02 Explorer 4.6L Oil On Top Of Plugs

[DavidS]

I've got a '02 Explorer EB 4.6L V8 and finally got around to changing the spark plugs after 150K miles (I know, I know). After pulling the left bank (from driver's position), I found that the back three of the plugs wells evidently had noticeable amounts of oil in them. This wasn't apparent until I removed the plugs which caused the plug socket and everything above the threads to be pretty well coated in dark motor oil. The electrode and ground portions of the plugs that are inside the heads were clean although somewhat eroded from the many, many miles on them. I started on the right hand bank and after pulling the front plug, it was clean just like the other side. I'm going to have to pull the intake hose section to be able to access the coils and plugs for the other three.

I also have another issue that I don't know if it's ignition-related or not. Often times in traffic stopped at a light in gear, it makes a chugging kind of sound, almost like a miss or something originating from what seems like the air intake. I've been under the hood when this starts up and it goes away immediately upon increasing the rpms of the engine. Any ideas folks? I've noticed the tachometer will wobble slightly when this is happening, which is quite regularly.

Does anyone have any idea what's going on with these? It has recently started using oil out of the blue (about 1/2 qt every 500 miles), but no leaks under it and no visible smoke. I first thought major issues but after seeing that the plugs business ends were okay, I was puzzled. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks to all!

 

[Jayness@psn]

Sounds like a valve cover gasket for the oil on the plug. I think the chugging could be from the oil preventing the proper spark. Check to see if you see any oil around outside of engine.

 

[jakedrew]

I would fix that small oil leak around the plugs.


How hard is it to do the plugs? Any tips?

Do you have to remove the fuel rail? or is there enough room to sneak the coil out?



good luck

 

[Jayness@psn]

Keep fuel rails on. Coils pull out and plugs with an extention works fine, just a little tight.

 

[jakedrew]

^ thanks for the reply.


(i see you are from mueskego. I used to live in new berlin. Long time ago i worked at Sentry. My parents still live in new berlin. I moved up towards Wausau.)

 

[DavidS]

That engine is made freakin' odd after being familiar with V8s of years ago. I can't even tell where the valve covers really are on it. I'm sure my PCV is due for replacement but after disconnecting the hose, only a short white nub of what appears to be plastic is showing. This whole coil over plug deal with the plugs in the head is new to me and in fact, this is the first V8 I've ever owned. I've only worked on them a generation ago when everything was a bit more accessible. Any tips on removing the PVC valve and the big air intake hose assembly in order to access the other three plugs? Thanks in advance!

 

[DavidS]

Jakedrew, I thus far haven't had to do anything with the fuel rails but a universal joint and a short and long extension are definitely called for. I couldn't find a 9/32" socket to remove the coil bolts in 3/8" drive, only 1/4". I had to buy a 1/4"M X 3/8"F adapter, adding to the length in those tight spaces.

 

[bookbinder]

I had the same oil in the plug well. Was real worried until I read this thread. I will be replacing VC gaskets for sure. The whole reason I was in there was a P0308 (misfire on #8) rough running, low power, poor mileag and of course the SES. I pulled the #8 coil pack with a 7mm socket and cleaned the coil and boot as well as the spring. When I went to pull the plug I test fit to see if all would clear the fuel rail. When I pulled it out to attach my ratchet it was covered in oil. I freaked. Ford put dye in oil last change to see where it was going as I was a qt. low between changes (w/185,000 miles). Now I KNOW where it is going. There were going to sell me something I'm sure. Anyway, long story short no more rough running, P0308 or SES and I know where my nice clean oil has taken up residence. Rick