I've asked this question before I think, but didn't get a definitive answer so after searching the tech folder with no result I'll ask again here . I have an relatively new to me 2009 V10 3v and I am ready to do a plug change ( the first I believe for this engine) what I would like to know is what year, if any did Ford change from using the two piece plug to a one piece plug in manufacture of these engines? I ask because if the 2009 has a one piece plug I'll do it myself...but if they still have a two piece style plug I'll take it to a shop that has all the necessary tools to remove any that break. Thanks in advance for any help here.

 

It would appear you have the new plug that if never changed before you bought the truck they'll be the two piece design.

I don't have any real direct knowledge, this comes from looking at images on Rock Auto.

 

Thanks JWA, I was lead to believe that at some point in 2008 Ford went to a one piece plug in these engines. I guess the best thing to do is have my trusted local guy do the plug change, he did my 5.4l 3v and took care of the five that broke no problem and treated me fair on the labor. Me being 40 miles from the nearest garage/parts store I tend to air on the side of caution when doing my own mechanical work.

 

Not sure when Ford made that change but I do know Champion (??) had introduced the one-piece design soon after the Ford version for that engine.

Its wise to err on the side of caution in some instances---it's great finding a trustworthy mechanic who also works for fair prices. I have a few depending on the need so in that regard I'm quite lucky.

 

I recently picked up a 2008 F250 v10 and went through the same thoughts. Truck had 118,000 miles and I since I didn't know the state of the plugs I'd need to change them.

After much research about the 2 piece plugs and the stories of them breaking off, I came to the same crossroads. Do I risk changing them myself or pay the ridiculous amount for a shop to do it?

My internet research took me to the following resources which ultimately lead to me changing the spark plugs myself.

Wikipedia article on Ford modular engines:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_M...rk_plug_issues

Ford TSB that outlines the in-depth process to change the 2 piece plugs and extract broken ones, published April 01, 2008:
https://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_08-7-6.pdf

Basically, the TSB denotes the document applies to 6.8L 3V engines built before 10/09/07. Quick check of my engine manufacture date on driver side valve cover (bar code sticker) showed my build date was 03/13/08. I trusted the research and dove in head first to change the plugs. They were indeed a one piece design and easier to swap out than I imagined.

Good luck with yours.

EDIT;
Apologies, I clicked to save this post and browser flaked out. I guess it saved and I couldn't see it in the thread, so i posted the note below.

 

I just went through the same thought processes on my new to me 2008 F250 3V v10. I found the following resources during my research.

Wikipedia article on Ford modular engines and spark plug issues:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_M...rk_plug_issues

This TSB is referenced in the Wiki article and give much details on changing the two piece spark plugs:
https://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_08-7-6.pdf

Thread on F150 Forums that has some good info:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...v-engines.html

All boiled down, the TSB states that the documented instructions apply to 6.8L 3V v10's manufactured before 10/09/07. Also, it notes where you can confirm the manufacture date of your engine via a sticker on left hand valve cover. So, per the TSB, if your engine manufacture date is after 10/09/07 the instructions for two piece plug removal don't apply. My engine manufacture date was in March 2008, so all signs pointed to the one piece spark plugs for me.

Ultimately, I did change my spark plugs and found post #15 on the F150 forums to be true. My coil boots were brown and my truck ended up having one piece spark plugs.

 

Thank you, that's good news for you, I hope it turns out that way for me. I will check my build date and go from there.