I have a question. i have read so many posts from people so scared of changing the plugs in their engines and wont do it untill 100,000 miles or get rid of the truck. i as well have a 2005 f 150 with the 5.4. it has 11,000 miles on it. yes the plug design sucks and could cost serious money to fix down the road. But why wait i plan on taking the plugs out now and applying a little never seize to the threads and the part of the plug shell giving all the problems, also add a little dielectric grease to the coil boot and cap seals to keep the water out of the plug well. I would think waiting so long would just make it worse and be dreading it all the while.

 

I've read all that, too. I talked to a guy that has worked on them and he told me they are a piece of cake. I think all the chatter is another instance of a lot of noise by a few that have had the problem. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed when it's time to change mine in about eight years!

 

My service manager told me to let them go to 50-60K and I should not have any problems that they have done quite a few and hadn't broke any off????

 

There you go!

 

I know a Ford tech here at a local dealership who says they use an impact to take them out,with no problems!

 

I asked one ford dealer what was the price to change the spark plugs on a 04 F150 with a 5.4
Their response was: IF they plugs break, you pay for the damages.
That was before they gave the the $400 + something price tag.

I'm going to do this soon and follow the TSB directions, and I don't think I'll have any problems. Sounds like Kroil is a big key to doing this successfully.

 

It is my understanding that this spark plug problem only effects 04 or 05 models. I have a 2007, do I need to worry?

 

I to fell victim. I've got 115k miles on it and I was told at 40k, 72k, and 85k by the dealer to wait until I absolutely have to before I change them-so I did. All of the tricks have been followed, the porcellen has been chiselled away and an extractor tool is being used on it as we speak. 3 of 8 broke. Hopefully all goes well with the extractor tool.

 

I would make darn sure that there is no porcelin pieces that could have gotten into the engine or it will ruin the motor rather quickly, unless the heads have been removed.

 

I had the same question and concern. They said that whatever was used had some sort of vacuum or suction to it and won't be a propblem. I was just told that the extraction will start in the morning so I plan to go in to have a look at it for myself before they start work.

 

Your understanding is in-correct there has been no change to the heads of the 5.4 from 04 until now they are using a cooler plug but the heads are the same and the long reach plugs are the same.

 

I think all the chatter is another instance of a lot of noise by a few that have had the problem. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed


We will soon see you non-believers of this plug problem. I too thought I had the problem under control till I broke one of mine. cost me several nights of sleep. I wont go into it just my 2 cents. 04 fx4 5.4 44,000 miles.

 

Regardless of this plug issue, I have 100% enjoyed my truck. I originally purchased (borrowed) a Titan and returned it , I kept my reciept. I have not regretted getting the F150 instead and I have no reason to not get another, despite this sugery it's currently under. I have 115k miles and I really have not had a problem with the truck outside the normal wear and tear and the cost of that.

 

Impact tool didn't work. The plugs were not able to be extracted. The plugs that are stuck are, of course on both sides of the engine, so I am being told that they need to remove the heads to be able to get them out now. Not good news--$2100.00 and 3 days. This is probably pushing to be about 1/2 the cost of a new long block? Any other suggestions or thoughts before I pull the trigger on the head removal?

 

The Ford TSB covers plug extraction with the heads on. Motorcraft has a special plug tool. Ask them why they are taking the heads off when the TSB specifically spells out how to extract the remnants of the plug WITHOUT removing the heads.