2003 Ford Expedition ENGINE SHAKES

2003 FORD EXPEDITION
74,202 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SPLACKABOY
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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?
Jan 26, 2010 at 4:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Feb 1, 2010 at 1:40 PM
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SPLACKABOY
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i wouldnt know if the engine was maintained because i just bought the car.....it is a 4.6l v8
Feb 4, 2010 at 1:38 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Feb 4, 2010 at 6:24 AM