Can't a guy cross a river without causing engine misfire?

[bugwubber]

First time I soaked the engine (~8" flooded street) caused cylinder 1 to misfire- didn't work to just dry the engine out, replace the plugs or boot. No, had to replace the coil.

Recently did about the same thing- now cylinder 5 is still missing a couple days later.

I did put a fair amount of dielectric grease on the boots and plugs with I replaced them.

Has anyone done any work to protect the engine/electrical from water spray?

'98 Expedition
5.4l 4x4

[sparkslg]

if the other coils are original ,chances are they will all start to misfire
Ford had a problem with the coils and have revised them from the original.
They are much better but still not great . If you are replacing them you should replace them with Ford in order to get the updated ones

[bugwubber]

I guess I just don't understand- what's the water doing to them? They look completely sealed from water intrusion...

[way2old]

Water can seep under the lip of the boot and ause a short through the side of the boot. It can also short the electrical connection and cause the coil to fail.

[rhandwor]

When you get water this high wouldn't it be cheaper to stay home than go to work and pay for repairs.

[bugwubber]

Funny thing is when I had to cross a real river while doing some back country driving in Utah, I had no problems cause I took it slow.

Guess I just didn't expect a "Ford Tough!" engine to behave like a faint girl caught in the rain. "oh! I'll just melt!"

Anyway, lesson learned.