Spark Plug Help
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ontario,Canada
Spark Plug Help
Well I decided to do the dreaded spark plug change on my 06 started at 6:45 with taking the cops off and backing off the plugs to get some cleaner down in there over night.started on #5 using my 1/2" torque wrench set to 25 ft lbs.broke #5 loose and it was really easy to turn,thought oh crap it's broke so I kept turning and out it came so did #6,7,8,1,2.but #3 I didn"t even need the wrench on it,it was so loose that I turned it out by hand,probably explains the squeaking noise I heard after changing #3 cop.Now here's where I need the help.#4 plug I can't even get the socket to fit over the nut,I'm definitely on the plug but something is stopping it from going all the way down.blew it out 3x and still no go.put a small screw driver down there to feel if there was any debris in the hole but it's a tight fit and as far as I can tell it's ok.so far total time to r&r 7 plugs 2hrs.I'm going to grab a small mirror tomorrow and see if I can peer down there to see what's stopping the socket.anyone else run into this problem?I'll post picks of my old plugs tomorrow.they weren't all carboned up like some I've seen.Thanks for any suggestions
Terry
Terry
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ontario,Canada
Well it turned out to be some grit down in the spark plug well.after digging down with a screwdriver and dental pick it blew out with the air hose.again no combustion cleaner or anything and it turned out like a regular plug.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: San Jose, CA
#3 cylinder looks got something going on there. Looks like carbon fouling due to bad ignition quality like a weak COP?? All of mine came out looked brown like your other ones. How's the truck been running before the plugs came out? Any signs of misfiring or bad idling?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: hudson valley area ny
God, I wish I read this Friday as I finally got a code for a misfire and decided to change cop's and plugs on Saturday. I have the 4.6L but had the same problem with #4, crap built up around the plug and couldn't get the wrench down on it, couldn't see anything down there and couldn't figure out what in the hell could be wrong. Changed the 1st 7 in about 35 mins, then spent an hour trying to change #4 before getting out the long fine screwdriver. Funny because besides #7 bad cop plugs 2 and 3 were loose, hand tight and the color was very white/lean. The misfire plug was totally "worn" with no platium tip left.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: San Jose, CA
Just out of curiousity--what's the Motorcraft part number on your plugs?
I replaced my original plugs with MC's latest SP515's. The original ones came out with a bone-chilling squeal because they're so tight. Fortunately, none broke on me.
When I put in the new ones, they twisted in all the way almost freely until they seated which was a bit strange...maybe they reduced the threaded diameter to the other extreme in response to all of the early issues of being way too tight . Now this has me wondering if I'm going to have to go in there and recheck torque after a while.
My old ones were visibly worn with 68K miles on them. A side of the ground 'loop' right next to the electrode was worn, and the gap was about twice that of the new ones. Not sure to me how they would have made it to the 100K factory change interval. Plus, the truck was idling like crap; now it's smooth like silk.
I replaced my original plugs with MC's latest SP515's. The original ones came out with a bone-chilling squeal because they're so tight. Fortunately, none broke on me.
When I put in the new ones, they twisted in all the way almost freely until they seated which was a bit strange...maybe they reduced the threaded diameter to the other extreme in response to all of the early issues of being way too tight . Now this has me wondering if I'm going to have to go in there and recheck torque after a while.
My old ones were visibly worn with 68K miles on them. A side of the ground 'loop' right next to the electrode was worn, and the gap was about twice that of the new ones. Not sure to me how they would have made it to the 100K factory change interval. Plus, the truck was idling like crap; now it's smooth like silk.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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I just bought a 2004 5.4 with 60K on it. I was wondering if I should change the plugs this winter, I may have 65K on it by then or should I wait until the 100K mark if I don't have any problems? Also has anybody used WD40 as a penetrant oil? I already have a gallon of it and it works well for most of my needs. I would take all weekend and soak the plugs overnight after slight loosening. I think any extra soaking time would be beneficial. So far it's been a dream truck and would like to keep it that way! Thanks for your opinions on this subject.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Henrico, VA
No need to change the plugs at 60-65k. These plugs can be a pain but its not the end of the world. We have learned how to deal with it around here and they come out pretty easily. I would wait until 90-100k.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Lexington, SC
I replaced mine at 67K on my 06 2wd and they were definitely shot. The gap was way out. I don't know what the history of the truck was before 38K when I purchased and don't think that the previous owner could have done anything to cause premature wear, but my plugs were gone at 67K. The gap was twice that of the new MC plugs. This might not be consistent with everyone but was my experience. I will definitely be replacing mine at the 60K mark next time to evaluate. BTW my experience is limited to just my 06 5.4l Shawn
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Well thanks for the input. The truck runs great now and I'm from the school of if it's not broke don't fix it. In reality I can't tell if it still has the original plugs in it or not, you really can't see them good enough. I think I'll wait, I really don't put alot of miles on the truck anyway, by the time I reach 90K will probably be two years from now.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ontario,Canada
Cylinder #3 had a P0303 misfire code last Saturday,moved cop to #1 and code followed it,replaced cop and decided it was time to do the plugs.replacement plugs are SP 515.also ordered a set of new Motorcraft cops online for $160 for 8.truck had a slight miss at idle.now after plug change it idles perfect,my ticking is gone and it feels like I've got 330HP again 
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Joined: Jul 2011
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Clean out the carbon before changing the plugs.An Induction system cleaning at a dealer or other reputable shop would help. A fuel system cleaner along with a tier 1 fuel [Exxon,Mobil,Shell ect.] would be a cheaper alternative.
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