3-Valve Plug Change
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 154
From: Poway, CA
3-Valve Plug Change
I know it has been beat to death. I also know how to use the search button and have. This forum, other forums and the internet have so much information that it will make your head explode. So of course, I am asking for more guidance. My truck has 66,000 miles on it. I bought it 5 years ago with 38,000. That is an average of 5,600 miles a year since I'v owned it.
Changing the plugs myself is over my head. I am no mechanic so when the time comes, this is going to cost me. The truck runs perfectly. I generally go with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Is it time? Should I hold off?
Changing the plugs myself is over my head. I am no mechanic so when the time comes, this is going to cost me. The truck runs perfectly. I generally go with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Is it time? Should I hold off?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 89
From: TN
I would change them. The longer they are left in the more carbon build up will occur and does increase the chance of breaking off. Then you can put the 1 piece plug in and not have to worry about breakage when changing the plugs again.
I too agree about the if it ain't broke philosophy as well, but I also believe in nipping things in the bud before they get worse or out of control.
There are many suggested ways to change the plugs and diligent research will help your confidence if you decide to do it yourself. You may pay thru the nose to have a shop do it. FYI..there is a retrieval tool that you can get if a plugs happens to break off. Good luck with the venture!
I too agree about the if it ain't broke philosophy as well, but I also believe in nipping things in the bud before they get worse or out of control.
There are many suggested ways to change the plugs and diligent research will help your confidence if you decide to do it yourself. You may pay thru the nose to have a shop do it. FYI..there is a retrieval tool that you can get if a plugs happens to break off. Good luck with the venture!
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 32
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 154
From: Poway, CA
I am going to change the plugs and boots. In July, we are taking a 2500 mile road trip with our 9000 lbs trailer in tow and I want the truck in tip-top shape. I think I will change the fuel filter (don't think it has ever been done) as well. The plan is to use all Motorcraft parts. It may not matter much on the boots but is it pretty well accepted that the Motorcraft SP-515 plugs are the best choice? It seems that they generally have better reviews than the Champion equivalent. Thanks for your input.
New User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Go ahead and change them and its fine to use the regular spark plugs u have to change them before they fowl though they rust break and blow out because all the corroding due too aluminum head 5 cylinders too much for an aluminum head seaping antifreeze and oil ping ping but they dont stop running 280000 foot to floor all day. Like new
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 643
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From: Poway, CA
Had the plugs changed yesterday. All 10 came out with no issues. One of the new plugs refused to fire...luckily for the tech, it was #1. Dropped in a replacement and she purred like a kitten. Glad that is done.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 33
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From: Illinois
Check my job here, Post #24
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-a-v10-2.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...n-a-v10-2.html
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 32
Read your post. Saw that you stated that the updated plugs (I assume for your 2008) were the SP 515's. I have a 2009 and when I plugged my VIN in to Ford, it states that I need SP 509's. Do you know if there was a change from the 2008 to 2009? It would seem odd that there would be due to the fact that they are from the same year range.
Double check me on all of that, but should be easy to pop your hood and check the color of the boots.
Hope that helps.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 585
Likes: 11
From: Upper penninsula
I had my original plugs changed at about 140k on my 2005 v10 last fall.
I was set to do it myself after one shop wouldn't touch v10 plugs, and a seconds shop quoted $100 / hole.
I ended up having a third shop do the job on a time and material basis. He charged two hours labor, which I thought was more than fair.
I was set to do it myself after one shop wouldn't touch v10 plugs, and a seconds shop quoted $100 / hole.
I ended up having a third shop do the job on a time and material basis. He charged two hours labor, which I thought was more than fair.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 154
From: Poway, CA
I just got back from a 2680 mile road trip. Approximately 2200 of those miles where towing my 35', almost 9000 lbs. travel trailer. This was our first long trip with the new trailer.
Last year we took a very similar trip pulling our previous 31', 7400 lbs. trailer.
The only significant change to the truck was the new set of plugs. Actually, I added a shell to the bed and I suspect that the added weight would actually hurt MPG.
Last year - Just shy of 6.5 MPG for the entire trip (towing and solo).
This year - 7.57 MPG. That is a 16% increase in "fuel economy". Certainly not earth shattering but I will take it. I always love towing with this truck but this trip was the best yet. It felt more powerful than ever. For the most part holding 60 MPH at 3200 RPM up the Grape Vine. From a performance standpoint, I could not have been happier.
Last year we took a very similar trip pulling our previous 31', 7400 lbs. trailer.
The only significant change to the truck was the new set of plugs. Actually, I added a shell to the bed and I suspect that the added weight would actually hurt MPG.
Last year - Just shy of 6.5 MPG for the entire trip (towing and solo).
This year - 7.57 MPG. That is a 16% increase in "fuel economy". Certainly not earth shattering but I will take it. I always love towing with this truck but this trip was the best yet. It felt more powerful than ever. For the most part holding 60 MPH at 3200 RPM up the Grape Vine. From a performance standpoint, I could not have been happier.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
I just got back from a 2680 mile road trip. Approximately 2200 of those miles where towing my 35', almost 9000 lbs. travel trailer. This was our first long trip with the new trailer.
Last year we took a very similar trip pulling our previous 31', 7400 lbs. trailer.
The only significant change to the truck was the new set of plugs. Actually, I added a shell to the bed and I suspect that the added weight would actually hurt MPG.
Last year - Just shy of 6.5 MPG for the entire trip (towing and solo).
This year - 7.57 MPG. That is a 16% increase in "fuel economy". Certainly not earth shattering but I will take it. I always love towing with this truck but this trip was the best yet. It felt more powerful than ever. For the most part holding 60 MPH at 3200 RPM up the Grape Vine. From a performance standpoint, I could not have been happier.
Last year we took a very similar trip pulling our previous 31', 7400 lbs. trailer.
The only significant change to the truck was the new set of plugs. Actually, I added a shell to the bed and I suspect that the added weight would actually hurt MPG.
Last year - Just shy of 6.5 MPG for the entire trip (towing and solo).
This year - 7.57 MPG. That is a 16% increase in "fuel economy". Certainly not earth shattering but I will take it. I always love towing with this truck but this trip was the best yet. It felt more powerful than ever. For the most part holding 60 MPH at 3200 RPM up the Grape Vine. From a performance standpoint, I could not have been happier.
Nice trailer! I like those Outbacks with the side door. I would have guessed that trailer was over 9,000#s.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 154
From: Poway, CA
Thanks. I did not put it on a scale but I am guessing that we were actually pushing 9K on this trip. This was our first long trip since we purchased it a few months back and we really loved the layout. We weren't hauling around dirt bikes or anything but the garage is a great place for bicycles, extra gear, dirty clothes or whatever. When needed, it is also a very comfortable bunkhouse. Very unique and practical layout.