Have a 2005 F350 4x4 SRW 5.4L with roughly 90k miles and I am replacing the original plugs. Broke three out of seven which was expected and have them replaced. You probably noticed I wrote 7 plugs above. The 8th plug which happens to be the #8 plug is giving me fits. I can't get a socket on it. The socket spins smoothly by hand with no ratchet over the plug but no upward movement. I cleaned the base of the hole thinking it might have some debris preventing it from hitting bottom. From what I can see after cleaning and blowing it out, the base of the hole is clean and there plug appears to have something for the socket grab onto. Out of curiosity, I have tried smaller and larger sockets in both 6 and 12 point with no luck. Is it possible the plug was set too deep in the head from the factory? Looking for ideas to get this last one out. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like the threads in the head are stripped and still attached to the bottom part of the plug. Or there's something in the way of the socket

 

Read this:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/tsbs/ful...&tsbno=06-15-2

You may have a MODE 2 failure.

 

I wish the plug broke leaving the piece in the head. I have had plenty of practice removing them. The problem I am experiencing is the socket is spinning over the jam nut like it is riding on top of or it is rounded. This was the case when I first put the socket down the hole and turned the extension with my hand to make sure it was on. The other time this happened on a different truck, it was debris in the hole. Not this time though. Not a good feeling.

 

Redford posted a link read mode 2 again

 

If the plug was stripped which it very well might be, besides stuffing dollar bills in the wiring harness (joking),how should I get it out?

 

I am sorry. I did not read your link properly the first time. I will soak it and prey for the best.

 

Good luck. Let us know how you do with it

 

Ordered a spark plug removal kit from OTC. It is suppose to twist the porcelain with the nut. Don't know it is any good but willing to try it. Recommendations for other brands/types is welcomed. I do have the Lisle broken plug extractor. Also, I have a strange feeling another new tool is my future if the threads are indeed gone. Any suggestions on which retreading kits to begin looking at? Otherwise, nothing new to report.

 

What a disaster, after all these years of technological know how we are reduced to removing spark plugs with a "special tool" all because some tool in the design department forgot how it was done so easily previously......shame on you Ford, shame.

 

Changing plugs used to be a 20 minute job that 99% of people could do at home. The dealer here charges $600 to change the plugs on a modular engine and most people won't attempt the change themselves. I haven't had any problems out of my 2v 5.4's, but I take my time with them and torque them properly. With the 3v it looks like you might as well plan on at least 3 or 4 of the factory plugs breaking off.

 

Update on plug. New tool arrived, yeah! New tool broke the porcelain just below the jam nut. Everything from the jam nut down is still in the head. Any thoughts or ideas on how to proceed?

 

Thanks for all your advice and input. It was an adventure but it is fixed. Had to remove the head to get the plug out. The jam nut was rounded. I just do not understand how it was rounded. Bought the truck new and this was the only time this plug was addressed.

 

wow....what an adventure....guess my plugs are going to stay in there until the truck does not start anymore or starts missing big time.