Good News! The second spark plug change was MUCH easier then the first.

I replaced the original spark plugs at 40K. I didn't break a plug during that first change, but the plugs were really screeching and moaning on the way out. Along with being pretty hard to turn out. I followed the TSBs removal instructions.

I was really hoping the second set would come out easier, since I put the nickel anti-seize on the ground electrode shield of the replacement set, as recommended by the TSB.

I followed the TSB when removing the second set except, I used Aero-Kroil instead of the carborator cleaner.

I loosened the plugs 1/8th to 1/4th a turn, then let the plugs soak for 1 hour before I started wrenching them out. I'm very happy to report that the second set came out with no drama at all. I didn't get any squeeking and moaning as the plugs were being removed. They came out fine.

I could have waited longer to replace these plugs but I wanted to replace at the same interval as the originals (40K miles) in order to be able to really see if the anti-seize made a difference.

In conclusion, the anti-seize will make your future plug changes much easier.

Here are some pictures of the second set of plugs that were just removed. There is some carbon build up, especially around the upper ground electrode shield.

 

The first plug in the second picture is missing part of the ring where the shield goes into the plug.......where is it? Hopefully not in that cylinder!

 

I took that second picture close up to show the carbon build up. The broken ring you mentioned is only carbon build up. Here is a picture of a new plug for reference.

 

Oh,ok.I have the 4.2 so I did not know that is where carbon builds up on those type plugs.BTW,that is alot of carbon!

 

Why did you go with the Motorcraft plugs instead of the Champions?
Either way, glad the anti-seize worked.