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Old Sep 20, 2012 | 05:49 PM
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Spark plugs

Any recommendations on plug types for my 04 F250 SD 5.4L? Also how hard is changing the going to be?

Thanks
 
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Old Sep 20, 2012 | 05:57 PM
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It isn't the hardest job. These trucks like the stock Motorcraft platinum spark plugs.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2012 | 08:11 PM
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Not hard to change them. The Motorcraft SP479 is a good plug to use and is an OE replacement. I bought some Autolite XP103 Iridiums to test but I will not recommend them until they are in service for a while. The Autolite plugs will work well and Autolite makes the Motorcraft plugs, I just prefer the Motorcraft due to the Nickel plating. Rock Auto has good prices on plugs.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2012 | 08:24 PM
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Yup. What you pull out is what you put in. Mine was about an 8 pack job. The two rear on the passenger side were the hardest. Do those first and get your cuts and bruises out of the way!
 
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Old Sep 21, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Thanks for the info. I just didn't want to throw some random plugs in and have them crap out quick. My car only likes ngk or champion. So I figured I'd ask and see what everyone is using.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 03:32 PM
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Got the plugs changed as well as my fuel filter. I loosened the fuel fails and some vac lines to get the far back ones. Not too hard... No scraped knuckles. I ended up going with the autolites since they had good reviews from some local ford people I know. Got my oil changed and now just need some new wiper blades and I'm set for hunting.


Thanks to those of you who posted info.

-Nick
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 04:44 PM
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Try 24 inch blades.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 06:52 PM
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There ya go! Did you get the PCV Valve? It's a piece of cake to change it if not.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by edjunior
There ya go! Did you get the PCV Valve? It's a piece of cake to change it if not.
No I did not change it at the time. But there is a lot of oil build up on that side which makes me think its leaking.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:17 PM
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His 04' should ahve a different PCV valve than the 99'-03' trucks. It is a blue colored with the tab release connectors. My 04' is that way anyway, my dads 03' has th eolder setup.

Must have been the plug change weekend. I did the plugs on my dads 03' 6.8 on sat and put those XP103 Iridums in. In the the process I found his K&N intake tube had partially collapsed at the mold part line and was leaving in unfiltered/unmetered air. That explains the detonation he was having. Machined up an aluminum sleeve for inside the tube. Runs much better now.

Autolite has a rebate on plugs right now. Will be getting $20 back for the 10 Iridium plugs.

Here is the form. Autolite Spark Plugs - Choose your region | Autolite®
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:25 PM
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That's great. I'll have to send in the rebate. Yes my pcv has a green tab and it clicks off. Still thinking it might be the leak.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:28 PM
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I get some misting on the valve cover around the PCV valve. I just wipe it off every now and then. My truck may use 1/2 a quart in 3k-4k miles but is not really noticeable. In a lot of cases you will notice the oil consumption noticeably increase with a bad PCV valve.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:36 PM
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With 3500 miles since my last oil change and i put maybe half a quart in during that period. So it's not a bad leak. Probably just the misting thing that has not been wiped away.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 07:38 PM
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I would not worry about it. If oil drips on the ground or collects in the valley, then worry about it. If you have ever had an old V8 with the breather elements on the valve covers they can mis the the entire engine compartment with oil.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2012 | 11:28 PM
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Motor craft only... Ohreilly has motor craft parts for cheaper. Remove the plus when the engine is hot, definitely not cold!
 
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