Im coming up on 100K on my 2003 5.4L SD. I called the dealer about changing the plugs which I know is a pain in the ***. He said the job was $400, but might be extra if the plugs snap off? My question. I know getting the plugs out are a problem but should I have to pay more because of that? Kind of an opinion question. I personally dont think it should be on me to pay additional cost. but that me.

Any suggestions or comments?

 

'03 should not have that issue of the plugs snapping. It was in the '05 I think when they went to the 3V.

 

Change them yourself, it's not that bad. Or you can wait till it spits them out, just did my 3rd helicoil, 5 more to go; in 223k miles not to bad. lol

 

Your dealer is confused or trying to rip you off.

 

I agree with Redford and with JH. I changed mine at 105,000 and had no issues at all with plugs breaking. Just take your time loosening them and they'll come right out. The two worst plugs to get at were the passengers side rear. The drivers side rear was a bit difficult, but not as bad as those other two.

Also, I did not have to remove my fuel rail, but I did loosen it and move it out of the way a bit. Overall it was not a bad experience. About an 8 pack job or so.

 

I hate when dealers pull this crap, which is why I like this forum so much.

 

You can change them yourself, it isn't that hard.

why are you changing them at 100K?

 

It's the recommended replacement interval

 

Agreed. It's why I changed mine. My truck was still running fine, but after 105,000 miles, I figured it was time. My plugs didn't look that bad (see page 2 of this link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...gas-smell.html). It seemed to run a little smoother, but for sure it just felt better.

 

I changed 7 of the plugs in about an hour, I didn't have to loosen or remove the fuel rail.

 

Dealerships... the same crooks who wanted me to give them $800+ for a bumper...

 

Buy oem plugs and use dielectric grease. But don't use the grease like you are starring in a **** flick as it will cause you problems. A guy I work with was handing me stuff as I was doing a v-10 and he lubed it like a **** star and handed it to me. All I could say was Good lord and make him put down the dielectric grease and clean the coil boot off.

 

Just do it yourself, i did mine not too long ago and it took about 2-3 hours. Just remember to torque them properly. Also, for the back drivers side COP hold down screw, you are going to need a 7mm wrench because its pretty hard to fit a 7mm 1/4" socket and ratchet on there

 

What is the torque on the spark plugs? I have to take the passenger side exhaust manifold off tomorrow to fix the broken bolts figured id do the spark plugs also

 

I torqued mine to 11 ft lb