2003 Ford Expedition ENGINE SHAKES

SPLACKABOY

MEMBER
2003 FORD EXPEDITION
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
74,202 MILES

MY FORD EXPEDITION 2003 HAS A SHAKING ENGINE WHEN I TURN IT ON. THE CAR GOES WELL BUT IS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUGS AND FOUND A LITTLE TRACE OF OIL. I CLEANED IT OUT, AND PUT BACK THE SPARK PLUGS FOR 5 SECONDS THE ENGINE STOPPED SHAKING AND THEN SHOOK AGAIN. COULD I HAVE A DAMAGES HEAD GASKET AND DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEAD GASKET?

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 AT 4:53 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Actually, if you have maintained the engine, chances are there is nothing wrong with it. Both V8's available will go 200K if properly maintained and not abused. Is this the 5.4L V8? Also, have you checked for vacuum leaks? Has the check engine light come on?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 1:40 PM

SPLACKABOY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I wouldnt know if the engine was maintained because I just bought the car. It is a 4.6l v8

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Thursday, February 4th, 2010 AT 1:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Chances are it just needs a good tune up. If you are concerned about the heads or head gaskets, you need to check engine compression. If it is low, a head gasket or valve could be the problem.

Here is a how to.

https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_check_compression.htm

Since you just got the car, I would recommend a tune up as maintenance and check for vacuum leaks.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Thursday, February 4th, 2010 AT 6:24 AM