Fuel Rail and Spark Plug Change

Gage2502 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 05:46 PM

Hey guys im going to change the plugs on my 2000 Expedition 5.4L soon, I know that the hardest plug to do is the #4 if the fuel rail is in the way can I unbolt it or is there something more to the fuel rail than just unbolting it? Also does anyone know if these are the right pluge to use...Motorcraft Platinum AGSF22WM SP-479?
Also is it ture that it should take about 6hrs to do?
Thanks ~Gage~

dmorgan · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 06:25 PM

i did not remove the fuel rail to change my plugs, its tight but it can be done. not sure about the plug number i used autolight platinum plugs in mine. it took me abut 4 hours to change mine

Gage2502 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the info, I really dont want to mess with the fuel rail.
~Gage~

sbclemens · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 01:11 AM

Get yourself a locking extension for the plug socket. I only remove the fuel rail bolts connecting the rail to the intake manifold on the left bank to get better access to the bolt holding the #7 COP in place.

waboose · #5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 11:08 AM

I found that unclipping the wiring harness that runs along the fuel rail helps for more working room, just unhook the harness and move it up and outta the way.

alloro · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbclemens

Get yourself a locking extension for the plug socket.

At the very least...tape the extensions together and to the socket with black electrical tape. It helps to keep them from falling apart and ticking you off.

Gage2502 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 11:56 AM

I just bought some Craftsman locking extensions a few months back and there great.
If I unbolt the fuel rail form the intake manifold would I lose fuel, I just dont want to have to replace O-rings or anything. Also the torque for the plugs is 15ft LBS?
Thanks guys ~Gage~

alloro · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 04:03 PM

If you just unbolt the fuel rail for a little wiggle room, you'll be fine. If however, you lift the fuel rail off any of the injectors, or any of the injectors come out of the intake, then definitely replace the o-ring. If you do end up changing any o-rings, put a thin film of Vaseline on them and they'll pop right into place without any rips or tears.

A set of 8 o-rings is like $2, so it's a good idea to buy them and have them handy...just in case.

sbclemens · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 04:16 PM

If you unbolt the rail, remember you're just looking for wiggle room. Try your best NOT to pull an injector out of the manifold. If you do, inspect the seat carefully to ensure no garbage fell in.

vze2sgxa · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 05:58 AM

You don't need to remove the fuel rails. Check out my post from last winter:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/68...xperience.html

sbclemens · #11 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vze2sgxa

You don't need to remove the fuel rails. Check out my post from last winter:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/68...xperience.html

I don't pull the rail either. Just wondering how you remove and install the number 7 COP bolt. It seems it would be easier if you could loosen the rail and push it slightly out of the way.