 68000 miles and im getting a litttle nervous about leaving them much longer. 25 years inplace

[@markmckinley5989]

Shocked using aftermarket parts.

[@straightpride451]

What a cute lil video.

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

I have never been comfortable with a 0.055" spark plug gap. When my mod motor started having misfiring ignition issues I closed the gag to 0.040" , initially because Ford wanted $250, I didn't have, for a coil. I didn't have another misfire ignition problem with that engine and never needed to replace a coil. I did replace a lot of coil boots though. There is no need for gaps that wide it just causes unnecessary stress. 🤷‍♂️👍

[@danielbutler578]

I think you're right about that. I ran a Ford Escort for years. If I gapped the plugs to factory specs it would start misfiring on the hills within 2 or 3 months. I got tired of it burning up plugs and gapped a set of Champion copper core plugs at .035. They got regapped 3 years later and were between. 045 and. 050. I ran them another 3 years before I replaced them. The bigger gap requires higher voltage to fire. I ran into a similar situation on my 97 Chevy Express. It was burning holes in the side of the coil. After the second one, I replaced the plugs and reduced the gap from . 060 to .045 . It solved the issue of burning up the coil and since then it starts much quicker than it did when it was brand new.

[@ImpHalla66]

My '06 5.4L was terrible. My '10 5.4L was awesome. Now my '21 6.7L is a beast!!

[@chriswood4676]

Did you put anti sieze on the plug threads? I've done plug inserts on all 10 after blowing one plug on my 2001. Just curious about the anti sieze. I appreciate this video, my V-10 has that mis fire you spoke about, i'm going to check my coils when the snow melts here... Thanks!

[@chriswood4676]

@@squatch253 gotcha. I guess i missed your comment about anti sieze.

[@susanhenderson2322]

Very important to blow out all debris in plug tube after coil removal before plug removal. Always torque new plugs to spec and only use Motorcraft plugs. I have never had a problem.ug come loose after I torqued them correctly and I changed hundreds at ford dealership

[@jonathanstancil8544]

What is your method for replacing plugs? Dead cold engine? Warm engine? Dry threads? Anti sieze? Torque spec? Lots of discussion about this on the forums. Thanks.

[@BlownF150]

For the 2V heads prior to going to the full-threaded versions, you wanted just a dab of anti-seize one the bottom two threads of the new sparkplug. The torque spec is very low and you want it to be as exact as possible unless you want them to blow out.

[@compirate]

So before you bought the 3 new coils, did you put your best coils in the hard to reach spots so after you got the new ones it was an easier exchange?

[@ynot3778]

You need at least 7 threads that’s y they are blowing out .done there done that job but needed to weld them nuts on the studs on the exhaust manifolds, couple fell out replaced all mine with Allen head and high temp. Loc tite

[@terrycannon570]

Not good advertisement for Ford. The little 4 cyl Eco motor in the Chevy Sonic and Cruz does the same thing. Real good reason to stick with cast iron heads. The expansion and contraction of aluminum heads and intake manifolds are notorious for fasteners coming loose. Thanks for the video .

[@edwinhsingmaster9135]

Sparkplugs on old VWs took the heads with them. A signs of lead insoles.

[@SandBoxJohn]

Friend of mine that stocks Tastykake in grocery stores had a plug blow in their cutaway Ecnoline delivery truck about a month ago.Not a quick and cheap fix putting a new helicoil in the cylinder head.

[@Deerector]

This guy could wrench boy. Wow

[@beginlivinglikeaboss]

I have a question related to the cat fuel press gauge. I replaced my Color coded gauge with a 0-60 psi gauge. Do you know a relative # to the Color’s on the cat gauge? I can’t find in my literature

[@davidpierce3386]

Wait, did I miss something. The red box has been there for three months, did you pull it from the dealership? Did you call it a career at the Big Blue Oval? I didn't think I heard that in the public pages.

[@radchad666]

This is a good video, what I needed to see. Did you have to not take the boot off on the inside? I have seen that as an option, I am new to these rigs so maybe I am missing something.

[@squatch253]

Normally the boot stays attached to the coil, but sometimes they’ll stick onto the top of the spark plug and stay there instead when you pull the coil off. A long-reach needle nose pliers works well for pulling those boots off the plugs, one tip though is to give the boot a twist first which will make it easier to pull off the plug without tearing. Otherwise, they’re just a push-fit onto the bottoms of the coils and can be replaced separately if needed.

[@radchad666]

@@squatch253 awesome thanks, just watched some other videos and some folks come from inside the vehicle, under the dash? You did not do this? Maybe different vehicle.

[@darrensydorko4976]

We have a service truck with the v10 and it just blew a plug out of the threads lol it drove another 60 miles to finish putting a turbo on a grader and back to the shop lol. It had a custom V10Mac on board air compressor hahaha

[@uglysteve1]

I have one of these in my motor home. I neglected the cowl to hood gasket and was rewarded with two new coils and e new ecu. It runs wonderfully and would likely push the motor home eighty five if I would run at that speed. I will check the plugs. Thanks for the tip. Steve

[@arbiter1]

Had same thing happen with coil in 5.3 silverado. It was fine when warm but when started getting cold check engine light for misfire popped on cylinder 2.

[@wrenchingwithrob6001]

My 2003 Marauder 4.6 DOHC spit out a sparkplug. Smoked the coil, had to put the insert in. I still cross my fingers every time I run it.

