I have a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 liter V8 AWD and I have been having a flutter noise

COXFAMILY3JDS

MEMBER
2003 FORD EXPLORER
132,000 MILES

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6 liter v8 AWD and I have been having a flutter noise coming from what seems to be the engine. It is also coding on me that I have a misfire in the 3rd cylinder at startup at 1000 RPM. I have already had the boots and plugs changed on this not 6 months ago for the same problem and it is happening again. I do not know if that flutter has anything to do with it o not any suggestions or ideas as to what it could be? Also I have a hesitation as I drive between 45 to 55 MPH and there is a metal on metal rattle type noise as well that makes my car sound sort of like a diesel. This is our family vehicle and I have already spent too much trying to get this issue fixed but no one seems to know what is going on.

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check the fuel pressure, if you have low pressure it will give the misfire code. If that's good then check for vacuum leak or hoses that have holes worn in them, like on the valve cover. It can also be the injectors. Also clean the throttle plate with choke cleaner on both sides they tend togum up and stick.