12 problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1998 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
# 5 spark plug blew out of my 1998 Ford F-150 5. 4 ltr engine. Returning home from alabama. I had just gotten through charlotte, nc when I heard the sound of a very bad exhaust leak. When I stopped and lifted the hood I could see the coil pack bouncing up and down. I had to pay a tow truck operator $420. 00 to tow me home. Took my truck to the local Ford dealer for repairs just to find out that this problem is very common with the 5. 4. It will cost about $300. 00 or more to repair with a heli coil. (that's if it is repairable with a heli coil). Have not gotten the final bill yet. Also, forgot to mention that the plugs where replaced in November 2009 by the carlot garage which I purchased the truck from.
The exhaust header bolts on my 1998 f150 pickup rusted and failed. To replace these $2 studs, a lengthy repair is required where the heads have to be removed from the vehicle and the studs that have broken flush with the aluminum heads have to be drilled out. An internet search on this problem indicated that thousands of Ford vehicles with the 5. 4 engine and aluminum heads are affected. The exhaust leak fumes come into the vehicle and are a potential source of fire. I have read reports of repair bills reaching $2000. I'm collecting information on how to repair this myself as I do not have $2000 to give to the dealer. This is a design failure that should have triggered a recall.
A spark plug popped out of the block in my 1998 triton 5. 4 F-150. This is the first time it's happened and hopefully the last. Looking it the problem online I've realized it's a common occurrence. My wife and two kids were in this vehicle and with a hole in the block shooting out unburned gas to the live spark plug it could have been a real problem. This problem needs to be addressed in the form of a recall, if nothing else to inspect and if the problem does exist, fix it. Would an inspection really find the defect though? from what I've read it pretty much happens all at one because there is only four threads holding these plugs into the block. Hopefully the problem does get addressed sooner than later, it's never to soon to correct a problem dealing with the safety of human life.
1998 Ford f150- 66,000mi. Developed a serious oil leak from the head. I have found out that this is common and Ford is well aware of it's recurrence. Besides costing $2000. 00 to repair, it is leaking heavily onto an exhaust pipe causing smoke and potential fire.
I have a 1998 Ford f 150 white smoke came from exhaust , no warning truck wouldn't start finally started, but it was knocking you could smell anti freeze, called tow truck and the engine was gone, only had 79,000 miles.
1) rough idle, white smoke from exhaust pipe, failure of both catalytic converters, unexplained loss of engine coolant. 2) hydro-locked engine, un-repairable engine damage. 3) quoted $3500 for rebuilt engine, no action yet taken.
About two weeks ago, I noticed that my 1998 Ford F-150 had steamy white exhaust upon start and it would last until sufficient warm-up. At that point, I did not think about it much. At any rate, I went out of town for two weeks and upon my return from my trip, I got in my truck and tried to start it and the engine would not turn over. Initially, I thought it was the battery so, I tried to jump start it to no avail. Next, I tried push starting it and initially the wheels locked up but eventually it started. From that point it was fine however, it wasn't until Friday that I tried to start it and again it was hard to start. When it did it started rattling indicating a possible bent push rod. Upon calling an engine mechanic, he informed me that there had been a rise in 4. 2 liter v-6 engine failures because of a known defect. It was at that time that I started doing internet research and came across TSB 99-20-7 and onp 99b29. At this point, my truck is in the shop being diagnosed and I'm sure the mechanic is going to tell me I need a new engine.
1998 Ford f150. Coolant in the oil, and serious engine noise. The are white vapors from the exhaust system. Has not taken vehicle to a service station yet. Unable to drive automobile.
(1) no events leading to failure. (2) started hard, heavy white smoke out the exhaust and knocking in the engine. Onsequences - #4 & #5 rods in cylinders stressed. (3) correction of failure - 4. 2l engine replacement at my expense. Ford would not back up even though I have obtained TSB-99-20-7 and this truck was manufactured 12/97. Recall was thru 5. 1. 97 and engine was put in trucks until 1. 15. 98.
Have had problems with my 1998 v6 Ford F-150 pick up, regarding coolant/water loss, so have continually done coolant maintenance. Started the truck up last Saturday 5/7/06 and the engine made an an awful sound, and white smoke came out of the exhaust. The truck was running fine the day before. My truck was towed to a mechanic yesterday, and they say the engine needs replaced, which will cost $4,000. 00 plus. I have seen many, many complaints from f-159 v6 owners, 1997-2000. I cannot afford to have the vehicle repossessed, as I still owe $4,000 plus on it. I cannot afford the rebuilt engine repair, and now have no means of transportation. Also, I am currently unemployed and looking for work. Ford company needs to do right by their customers, as this same problem has happened to so many F-150 owners. A class action suit is currently on-going in northern California, according to a consumer website. I never received a recall notice from Ford. Please let me know how I can join this class action lawsuit.
Emission hose incorrectly routed and rubbing on rear of air conditioner compressor suction fitting which has a sharp 90 degree edge. Dealer replaced and correctly rerouted hose.
Vehicle is burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles, and blue smoke is coming out of the exhuast. Dealer has been contacted.