Ford F-150 E-150 4.6L Misfire Coolant Leak

[@LowWaterLandscapes]

This is great because is shows exactly what my mechanic is saying the issue is, and what the fix is for coolant leaking through the gasket into the coil packs. Thanks so much!

[@MattDaddy8512]

Hey man I just flushed my coolant system 2003 5.4 triton…now I have rough idle and rough variable power…any idea?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

@@MattDaddy8512 probably bad coil boots

[@jameshavenga4998]

Man you are the guy to take my 01 cobra to. It was having a misfire and the coolant loss and I was at a loss thinking it was a blown head gasket, this may just be it

[@JulioCNino]

Thank you sir. I had that problem it was my intake was cracked. That's why my truck was misfiring and my plugs where getting coolant on them. I change it and its running like a champ. now . Its burning rubber now not coolant. God bless you sir

[@karmanow666]

Nice informative video. Couldn’t agree more about the gut ripping and knee dislocating design on this vehicle. Even worse on the Ford van that im dealing with. On this one I discovered that the intake manifold cracked at the rear most bolt hole on the drivers side, I guess the plastic intake must not be able to stand up to the constant heat from the motor. Like you said it’s a money maker, but definitely a design flaw. Again great video, thank u

[@farmerdick7807]

Thank you. This made my diagnosing my 03 expedition 5.4 with misfire on driver side bank. Found the antifreeze in 3 of the 4 spark plug holes. Thanks again!!!

[@KONG4LIFE1]

I am having that same exact problem on my 2003 Ford Expedition.. How did this information work for you

[@bobbybenn8275]

Thanks you made my day, I have a 2006 town car with coolant in coil tubes. This helps identify the problem, hope the intake is ok. Thanks again. B. J from coastal Mississippi.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Excellent

[@thebattlesoftheseas2098]

Thank you ! I am having this very same issue . I jumped on here because its really early in the morning an have to be at work tomorrow an decided to go ahead an fix it but was having second thoughts if this was the issue because it's fowling out my number 8 only an it's mind blowing how it can run back too it when the problem is on the thermostat housing gasket ...

[@joseibarra125]

Love the straight forward information, get yourself a topside creeper!

[@mikesonora24]

Doctor, I watched your video on how to replace a ball joint and it was so so so helpful. Thank you very much.

[@1010109999999]

Boss you made me laugh so hard when you were talking about the knee dislocating in your guts being torn out thanks I needed that the same thing happened to me today 04 Ford F150 4.6:) keep posting my friend

[@imonjuann]

same

[@deanbarr5740]

Hi Tim, in 2002 i bought a left over '01 Grand Marquis with a 4.6. I kept having issues with this car too. No. 1 coul pack kept misfiring. Had it back several times with same diagnosis. I ended up trading this luxury car off before it had 12,ooo miles. Me and Fords don't get along too well.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Wow, that doesn’t sound right. I know some aftermarket coils are junk but I assume they were using OE stuff. Did you get a Chevy?

[@bbkmm1]

It's good to see you again Tim. We all missed you. I thought you would be fishing right now.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Me too, hopefully I can get some time on the beach here in a couple weeks. Summer is in full swing here.

[@thomastommy1192]

Awesome cool video. It's great to see you, Tim. I hope you are doing well. It's sad that car companies make things so cheap. I had a 1990 Ford 150. It had 150 thousand miles on it. When I sold it about 4 years ago. It is still running. I see it two or three times a week. Near my home here. Anyway, I hope you are having a Blessed Summer so far. Take care.

[@johnbennett9149]

I'm 100% with you old dude I would be just like you that's why I drive Toyota and have for the past 35 years

[@wyattoneable]

I love my top side creeper Tim. I had to have one or else not bend over hoods anymore. Thanks as always for all the tips.

[@AKJeeper]

wyattoneable Top side creepers are a life saver, particularly as we age and trucks have less forgiving surfaces to lean on.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I’m just thinking it will help but I still have a hard time laying on my belly for any length of time. It feels like all the blood runs to my head and then I have a headache for two days after. I’m surprised someone hasn’t said loose 50lbs yet. Haha.