[@Tommy81.519]

Can a misfire cause the truck to not start? The work truck I used crapped out yesterday and the odb ready only says misfire but I swear the fuel pump isn't even priming or turning on

[@squatch253]

No, typically a misfire will not prevent the engine from starting. It’s entirely possible that the stored misfire code is unrelated to the no-start, or it could be a secondary fault that was flagged by the computer that was a result of the primary failure that is now causing the engine to not start.

[@Tommy81.519]

@@squatch253 okay thanks man!

[@Tommy81.519]

@@squatch253 I wonder if it's possible that the misfire code came from the fuel pump failure not allowing fuel through?

[@realliferepair9285]

Red box at home? Did we get done at the prison sentence? At home scan tool is always nice ,I have an elcheapo launch that I use at home ,it has some functionality to it for bi- directional controls but nothing like IDS.

[@skylinefever]

Everybody I have met buys all new coil boots whether they look good or not. What brand of replacement coils did you buy? Some are winners, some are losers, I just want to be aware in the future. I like to know how many miles you went. With some cars, the manual says "Change platinum plugs every 100,000 miles" but I find many are in need of replacement at 60,000 miles. Every if you can get away without replacing them, the ignition coils may last longer. Some say the same about iridium plugs. Iridium plugs MIGHT last longer, but they sure don't on the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine. They are done around 60,000 miles.

[@skylinefever]

@@squatch253 I see. I'm glad you were able to buy the cheap stuff and get it to work, some cars could be really sensitive about that. The Nissan Maxima made from 1995 to 1999 was an incredibly reliable car, but if an ignition coil or sensor failed, and if you didn't go OEM, you often couldn't get the codes to clear. Also, I can't tell how many cars ran poorly because they used whatever Bosch told them they could use, but the manual gave the owner one NGK part number, one Denso part number, and if you didn't get either one, the engine ran poorly.

[@johnnyholland8765]

I have a 2000 model and got tired of doing them one at a time when they would go out. I had all plugs and packs replaced at one time. Hopefully good for another hundred thousand. It has 193,000 on it now. To be a 3/4 ton truck it is the most gutless engine I have ever had in a 3/4 ton truck. Had a 1977 with the old 360 in it and it would out pull this one even on it's worse day.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

There is something wrong with your engine. My V10 pulls just like my 7.3L diesel. I haul a 13K lb 5thwheel as fast as you want to go.

[@diamonddahlberg]

"My brain shuts off" coming from a Ford mechanic :-) Just kidding though. I'm the biggest fan of Squatch253

[@denistaramasso9724]

I know its a big expense but why not change all 10 coils just so you know when they were done. Where I retired from we did what you did and it bit us where you sit. The v10s were in f550s and they were always at max load. So we always changed all coils.

[@edbarnes2364]

You didn't go click when you tightened the bolts. Haha.

[@seniorelectrician6831]

I do realize that covered it at the end, with the shallow head threads were they not tightened enough or maybe to much and distorted the thread so they weakened and would not hold?

[@davidb8872]

You have left Ford ? So what are done now ?

[@matty2helpfull]

My buddy has one of those v10s with just over 300k on it he quit fixing it last year and it's now down at least 1 cylinder permanently and 1 or 2 cylinders come and go as they wish and it still keeps chugging along

[@michaelwest4325]

Any recommendations on a DIY manual for these older Fords? I have two with V10s, 05 and 06, nobody where I live likes working on old stuff so I tackle myself. Now I have a shift position sensor to do, the only guy willing to work on it just wants to do a transmission rebuild. Thanks!

[@tatoo3796]

A friend of mine is a carpenter by trade, and he says a carpenters house is never finished, that's true in his case. Lol. Do you hate working on your own stuff since you did it for so many years as a job?

[@MrBmxbrawler]

What is the torque spec on tightening the new plugs

[@flashgordon3715]

Does this problem happen before or after the first plug change.

[@squatch253]

I've seen both.

[@holmesjunction]

Two surprises there: One - no torque wrench on the plugs - 'click'; Two - You don't buy parts from the 'prison'? 😄

[@scottwebb4499]

What's your opinion on the 01 Triton V time I see you have one I would like your opinion on it

[@philipmackin1025]

I have a 2008 V10 Triton, 38000 Miles, in my RV. It's a strong motor for me.

[@scottwebb4499]

I'm looking at one but would like know fuel mileage and + and - on it now it is in a 01f250 4-wood

[@vaughndibble4598]

Snap On makes vary good tool for the removal and installation COP coils part # PTSX607

[@michaelennen3432]

I hear some people say that new spark plug coils are pre-gapped. Can you provide any information on that in your experience? Thanks very much!

[@blumac9801]

Just so you know a possible reason 3,4,8,9 were burnt is rain draining from the windshield into the coils

[@northwoodsguy1538]

Better than pulling the cab to work on it.

[@mattbaxter428]

I have changed the plugs on a 97 v10 dodge truck. I have no experience with a v10 ford truck. Curiosity wants to know what you would rather change plugs on, dodge or the ford? Assuming you’ve changed both.

[@mattbaxter428]

Regardless, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular maintenance when an issue arises can prevent a pain in the donkey.

[@sepresley1]

Love your snap on wrenches and tool box. Nice to work with good tools.

[@eleanorecopet4090]

Snap Off is a whole lot More like it,,,,!

[@kurteiden2309]

I had to put an inset in my truck had it done in under an hour