Yay, my first problem with the car. Im still under factory warranty (for another 800 miles!) but I'd like to fix this car without having to take it in. Also, worried about them voiding my warranty anyway since I've flashed the ECU numerous times and have a meth kit installed, haha.
So Ive done very little research on this error code P0304, but I do know that it definitely feels like a misfire. Car has a slight vibration now and doesn't feel "right"
So from what I've read the first plan of attack is to replace the coil and plug...in this case on cylinder #4. Has anyone else had this same issue and found that that was the fix?
Also, where is the best place to buy OEM parts for this? Im assuming Tousely Ford as they were the best for OEM parts when I had my cobra...but don't know if we have a supporting vendor on here or some other place that has better pricing on stuff for our ecoboosts.
Thoughts?
looks like the FIRST thing I should do is just check the spark plugs
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/pubs/content/~WT/~MUS~LEN/3657/tsb11-08-19.pdf (http://www.fordservicecontent.com/pubs/content/~WT/~MUS~LEN/3657/tsb11-08-19.pdf)
I remember last time I looked at the spark plug coils and was curious at checking the gaps on the plugs....I remember them being very difficult to take off. I ended up not taking them off because I was afraid I was going to break something. Was I just being too "gentle" with them? Or is there some trick that I am too stupid to have figured out intuitively?
Have heard (Motorweek I think) that you should not pull out plugs in modern cars when engine is cold. Run the engine 30 seconds - 1 minute to get it a bit warmed up, then the plugs come out easier. Anyone else heard of this?
I have pulled my plugs out various times when engine was cool. 70-80F outside. NO problems. What year is your vehicle. The 2010's had a different plug# originally that caused one of mine to fail at around 30K.
When you get the plug out, check it both upside down & right side up. With my plug the firing pin actually was loose. When I turned it the way it was in engine, the pin touched the electrode so had failed. I would change all plugs out. Rock Auto is also a good place to get Ford parts. I buy both plugs and Motorcraft Oil Filters from them.
grabbed a set of 6 spark plugs from Rock Auto for $27.xx shipped. Not too bad! Local dealership was going to charge me $7.38 + tax on each. Out of curiosity I asked them how much they charged to change all 6 spark plugs......$240 in labor! Holy cow.
I found it easiest to just twist the coil packs back and forth after unbolting them. In back you have to loosen a bracket to get at them. I have changed all of them in less than 30 min. Ask your dealer if I can get a job!!!! Make sure your socket has rubber in it as that will hold the plug when it comes out. Plugs are pre-gapped and can't be easily re-gapped as pin is fragile.
#4 plug is center on on radiator side.
Replaced all 6 plugs. #4 was definitely my problem. The insulator thing broke off and was rattling loose. So that was what was causing my issue. Went ahead and replaced all the plugs while I was at it. Car runs better than it ever has now.
These are 49k mile plugs. about 2k of that is after I installed the methanol kit.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn170/AndyGrimmer/20131004_132659_zpsafa24928.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn170/AndyGrimmer/20131004_132651_zps2d767827.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn170/AndyGrimmer/20131004_132425_zps0cc42c62.jpg)
You'd think they'd last 100,000 miles! Better-running = win!
He was running Meth though(with a tune as well), so i am assuming they should be gaped a little closer to avoid blow out? I thought i read that on another forum
Exactly what happened to my #6 plug. Glad you fixed it yourself.
Quote from: Josephm on October 04, 2013, 05:44:05 PM
He was running Meth though(with a tune as well), so i am assuming they should be gaped a little closer to avoid blow out? I thought i read that on another forum
I wouldn't think meth itself would have the need for a closer gap to avoid blowout. But since I am running much higher boost (~18psi) I gapped down to .030. I did NOT gap down when I installed the Methanol kit...I just ran the factory installed plugs at whatever gap they were at...which is probably part of the problem. I don't know if the spark plug failed because it was just time for it to die (normal wear and tear) or if the higher boost levels and unregulated gap were to blame (blowout).
Either way, car is running all new plugs all gapped at .030" and it is running very smooth and very strong. :)