[@AKJeeper]

The Car Doctor doesn’t help that a lot of newer trucks have their engines set so low in the engine bay. Fords seem to be the worst offenders. So not only are you having to lie on your belly, you’ve also got to reach down, which just puts more pressure on said belly. Not fun, especially after lunchtime! As for losing weight...haha most of us could stand to lose some lbs.

[@markduffy3739]

Tim, love your videos. I've dealt with the same issue on my 07 F150. Say hello to my cousins in Alaska for me I hope all is well.

[@mrscardoctor1101]

He probably doesn't know who you are but I remember you. You were the cutest little boy. I will tell your cousins hello.

[@thomasbatts672]

You just saved my day man I have 96 ford mustang gt with same style intake and is leaking around the same area cylinder 7 spark plug hole was full of antifreeze

[@garysgarage3669]

You need to put a "top side creeper" on your christmas list this year. Great video

[@mattbranstetter6634]

You definitely made my day. Thank you! Now I know what I gotta do.

[@michaelramsey58]

I've got that issue thanks for confirming

[@capster728]

This video was just as funny as it was informative lol😂😂. Thank you

[@ThecardoctorTV]

haha, thank you. IM glad you enjoyed it and appreciate you watching. Blessings

[@brandongreen8440]

Seem to be having the same issue in my 2007 Town Car. I filled my overflow tank with coolant and less than 2 months later it had burned off and I was overheating. I took it in and it turns out I Have a leak in my intake manifold gasket. I used some K-seal in the meantime before I can scrape my Pennies together to fix the gasket. However, the leak didn’t seem to leak liquid fluid but seemed to leak vaporized coolant. When I’d press my foot on the gas in park at around 4K for 25 seconds I’d get a huge cloud of vapor coming off of the engine. Then a day later, I noticed I had a nasty misfire. It’s my theory that the condensation from all the residual vaporized fluid leaked into the plug housings and presto. I noticed that the plug housings dont do a very good job of keeping water out, as I got my engine pressure washed and immediately had to get my spark plugs serviced because of a resulting misfire.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Steam is created when the coolant level is low and/or the engine temp is very high. Hope you get it fixed up. Take care

[@willefixit]

top side creepers are great, i use old car seat foam, and tire step. gotta love kneecap dislocater option!! lol done one or 2 on the older 4.6s glad they fixed it??lol

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Ok help me understand your topside creeper deal. Did you make it yourself? I’ve priced them out before and they were 500-600 bucks if I recall. I like the foam idea.

[@willefixit]

@@ThecardoctorTV89,90 blazer s10 back seat lower and upper. lower cut in 2 one for each side of lift,upper used as gut protecter. no seat covers. yea them topsides expensive,wanted to modife one of those little giants latters .im big and fat like u i get it . knee dislocators every where. got black bear back in ct. no hunt yett, breaking into yuppie houses, and framers and such,shot bottle rockets at one my drive way he left. but fire works illegal lol.been to alaska years ago felt small big stuff there.from north east,did 21 days . best friends not far from anchorage. sorry off topic.lol yea just get truck step do sides, then throw foam over gut rippers use three step latter and go.small shop at home . call my lower foam knee savers.winter bag um .cheap.not really made just made due.u have a great channel thanks ! upper one!! from lower 48.lol

[@cjcoolmoed]

Awesome video cause I bet that most shops will pull the head gasket leak cost. I think that when cooling system is pressurized leakage is minimal. Once engine is off the pressure looks for easiest escape that’s on plug intake gasket onto plugs!

[@florenbaron7111]

After a lot of troubleshooting and research, I think I have a similar problem but coolant is also being sucked into the combustion chamber. From your experience, is it likely coolant is being sucked into the combustion chamber? Steam is coming out of my exhaust pipe. I don't think it's a blown head gasket. My spark plug wells do seem to have coolant in them. Also, when I first turn on the 2008 Ford Econoline E250 V8 4.6 2 valve, after the van sits foe awhile, steam comes out of the exhaust pipe a lot more but then reduces. I have no DTCs. I had to replace the water pump. Now there is preasure in the coolant system but I am still loosing coolant somewhere. My engine only shakes after the engine warms up. My coolant guage is not working but my scan tool shows the temperature. That van seemingly only has a cylinder head temperature sensor, not a typical coolant temperature sensor. The vehicle barely moves when pressing the gas. I appreciate you sharing your experience with us. Thank you.

