My 2005 F150 FX4 5.4 is in the shop for head repair and the shop told me they are going to install Champion 515 in place of the motorcraft presently in it. They apparently, according to the shop tech, have had way much better luck with the Champions as opposed to the motorcraft. The engine (truck) has 114500 miles on it. I was going to install some E-3s that I had but was advised against it. I wonder why? The E-3 is a one piece as opposed to the dreaded 2 piece. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

As far as a repllacement plug, as long as you put nickel anti-seize on the new plugs they will come out much easier in the future. I would also replace them a little earlier as far as mileage. I have heard nothing good about E3 plugs including my own experience with them in numerous vehicles.....stick with either OEM Motorcraft or Champion plugs.

 

Guys,

I was told by the dealer that it was a $500.00 job to replace the plugs. I told them they were nuts and was going to do it myself. The Service Manager told me not to try it myself because the plugs get stuck in the block and because they break off and fall into the cylinder. When I got home I looked at my trusty Haynes manual and this is what it states "Ford has issued TSB 08-7-6 stateing that attempting to remove the spake plugs is likely to result in extended electrode breaking off in the cylinder head" It goes on further to explain this is for engine builds before 10/07.

I have been changing spark plugs on my own vehicles for ever, this is the first time I am a little nervous. I have a 2010 with a 5.4 should I be concerned or what? Any thoughts?

 

Ah excuse my ignorance guys,seeing that any late model effie is as scarce as hens teeth and worth a small fortune out here in australia,what does a 2 piece spark plug look like,they sound like they are a real pain in the A.

 

According to the thread the plug design was changed mid-year 08 to a 1 piece design. I would take that as they will not break since they are no longer the 2 piece design, however I haven't changed plugs in mine yet. I will more than likely do mine myself when I'm closer to 100K

 

Do it yourself. The 2010 has the revised plug and it is easy easy easy. Literally got done less than half an hour ago with my 2010 Expedition with 90k miles. Took 55 minutes from opening the toolbox to everything put up and hands clean. The passenger side is a smidge easier than the drivers side to me at least.....it was pretty tough gettin the torque wrench in on the drivers side. I bought Motorcraft plugs on Rockauto for like $65. No way I'd pay anybody more than $100 for labor on a 09 up 5.4. $500 even with parts is ludicrous.

 

Thanks Mike460 good to know. I will update when I do them.

 

I thought I read somewhere that when they changed the plug design they also changed the color of the cop. Can anyone help clear my head on this? Something about either a black cop or possibly a brown cop but can't remember which was good.

 

I replaced the 2 piece plugs and coils on my 2006 F-150 5.4 last fall. 120K. Used Seafoam through the intake, did the 1/4 turn of each and let them soak, and soak, 1/4 turn and soak. ALL came out without breakage. Patience is the key. Replaced with one piece Motorcraft plugs and Accel coils. The OEM two piece plugs I took out....UGH..... But they're gone now. Have 145K and running well. Going to trade it or sell it this summer and am currently looking for a 2010 or 2011 to avoid this job next time.

 

I'm not certain about the 5.4, but I know for a fact that December 2007 (middle of 2008 model year) is when the 3-valve 4.6 engines got the newer design spark plugs. Anything built after December 2007 should have no worries on spark plug changes.

When I do them, I use a light coating of anti-seize because the threads are so long on these new plugs Ford is using and it's just peace of mind later down the road.

 

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Hate to beat this dead horse some more but ... Took my 2010 F150 5.4 into dealership for plug change and was told I should prepare myself for the likelihood of higher charge due to potential for plugs being broken on removal. Everything I find online seems to indicate that the issue was resolved in '08, including the issued TSB, yet the dealer insists they've had the issue on other 2010 and later. Tried to get the straight scoop from Ford but they just kept referring to their dealer.

Am I being jerked by the dealership?

 

Being jerked. Changed them in my 09 and it had the new design plugs. All came out with zero problems. 08 was the year Ford made the switch.

 

I just did the job yesterday. On a scale of 1-10 I'd say maybe a 5. Did the plugs and the boots/springs. I used a Gear Wrench 9/16" plug socket that has a built in extension with a wobbly. As long as you have something like that and a number of other extensions and universals (for both the plugs and 7mm coil hold down bolt) you'll be fine. The only one that was the least bit tricky was the back drivers side. Factory service manual said 109 in lbs but I felt that was a little weak. I was somewhere around 125.

Again, pretty easy job. As long as you know you have the newer one piece plugs there is no reason you shouldn't do this yourself.