I was able to remove 4 of the 8 plugs on my 2006 5.4l 3V. The other four, I cannot get the socket to completely set on the plug. The socket will barely slip over the top of the hex pattern, but not enough to bite.

Anyone else encounter this problem, and if so, what did you do to remedy it?

Dave H

 

Typically there will be something inside the plug well preventing the socket from fully seating on the plug wrench flats. If you can see inside the wells look for accumulated dirt or debris, we've even seen a small washer down inside that was a real bear to remove.

I'm assuming the socket is dedicated to removing your plugs, a "specialty tool" ?

 

I'm using this tool:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You lose a little bit of leverage with the swivel, but it's nice to have for some of the rear plugs.

I thought about debris, and I admit I haven't had a flashlight on any of the wells since it was raining when I did this, but it felt more like something all the way around the plug than on just one side. Of course, this could be due to the insert in the socket that protects the plug.

I'll run a small screwdriver around the plug to loosen things up and see what shows up in my shop vac afterward.

 

That socket and extension is fine for this chore---its not like we're busting lug nuts loose with a 3/8" ratchet.

Cleaning the plug holes and making sure the socket insert isn't the interference should get the other plugs loose too.

Let us know what you find------could be helpful to others at some point.

 

I've seen where someone has tapped new threads into the block to insert an adapter for the plug to thread into (to prevent future problems with plugs blowing out). The adapter piece was a different size than 5/8". Try some different sizes of sockets, I can't remember what size worked but if that's the issue, it's an easy fix.