e series van runs rough

[deamon3]

I have a 98 e-series van with a triton v8. This is this vans second engine and it ran ok when it was installed but now runs very rough.

Prior to this it ran ok but would jiggle/shutter back and forth when at about 45mph or so. Now it's hard to get started , when started sounds like it's firing on maybe 5 of the 8 cylinders. Idles poorly and power is very low , accleration is very shaky and slow. Also the exhaust glows orange all the way back to the muffler.

From what I have read I thinks it's either plugs/ingectors/fuel filter , or all of the above. I have to take it to a shop simply becuase I've heardthe plugs are known to break off on these engines so better have them mess it up then me.

 

[swetrid]

Plugs dont break off in the 2 valve motors only 3 valve motors. Which engine? If it 5.4L it probably needs a couple of coil packs and spark plugs. 4.6L would need plug wires.

 

[IZwack]

If the catalytic converters are glowing red hot, then you've probably destroyed/melted their internal structure at this point which would clog the exhaust route. So during diagnosis, I'd remove/disconnect the catalytic converters.

 

[deamon3]

Well the air is still coming out the back and it doesn't happen if I drive it very very slowly and keep the revs down. And it's the 5.4L

 

[swetrid]

Any codes?

 

[deamon3]

got a code reader for me? lol

 

[IZwack]

Actually, what was I thinking, your O2 sensors wont work if you disconnect the cats. So at this point, you'll probably be forced to at least look at the existing cats and determine whether or not they are clogged/melted and then replace them accordingly.

 

[deamon3]

I won't be forced to do anything really , I just need ideas to tell them when I take it to the shop.