[@Tommysmess]

Very helpful I have a 1996 4.6 2v and coolant boils out of the reserve tank. The temp gauge dosent say anything higher then normal whenever I drive it. But when I check under the hood coolant is coming out of the overflow tank. I may have to burp the cooling system or something. I checked the oil and it's clean with no white chunks anywhere. When I first got the car the guy said it's a blown headgasked. Wich wouldent be to bad but I've never done one before. I'm confident I can as i have alot of experience in mechanics. I drove the car for almost 2 hours straight going 60 and 70 just to try and get it hot but nothing at all. It just boils out of the overflow and I'm really wanting to fix and keep this gem. Only 63k original miles !

[@alijah3218]

Ever figure out the problem bro?

[@eflores9232]

You've made my day with this video. question though Will this cause your spark plug to be coated with oil on the inside because when I pulled my spark plug I saw the coolant on the outside and the oil on the inside. thank you

[@spelunkerd]

Brilliant video! Tim, is there a way to diagnose this without waiting so long that you get misfires? Many vehicles have small volume chronic coolant loss, it can be very hard to find the source if a pressure test doesn't show the answer.

[@EdisnFox]

Same issue with mine. Today, November 9th, 2022. I went to the Ford Dealer & bought the Thermostat Housing Gaskets, thinking that was all I needed to replace. Well after pulling on the Aluminum Housing for a bit, I was finally able to remove it. MISTAKE on my end, did not know that I had to remove the Intake Manifold Gasket FIRST.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Oh crud. Hope you got it fixed up

[@m3vt2seffn]

Yes I agree with you I'm also a big guy too and when I'm over that truck inside the engine and then when I get back up my gut always scratches on the radiator and that really it kind of reminded me of Jimmy Buffett how about a cheeseburger in Paradise 😂😂

[@GabrielGarcia-cy1ng]

Thank you you have the best 👍

[@jbeerz3442]

My 00 f150, has the same problem.... thank u. Now I know

[@bigstillow91]

Best channel ever thanks bro I subscribed

[@alexanderchavez4164]

Youre sumply the best thank you.

[@tom9438]

“It basically dislocates your kneecap as you’re working on the vehicle” first time I’ve heard someone put it to words.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha

[@TerrorTyTy]

This was very helpful info, Thanks!

[@alorlando8615]

Thank you sir i have the 4.2 v6 2003 ford eco wagon and it looks like it's leaking exactly from that spot you said the deal broke .

[@mariebarker4499]

Thank you!

[@wolleysegap9740]

Lol..same problem I have Tim. The "gut". It stinks when you try to reach in the back of a motor and hear plastic cracking. You have to get one of those top motor creepers like Eric O has. We both do. Ha !

[@SteveRobReviews]

HAHAHA not a lot of content here. Just about fell off the sofa. Your awesome Tim😅😅

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha, well I was just trying to be honest from the get go. I didn’t want folks getting their hopes up thinking they were in for an in depth and well thought out production. Of course, I’m not sure I’ve posted too many of those over the years. Hehe

[@shaneomac5074]

My theory for why the back cylinders leak more often is because the front ones get cooled by fresh air and the radiator fan, the back ones get all the trapped heat and it destroys the plastic, just my 2 cents, all 4 were cracked/broken and leaking on my intake

[@Fordgroup00]

Thanks! This was very helpful 👍

[@mikachicha5205]

Thank You Sir

[@zomgosz1503]

Same issue - coolant loss, Cyl 3 misfire. Plug and coil wire was wet. Have p0300 - pending. Once in a while i'll get misfire and check engine flash for cyl 3. But still runs like a champ. Will head gasket repair fix it ?

[@hiepngo144]

Good video. Thank you.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you!

