I read recently that Ford changed the TSB for the plug removal. In it, they state the use of Ford carb cleaner. What I am wondering, since I am going to the store for the final stuff before the S/C install, do I need to buy the Ford specific carb cleaner or will any name brand cleaner do the trick. It is just one more stop and a premium I would rather not pay if all things are equal.

Thanks,
Greg

 

http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricant...d/tsb/0819.pdf

For reference, here is the new TSB I am referring to.

Thanks,
Greg

 

If it makes people feel any better that the label says "Ford" on it great. However, it's probably just another penetrating lubricant like PB Blaster...which is a GREAT product! Heck they might even make it for Ford.
On a side note and just for giggles, I spoke to a friend that works at a pretty well known repair shop here in town. I asked with all the 5.4's he has worked on in reguards to spark plugs (if) he ever had one break off in the head. He said "nope but we have the tool just incase". They lube them, let it soak for a few minutes, and out they come.
He purchased a new 06 F150 with the spark plug problem heads...doesn't seem to worry about it, not one bit.

 

i asked two guys i know who also work at large shop and they said they just pull them out like another plug..maybe they just got lucky who know

 

Just use Kroil. Its what Ford originally recommended before they changed it to recommend their more expensive stuff.

 

I replaced my plugs 2 weeks ago. I have an 05 with the 5.4. I can't see a carburator cleaner being better than kroil as a penetrant. I used the kroil. Cracked the plugs about 1/8 turn and let it soak over night. A few minutes IMO is NOT enough. 40,000 miles and they did'nt come out easy.

 

The reason they reccomend using the Kroil or the Ford Cleaner is not to loosen the threads, but rather to soften the carbon build up on the spark plug's sheild. That is the part that gets stuck to the wall of the head. The carbon 'glues' them together. Whatever you use needs to be able to wick it's way in,and once it does it needs to be able to soften the carbon build up. Leaving it too long will just allow the carbon to harden up again. There has not been a problem with the threads being seized up, so don;t think that is the reason for the TSB.

 

Will you explain the "and they did'nt come out easy" part? I'm changing them on my 05 next weekend & trying to gather information from others.

Thanks,
Willie

 

Lol, so Ford switched the TSB on these horid heads to carb cleaner, not becuase it worked better, but to make a $ on the back end.

 

Is that why they did it? How are they making an extra buck off of changing the TSB from a warm engine to a cold engine?

I'd hate to think that maybe they found something to cut the carbon a little better and updated the procedure. Maybe changed the engine temperature thing to keep it from evaporating before it did it's job. It's got to be the 1.00 profit per job that they can make every once in a while, it just has to be.

 

Notice "no lubricant on threads when installing new plugs but to coat part of the shield".

 

Steel threads going into a aluminum/alloy head and Ford doesn't expect me to use a touch of silver Antisize on the threads...yea right.
Been going that on my Harley plugs for 38 years.

 

I agree here, I am definitely using anti-seize on the threads. I don't curr what they say, my experience tells me differently.

 

What I meant was, you have to be patient and gentle. The kroil will soften the carbon, but they won't come out like they went in. You will here some screaching. As you loosen them, you will have to play with them. Did you read the TSB ? Follow it to the letter. Be patient. Let them soak. Don't force them, or they will break.