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Any suggestions on removal of plugs to avoid breakage....
And suggestions on removal of carbon that causes that breakage...
This is what I have heard so far.
1. Run SuperTech in 3 tanks of gas before spark plug change.
2. Crack open plug about 1/4 turn and replace plugwire. Start engine and let it run for a few minutes to help dislodge carbon buildup.
3. Crack open plug about 1/4 turn and pour SuperTech carb/injector cleaner on plug and let it soak for 30 minutes.
4. Blow out any trash from the plug so it does not fall into the cylinder
5. Pray
My question is other than a metal bottle brush how would I remove the carbon buildup that caused the plug to be "sticky" in the first place and keep it from contaminating the cylinder. Seems to me any attempt to clean the plug threads in the head or remove the carbon would cause the reminants to fall into the cylinder causing further issues.
I've used a brass bottle brush each time I've changed spark plugs, w/o any ill after effects - (200k + miles). I believe it is a very beneficial practice. I suppose a piece of rag attached to a coat hanger and soaked with B-12 Chemtool or some equivalent solvent would work, but would be somewhat more tedious.
I rotate my engine (with all plugs removed) to TDC for each cyl in turn to avoid this problem https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...lp-piease.html . Any crap (carbon dust) that gets into the cyl will exit the exhaust valve post-haste on startup without causing any problems. And this procedure preserves the "heat range" design intent of the long barrel spark plugs. 5.4 issues - misfire - F150online Forums
But, until and before the carbon is removed the first time, be sure to have access to a Lisle tool. Subsequent plug changes (at < 60,000 mi) after I started doing this has resulted in no broken plugs for me.
I've had the best luck using a 3/8 impact to remove the plugs with the engine warm. Performing an Italian tune up and/or using some Techron fuel system cleaner(or similar product) MIGHT help break up the carbon. The redesigned SP515 spark plug has a different heat range to help prevent the build up. I believe SP507 was the original part and has been superceded.
All joking aside, you are not planning on reusing them are you?
Have you tried to find out what is causing the carbon in the first place? A well tuned engine should not be carbon fouling the plugs.
All joking aside, you are not planning on reusing them are you?
Have you tried to find out what is causing the carbon in the first place? A well tuned engine should not be carbon fouling the plugs.
@KW7DSP, given what you're driving, we'll forgive you for not getting it. "Carbon fouling" ain't what we 5.4L 3v owners are up against. I've even cleaned and reused carbon fouled plugs before in my life - but by the time you twist and chisel the carbon seized plug electrodes out of the head of a 5.4, you damn sure aint gonna reuse them.
That may be why my 2000 Mercury Marque LS is still running the original plugs at 135,000 miles. I am afraid to try and change them.
P.S. The Ol' Merc still runs great and looks good (Actually it is for sale too) and if we didn't have so many vehicles I would keep it for another 100,000 (well maybe 70,000). I would drive it anywhere.
10-14-2015, 09:45 PM
CAN'T be reused, FOR SURE