[@smsservicesall]

So are you saying that the coolant actually got in the cylinder and was making it smoke like a blown head gasket

[@alorlando8615]

Subscribed thank you

[@et2367]

What do I fix first the coolant leak or the misfires

[@user-leeboy77]

What is that bolt thang in the middle of the engine

[@docholiday5682]

thanks

[@slupot]

Ahahaha I'm glad I'm not the only one who is aware and despises the Ford Motor Co patented Knee Cap Seperator!

[@juicyhd]

ROFLLLL I cracked up when he said about dislocating his knee on the bumper

[@62ejo]

Thxs Tim nice too know,is the replacement gasket better then what ford used?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good info Doc

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you friend!

[@jwelchon2416]

Ha!! I am convinced that there is a EVIL engineering school. It's obvious they designed that bumper...and that gasket. I just discovered that I have that leak problem on the #4 plug well in a 2000 Marquis. No codes or misfire but I had better do something about it pretty quick. Enjoyed your video very much!!

[@pro272727]

Thanks, helps a lot

[@jesse245]

I’m pretty sure my 99 4.6 has this issue .. I’ve been told to let her go but it’s my first car and handed down after my pops passed. Is there anything I can do myself to fix ? I get tons of white smoke coming out when I start her up and I just cleaned the egr valve and the throttle body the whole 9 yards yet I still get the smoke and a clanking sound from the engine when I step on it

[@BRENDAJASON1]

I’m getting oil in spark plug hole on bang 2 cylinder 2. 04 f150 4.6

[@martinhensley1497]

What should i expect to pay for this to be done

[@thebuniverse6739]

$ 800 plus

[@Worldsokayestcraftsman]

Just curious. How did you diagnose that it was the intake and not a blown headgasket or cracked head? Do u think a bore scope through the plug hole would spot this type of leak when pressurized?

[@Oldez60s]

Tim I just today had to replace a #6 coil and there was antifreeze on bottom of plug when mechanic took it out. So what will I need to do and how soon? New intake gasket 1 or both? And how much for parts and what parts? And labor guesstimate.. Thanks in advance

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@zx8401ztv]

Ahh missing were the words 'Sunny Alaska" lol, i think i have watched too many of your excellent videos tim :-D So never buy a ford 150 as it's crap, i think that was the message. At the end i thought you were going to end with the 'Thought of the day'. "When you think life is bad for you, just remember that people have it worse with a F150'" :)

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha, I felt like my mind went blank toward the end but I should have said that. I wish I could say Ford was the only one but it seems we have plenty of other brands with their own set of issues. Thankfully it just job security for us technicians! What brand are you driving? Was it VW?

[@zx8401ztv]

The Car Doctor Well this will confuse you, i don't own or drive a car/truck lol. But from time to time i help frends with there cars, so it's good to have some knowledge :-D But i still enjoy watching people outside the uk, you are a pro and do a quality repair for every customer, you care about the quality and keeping people safe, you also have a great sense of humor :-D. Nothing worse than a human with no humor :-( Ford was a brand us brits bought for years, but they were not exactly the american ford norm as they were designed by our designers for our taste in the uk. So we all got used to the ford name, and the parts were cheap so we didnt mind :-D The ford transit van became really popular because it was basic and big enough to do most jobs, a universal mover. But we are flooded with allsorts of vans now, so ford has less of the sales.

[@hughbunyea4703]

I have a 2013 4.6 that leaks antifreeze out of a factory hole in the back by the #1 cylinder. Again it is a factory hole about 5/16" in diameter. Anybody know why this is happening. Thanks

[@earlwitts2378]

Had to change the Manifold 3 times.since I bought my Ford f150 4.6ltr V8 2007 brand new off the lot ....they know about it but we have to pay.....

[@21gonza21]

Did you have to drain the radiator before removing the intake manifold? My f150 is a 97 but almost looks like the same engine

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It’s a good idea since you don’t want coolant running into the intake passages. Drain as much as possible and you’ll probably be fine.

[@beaz-obeaz-o1114]

Dislocates your knee rips your gut open hilarious 😂😂😂

[@bimmerman9839]

Hello, did the 1998 Ford e250 v6 have the same issues? I also have a TON of coolant leaking ONLY into the rear cylinders, thanks!

