5.4L 3V Spark Plugs replaced...no issues!
#16
03-04-2008, 04:17 PM
De-carbonizing heads
Hey man, I have called several of my buddies that have been racing for years, this is the first time we hear it. What I will try next time is run something like an "injector cleaner"; on racing motorcycles we use "Tolulene" to raise the octane, which is the main ingredient on your octane booster, this will clear all the carbon since is also a thinner.
#18
03-04-2008, 04:24 PM
50k
I had just installed JBA headers, upgraded computer, running 3" pipe from the headers to the back with an electric cut off.
So I did not see anything wrong with changing the spark plugs early. I had read on several threads that they were breaking after 50K, several of my friends had the same problem with their F250's.
So I did not see anything wrong with changing the spark plugs early. I had read on several threads that they were breaking after 50K, several of my friends had the same problem with their F250's.
#19
03-04-2008, 04:33 PM
Rotunda is Pricey $$$
Originally Posted by DRM2004
Just thought I'd report on a successful spark plug replacement on my 2004 5.4L 3V.
As I'm sure most of you know, the spark plugs on the 3V motor are designed with a long electrode which in some cases has been known to ceased up in the cylinder head, and breaking off in the cylinder head....therefore, turning a simple spark plug change into a nightmare.
I did have the Rotunda Sparkplug Puller Tool on hand just in case I broke a spark plug off in the cylinder head.
My truck had 41k miles on it. There was NO corrosion on the sparkplug electrode shaft....just carbon build up. Just follow the TSB on this website, loosen the plugs about 1/8 turn, and allow plenty of time for the penetrating oil to do its work (I waited for ~1 hour)....I used PB Blaster penetrating oil (worked great). The plugs did screech and moan on the way out, but nothing too dramatic. I was very careful, as I didn't want to have to try out the rotunda spark plug puller tool. I reinstalled Motorcraft plugs. Truck is running great!
As I'm sure most of you know, the spark plugs on the 3V motor are designed with a long electrode which in some cases has been known to ceased up in the cylinder head, and breaking off in the cylinder head....therefore, turning a simple spark plug change into a nightmare.
I did have the Rotunda Sparkplug Puller Tool on hand just in case I broke a spark plug off in the cylinder head.
My truck had 41k miles on it. There was NO corrosion on the sparkplug electrode shaft....just carbon build up. Just follow the TSB on this website, loosen the plugs about 1/8 turn, and allow plenty of time for the penetrating oil to do its work (I waited for ~1 hour)....I used PB Blaster penetrating oil (worked great). The plugs did screech and moan on the way out, but nothing too dramatic. I was very careful, as I didn't want to have to try out the rotunda spark plug puller tool. I reinstalled Motorcraft plugs. Truck is running great!
SPX Spark plug thread remover 303-1203
<!--Start Long Description-->
<TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>Essential tool needed for the removal of spark plug threads that break off in the cylinder head during their removal
Application: 5.4L TKIT2006SP-FLM TSB 06-5-9
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--End Long Description-->Price: $229.95
Even thou the tool is to remove the thread, in my case the thread came out clean but the electrode stayed inside. Dealership wants $94 bucks, still save some, it will be good to have anyhow.
Thanks a lot,
Last edited by wesFX4; 03-04-2008 at 04:36 PM. Reason: Explanation
#20
03-05-2008, 08:53 AM
Electrode won't come out
Just talked to the dealership, they cannot get the electrode to come out, so now the next step is to pull the head off and send it to a machine shop to clean the thread, now the bill suddenly grew to $2,600. A new head is $2,000 but with labor it comes up to $5,000, is almost the same as getting a new engine.
There is always a first time, looks like now it was my turn.
There is always a first time, looks like now it was my turn.
#21
08-29-2009, 06:33 AM
08 f250 plugs
They still have not uslved the proble of plug break even in an 08 5.4l dealer in cnad told me $650 plus just to change plugs so thought i would try it my self I followed instructions and what i read here to the letter and at 61K did not think i would have to much trouble , BAD mistake should have payd the big bucks i guess
#23
08-29-2009, 06:52 PM
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Head
I would have a new engine if a head cost $5000. Why have a used engine with a new head for the same money and you are at the mercy of the ability of the dealer to get it installed right and not screw up something else in the process? Please tell me this is not the case in the 4.6 as I have one.
#24
08-31-2009, 07:59 AM
#25
03-25-2010, 11:32 PM
Wierd but it worked
I just changed my plugs and only one was a bit stiff. I think i know why it was easy. About 3 weeks ago i removed the top rad hose and i spilt coolant all over the engine. The coolant leaked down into the spark plugs and was causing a very bad misfire on all the cylinders. (except one). and after removing and drying out every coil and blowing out the holes i had the misfire cured. However i decided to do my plugs today and while removing them i noticed they were very clean around the threads. I think the coolant spilled actually seeped past the plugs and cleaned up the carbon. The one plug that was tight actually never had any coolant spilt on it.
#26
03-27-2010, 12:47 PM
I just changed my plugs and only one was a bit stiff. I think i know why it was easy. About 3 weeks ago i removed the top rad hose and i spilt coolant all over the engine. The coolant leaked down into the spark plugs and was causing a very bad misfire on all the cylinders. (except one). and after removing and drying out every coil and blowing out the holes i had the misfire cured. However i decided to do my plugs today and while removing them i noticed they were very clean around the threads. I think the coolant spilled actually seeped past the plugs and cleaned up the carbon. The one plug that was tight actually never had any coolant spilt on it.
#27
03-28-2010, 08:55 PM
I had mine plugs changed at the same time I had the passenger side exhaust manifold leaked fixed at 95,000 miles, I'm glad I did as 6 out of the 8 plugs broke, total cost of $1050.00 dollars. Those plugs will get changed again at 50,000 to prevent that from happening, my shop even bought the special tool to extract the plugs.
#28
03-28-2010, 11:54 PM
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#30
03-29-2010, 07:21 AM
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So, is this a problem with all the 04-08 5.4s? Or was it fixed with the later models. I have an 07 with only 23,000 miles and am wondering when I should get this done. My factory warranty runs out in July as well. What worries me is corrosion form road salt as a result of living in the northeast. I already have some cleaning up to do underneath the hood. Why hasnt Ford acknowledged this problem as something they should pay for?