104,000 Plug Change
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 142
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104,000 Plug Change
2006 F150 4X4 Lariat with 5.4- 3v engine. Truck started to develop a shudder at times about 1000 miles ago. after some research, found this was due to a "mild" misfire. Oh well, what I had been dreading, plug time for old blue. Checked around and got the best advice from my friend who has been a ford technician for over 30 years and his advice was plug change with MOTOCRAFT plugs. I asked if he knew anyone good and he said he would do it at his house. started oh, about 11am with computer test first finding that i had two weak coils and a 3rd iffy. By 1 pm had plugs changed along with coils and broke 6 plugs. Only two good ones were the two hardest to get to. It was like a walk through the park with him and we got to spend the day together or at least about 2 hours. Truck runs great now and mileage increase of about 5mpg. Thanks to my friend Marty for all the good times and good work!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 2
From: Chico,CA.
At least you were able to get the broken plugs out without an engine teardown. I know this is after the fact, but next time you do them put a stiff dose of fuel system cleaner through it prior to pulling the plugs. It softens up the carbon and lets the plugs come out easier. Do it with the engine up to operating temp.. I did mine at 95,000 mi., I changed four, ran it back up to temp and changed the other four. All eight came out clean. A telescoping extension is nearly a mandatory tool for this job, so you can deliver torque perpendicular to the axis of the plug and not put it in a bind. Believe me, I was plenty stressed going into the job! I was never so happy to drop the hood and walk away when finished.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
At least you were able to get the broken plugs out without an engine teardown. I know this is after the fact, but next time you do them put a stiff dose of fuel system cleaner through it prior to pulling the plugs. It softens up the carbon and lets the plugs come out easier. Do it with the engine up to operating temp.. I did mine at 95,000 mi., I changed four, ran it back up to temp and changed the other four. All eight came out clean. A telescoping extension is nearly a mandatory tool for this job, so you can deliver torque perpendicular to the axis of the plug and not put it in a bind. Believe me, I was plenty stressed going into the job! I was never so happy to drop the hood and walk away when finished.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 2
From: Chico,CA.
I ran two successive doses of Techron through it first, and did it hot (I know I said that already, but feel like stressing the point because I think it helped a lot). They all squawked for about the first 1-1/2 turns, but came out without undue force. Thanks Ted.
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