[@manuelortiz6407]

Good video like it

[@timdearborn8536]

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer sport with a charging problem new battery and alternator charges at a idle but stops charging when rpms go up don’t get it!!! Any idea? Love your videos!!

[@Bishopoflyons1217]

Hey Doc. My wife have a 2004 Ford Explorer. I happened to pull one of the spark plugs from the rear end of the engine and coolant flowing from the side of it. Also coolant gushing out of the manifold exhaust from the front to the rear of it. Doc could you honestly tell me what's going on here. I appreciate you for your prompt response. Keep up the good work Doc.

[@EXOVCDS]

Is that a knock sensor in the middle of the engine? Just one for both banks?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I believe so. You know Fords never knock anyway. Hehe

[@ScottysVise]

Hello I have a 2000 ford ranger v6 3.0 with p0301 code. Slowly losing coolant. Coolant around threads of spark plug on #1 cylinder. Head gasket liquid color change test seemed to check out ok. Would I be looking at an intake manifold gasket replacement? Thanks for any advice, great video BTW.

[@ScottysVise]

Also, it has new plugs/wires/coil. Rough idle at start up then runs good. No external coolant leaks with the uv coolant leak dye.

[@toddgilmore118]

does thus apply to Oring gaskets on 4.6L manifolds also?

[@nuttynut54]

Can that cylinder head temp sensor come out with the intake on or does the intake have too come out

[@johnathonuncapher7523]

So you just replace the gaskets, not the entire manifold. Correct?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

In this case yes.

[@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx]

Would a 98 f150 with the 4.6 Triton produce the same leak? I also feel like my intake is leaking coolant down into the motor it started producing white smoke after sitting for a while because the fuel pump was out. I changed the pump and went to start the truck and it struggled to turn over but eventually started and sent plumes of white smoke out the exhaust.

[@SmokeyDeadGames]

Will bars leak gasket sealer fix this temporarily?

[@bigtsperspective5831]

If its one thing , engineers are extremely good at putting things in the wrong places . I think Ford should hire some one with a practical engineering degree as a posed to a mechanical degree. Happy to know it’s made well but it’s not well placed

[@JordanKobe2010]

Do leak sealants work? Or how much does it cost to replace that gasket?

[@liamfrench9139]

This exactly what’s happening with my 2001 grand marquis with the 4.6, what would this repair cost usually? Hopefully without having to rip the whole motor apart like in this video haha

[@petermelnyk7664]

I have a 01 f150 5.4 2 valve .. the coolant reservoir has oil in it, and 1 cylinder missing, even after replacing plug and coil over plug, still missing when cold checked coolant reservoir and when I opened it smoke billowed out ...truck runs strong at moment ....wonder it the head gasket is shot..or getting there.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Yikes. That’s possible. Use the head gasket testing fluid that turns color when combustion gas is detected in the cooling system. Or pull the plug when warm and let it sit overnight. See if coolant blows out of cylinder.

[@aarongoode3524]

How did you take the top part out all in one piece like that

[@UncleSarkis]

Does the coil go bad as well as the spark plug when this happens?

[@zolalee6830]

what is a misfire??

[@driveventures7445]

Is the 98 f150 4.6l bad about this also? I just bought one with both symptoms

[@SECRETGOVERMENT2012]

I got a 13 Silverado 5.3 v8 and it started acting stupid in the last 2 weeks ill come to a stoplight and the truck will buck forward and push me into the middle of the road it also feels like thers no power and my foot goes to the floor and nothing and then it slams down / shifts hard and over revs no codes or engine light. Its booked into the dealership for monday they saying they are going to clean the throttle body what do you think it might be . I just got a 72 gmc Sierra with 350 v8 im going old school getting away from computers and sensors .

