Edward is right on the money. Also remember that the plugs can pull/strip the threads out of the heads and then you get to re-thread the heads, Just an FYI. I have seen several of these trucks go thru the plug changes, and most break 3-4 even following the TSB and 1 had to be re-threaded. So $500 isn't bad if it is a fixed price. Be certain to check on that as many local dealers in my area won't commit to a fixed price.

 

I have 97k miles on my '06, and just noticed some missing a couple of times. Seemed like tranny hitting kinda hard. Hit few times then quit. Otherwise seems to run fine.

Dealer diagnostics confirms its the plugs. They recommended a tune-up to include changing plugs, decarb TB, reflash ECM, and their $116 diagnostic charge of course. Best case scenario is $964, and worst case (all break) $1398. Holy crap!!!

Checked with my old independent shop for comparison. They said that is is typically $100 per cylinder, or $800 max total, if they break. Not sure if this covers the decarb, but definitely not the reflash or diagnostics. Pricing better but still steep compared to the charges indicated in this thread.

Having to seriously consider doing it myself though I have just about sworn off doing the most of my repair work due many factors including my available time. Keep a pretty tight schedule. And this on top of the roughly $1600 I just spent at Christmas on new tires, front end work, and rear shocks.

 

Hi guys.... just signed up first post

I just changed the plugs on my wife's 2007 explorer 4.6 V8. Did it under 1 hour using the tips from this video. IT WORKS!!

Ford 5.4 Liter 3 Valve Spark Plug Removal - YouTube

 

If its that easy, why does everyone have so much trouble?

 

I don't know.

I read all the posts about changing these and was prepared for the worst. I manage an O'Reilley Auto Parts store, so I bought the Lisle 65600 broken spark plug tool just in case.

The ford tsb says to have the engine dead cold, but the video said to get it to normal operating temp. I removed them while the engine was hot.

I started with a plug that was easy to get to thinking that if anything went wrong I could use the Lisle tool to get back to square one. The plug came out just like the video.... no issue. Feeling a little more confident, I pulled the other 7 with no problems.

The vehicle had 65,00 miles on it.
Was going to post a picture of the old plugs, but I'm not familiar with how to do it here.

Mike

 

I have seen a few other posts where folks used this method successfully. I was afraid of it and paid the price with 7 of 8 broken. Wish I had tried the impact wrench.

 

just did my plugs on the 5.4 with 89k. warm engine. pb blast a little bit, crack the plug loose , let sit , most of them i backed off then back in a little. NONE broke...WooooHOoooo took me 4 hours and the temperature outside under my car cover was about 40 degrees. Do it Yourself!!!!

 

Keisha9, U suk! LOL. I am jealous as I did all "the right stuff" then some and still broke 7 of 8. Spent about12 hours with it over two days. Good times, not. Congrats!

 

I just found/watched this video. Anyone else done this? I can't believe its this simple when I've read hundreds of horror stories doing it the TSB way

Bill

 

Changed all mine last weekend, tried the 3/8 impact (one the lowest setting trick) with the engine warm and let the impact hammer on them for a minute or so before I tried to break them free (vibrate the crap loose vs straight torque of a ratchet) and got them all out. 192,000 on mine motor, don't know how old they were but the electrodes were all but gone on most and some the ground straps were sooo worn I'm not sure how it even ran....