Hi,
my cousin has an 08 f150 fx4, he is looking to change the spark plugs in it but has been told that that year had issues with the plugs breaking for some reason. can anyone shed some light on this issue and advise on it and which plugs to use to avoiid any problems?

 

By 08 the plugs were not an issue if I remember correctly. The 04-07's were designed with two piece plugs and they were seizing inside the plug head and breaking off. The 08's I think they started used anti-seize in the factory to help relieve the problem. Your cousin should be fine but just to be on the safe side a lisle tool would be a good thing to have on hand during the removal.

 

Ford changed the spark plugs shortly after the start of the 08 model year and coil on plug (COP) boot. Trucks built prior to 08 the COP boot is black and takes the SP515 plug, shortly after start of the model year 08 the plugs were switched to a SP509(ford removed the shield on the plug) and a brown boot on the COP. What happens is the carbon builds up on the shield end of the plug and binds the plug up on the threads. If you take your time, turn the plug out 1/4 turn then back in then out 1/4 turn until out you should have no problem. Place anti seize on the plug shield when you re-install the SP515's. Ford indicates to not place anti sieze on the threads.