[@turbyturbo1]

I'm having the same problem. The intake manifold gasket looks like it pitted the cylinder head. Any advise? should throw some silicone gasket around there?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Aviation permatex

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Yep I double up on the fender covers or all that protruding crap stabs you in the belly. Never seemed to have that problem when I was younger and could be bent over a hood for days and never have a back ache. Now if I know I have a job requiring me to be under a hood or dash continuously for a few hrs my back automatically starts hurting and I start hearing voices going what are you thinking 😂

[@willefixit]

true story.

[@pepeclavito9923]

love the humor..and everything what youa re saying is true..hahaah..its like the design it on purpose for that...have same truck and everytime i believe is going to crack

[@andybetz8820]

I have a 2010 Ford F-150 4.6 same problem. Is this a expensive fix. ?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It’s not bad. Thanks for watching.

[@margarethatcher1731]

I got oil in my spark plug holes

[@AFO95SS]

Hey Tim, hoping you are able to reply. My 2013 Ford F150 has the same misfire issue (code reader says #4). Mechanic says 4 and and the cylinder next to it have low compression. I see a small coolant leak under the truck. My mechanic says to just use seafoam for a couple months and it'll fix the compression issue. I'm now highly doubting his solution. What do you think? Love your videos, thanks!

[@TheNYgolfer]

How does your mechanic propose to fix the coolant leak? The low compression and the leak are interrelated, assuming you really do have low compression in 2 adjacent cylinders. Seafoam is good for clearing carbon buildup on the rings and valves which can improve compression but your low compression issue is not due to carbon. It's due to either a bad head gasket (most likely) or cracked head or cracked engine block (less likely unless you overheated the engine) , evidenced by the fact that you supposedly have 2 adjacent cylinders low on compression and you are losing coolant. I'm really doubting you have low compression. I would double check the compressions using a leak down method. If that method shows low compression on 2 adjacent cylinders then you have a bad head gasket or cracks in the block and/or head. If the leak down compression check is good , then you have intake manifold issues causing the leaking coolant to get down into the spark plug hole causing misfiring codes. These engines are notorious for these leaking intake manifold issues due to gaskets failing and/or the plastic intake manifolds failing.

[@kellyspeppers]

You need an Over-The-Top Topside Truck Creeper. Plastic intake manifold, the Ford 4.2 leak all the time.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Chevy made the tricked out tailgate. Ford should make a topside creeper that’s built in to their trucks. Haha.

[@willefixit]

@@ThecardoctorTV yea spend more time in the front of a ford lol

[@mechanicandskills7215]

2003 f150 ford 6.4 coolant temperature sensor replacement...where in gods name is it ? po125

[@MattDaddy8512]

Help!! I just flushed coolant system 2003 5.4 f150 and now it’s running rough like a bad coil, but no engine light

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Sounds like you got some water/coolant down in the coil boot area. Might need to replace COP boots and spark plugs.

[@MattDaddy8512]

@@ThecardoctorTV you nailed it. Replaced two 1&3 coils yesterday…I think it happened when I flushed the heater core. May have to do plugs again soon but it’s much better now…thank you

[@rustycarver2614]

Just seeing this video... changed plugs, waiting on coils....08 f150 4.6... noticed rear plug on drivers side had antifreeze in cylinder.... plug replacement didn't fix misfire...hoping coils fix...but this could be my issue..do you know if vehicle had a/c issues

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I have no idea. Here in Alaska we don’t bother with AC too much. Good luck.

[@bellawright4265]

It's not a common problem. My 2000 f150 5.4 i bought new intake shot craps at the cross over at 21 yrs old and 300,000 miles. Installed a dormam 618 myself and no problems. A relatively easy job...took my time.

[@512texas]

Hey Jim I have a question my wifes 2002 ford expedition Eddie bauer has been sitting for about 7 months with out starting I put a new battery in it but no start it only cranks how can I troubleshoot the problem

[@m.alvelo2512]

check if your need to reprogram your transponder key

[@RickeyDG]

I've got a 2004 F-150 in my shop I'm getting ready to tear it down for the same exact problem also cylinder 7 misfire, what kind of money you charging.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

A little over 6.5 hours including the flush, all the plugs and COP boots, and diag time. Don’t forget an EGR gasket and the coolant crossover pipe gaskets, they don’t come with the felpro intake set.