It looks as though I have the later model heads (brown boot) that have the more standard spark plug type. I have heard and read the procedures for changing out the later year models to try not to break the plugs. My question is what precautions if any are needed on the 2008 and newer models. If they are regular spark plugs should there be any worry?

Please help!

 

The 2008+ trucks have 1 piece spark plugs. Just follow the normal spark plug maintenance procedure, do not overtorque, and you'll be golden.

 

Thanks MSG. Was in the army myself got out as an E-5 and went back to school 35 years ago or so.

Called the Ford house today to try to confirm that i have the newer model heads because i have the brown boots below the COP. The parts counter says yes the brown boots means newer heads, but when i gave him my VIN number he told me that it said i should have the black boots which means that i may have the dreaded spark plugs that come apart. He told me to talk to the service department and the head technician stated that boot color did not mean a thing. He said the only way is to pull a plug out and check.

So here is my dilema. So do take the plunge or do i just take it in. Tough call. If I can pull one successfully and find it is the new type of plug I am in luck. If i break it, i either will have to buy the extraction tool or pay for the tow to the mechanic.

Does anyone know how to tell what plug you have for sure without having to remove one? I just don't trust the Ford House.

Please help.

 

I started in the Army also, 1977-1981, acquired MOS 36L, 36C, 72C and 55D in 4 years.

Look at your truck build date. If it is before the date listed below, you know you have the old style plugs.

From the TSB: Some 2004-2008 F-150, 2006-2008 Mark LT, 2005-2008 F-Super Duty, Expedition, and Navigator, with 5.4L 3-V engine; 2005-2008 Mustang, 2006-2008 Explorer, Mountaineer, and 2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac with 4.6L 3-V engine; 2005-2008 F-Super Duty, 2006-2008 and F-Stripped Chassis, with 6.8L 3-V engine may experience difficulty with spark plug removal. This may cause damage to the spark plug and leave part of the spark plug in the cylinder head. Affected engine build dates are as follows: 5.4L 3-V and 6.8L 3-V before 10/9/07, 4.6L 3-V before 11/30/07.

 

Do yourself a favor and get the Lisle 65600 spark plug removal kit, before you start removing your plugs, I read that same TSB before changing my brothers 08 built 03/08,and thought I was home free, I broke six, I cannot praise the Lisle spark plug removal kit enough. I also followed Fords procedure using Fords carb cleaner to soak the plugs, I let them soak overnight. Good luck, but if you do snap one off, it is not a big deal if you have the tool. I agree with Redford 99.9% of the time, but gonna have to disagree on this one. make sure you use anti-seize, but not to much, if you have a misfire when your done, try removing the plugs and remove some off the anti-seize from the plugs and re-install. That's from experience too. Best of luck. How many miles on your 5.4?

 

WOW!

Great advice fellas. This thread should be a model for how forums work. Good to see sound advice and discussion on a topic. Reps to Busa and Redford I tried but apparently I already have recently.

 

Probably should check the engine build date - there should be a sticker on the front of the drivers side valve cover. As evidenced below, there can be quite a gap between that and the truck build date on the door jamb.

 

Will check the dates. I have 90K plus on the 08.

MSG, those are the exact 4 years i was in. Got the old GI bill by signing on delayed entry in late 1976 and went active 3/77. 05B/31V.

I am feeling lucky. May try pulling one this weekend.

Thanks for the help.

 

Let us know how you make out.

 

I am up everyday at 3:40am. Old habits never die. MSG, I see your up early as well Will let you know how it goes.

 

Yes, please let us know how you make out - I need to change mine real soon.

What plugs did you buy? Where did you get them? Are you changing the cop's as well?

 

yeah, 2008's are split. older ones have the troubled spark plugs. I have 70k on mine and I'm wishing I'd've changed the plugs the day I bought it.

 

Nope, short hair, up at "Oh Dang it's early-thirty", strong coffee and I wear a lot of boots.

 

Did check the engine manufacturing date on the valve cover which is in Dec 07. Looks like i have the new style heads. May be Sunday the earliest before i attempt to pull a plug to confirm. My youngest daughter plays college softball so i will be traveling to Georgetown, TX for a double header on friday and to Abilene on saturday for another double header. May be next week before i can respond.

Will post the results shortly.......

 

Do you have any idea what your truck build date is?