Socket won't engage spark plug...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Socket won't engage spark plug...
New to me - 10k miles ago - 2008 5.4L, taking on the task of changing out my plugs and coils. I had a misfire code on #4 cylinder.
I noted that I had aftermarket coils in place so I figured the plugs had been changed at some time prior (135k miles ). Taking the great advice I've found here in the forum I proceeded to start on the passenger side of the engine.
The problem was evident immediately, the boot on #4 was covered in carbon. Plugs one and two came out easily, too easily like they were not torqued enough. Cylinder 4 didn't even break, it screwed right out like it was loose.
But my problem is with #3. Looks fine down in the hole, nothing in the way, but the socket won't engage the plug - just spinning as if the socket wouldn't go on far enough. I tried a deeper socket but that didn't help. Any ideas on what's going on? Could this be a broken plug that I keep hearing about?
I noted that I had aftermarket coils in place so I figured the plugs had been changed at some time prior (135k miles ). Taking the great advice I've found here in the forum I proceeded to start on the passenger side of the engine.
The problem was evident immediately, the boot on #4 was covered in carbon. Plugs one and two came out easily, too easily like they were not torqued enough. Cylinder 4 didn't even break, it screwed right out like it was loose.
But my problem is with #3. Looks fine down in the hole, nothing in the way, but the socket won't engage the plug - just spinning as if the socket wouldn't go on far enough. I tried a deeper socket but that didn't help. Any ideas on what's going on? Could this be a broken plug that I keep hearing about?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
New to me - 10k miles ago - 2008 5.4L, taking on the task of changing out my plugs and coils. I had a misfire code on #4 cylinder.
I noted that I had aftermarket coils in place so I figured the plugs had been changed at some time prior (135k miles ). Taking the great advice I've found here in the forum I proceeded to start on the passenger side of the engine.
The problem was evident immediately, the boot on #4 was covered in carbon. Plugs one and two came out easily, too easily like they were not torqued enough. Cylinder 4 didn't even break, it screwed right out like it was loose.
But my problem is with #3. Looks fine down in the hole, nothing in the way, but the socket won't engage the plug - just spinning as if the socket wouldn't go on far enough. I tried a deeper socket but that didn't help. Any ideas on what's going on? Could this be a broken plug that I keep hearing about?
I noted that I had aftermarket coils in place so I figured the plugs had been changed at some time prior (135k miles ). Taking the great advice I've found here in the forum I proceeded to start on the passenger side of the engine.
The problem was evident immediately, the boot on #4 was covered in carbon. Plugs one and two came out easily, too easily like they were not torqued enough. Cylinder 4 didn't even break, it screwed right out like it was loose.
But my problem is with #3. Looks fine down in the hole, nothing in the way, but the socket won't engage the plug - just spinning as if the socket wouldn't go on far enough. I tried a deeper socket but that didn't help. Any ideas on what's going on? Could this be a broken plug that I keep hearing about?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
look at a couple of the plugs you have removed... Are the two pieces, crimped together near the hex ? ( factory original) Could the one still in the hole be spinning at the crimp, or is it really not engaging the socket ? What brand is the old plug ?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Ted928, yeah I've tried pushing down but it never seems to click in. I even tried the 5/8th inch spark plug socket but that didn't work either. I suppose it could be a different socket, I'll have to try some others.
Steve, I'm not out to my truck yet but I'll check. My thought was that maybe it was spinning at the crimp. I never got to apply force to the plug so if it is broken it has been operating that way. If it is indeed spinning what is the fix? Break it and use the Lisle tool?
P.Bronner - I find it difficult to believe that it might take another socket, but I'm going to check. No idea as to what the PO might have done. As easy as the other plugs were to come out I was expecting this one to do the same. I'll try some other sizes.
Steve, I'm not out to my truck yet but I'll check. My thought was that maybe it was spinning at the crimp. I never got to apply force to the plug so if it is broken it has been operating that way. If it is indeed spinning what is the fix? Break it and use the Lisle tool?
P.Bronner - I find it difficult to believe that it might take another socket, but I'm going to check. No idea as to what the PO might have done. As easy as the other plugs were to come out I was expecting this one to do the same. I'll try some other sizes.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 2
From: Chico,CA.
I found it nearly impossible to believe that a plug could have the wrong base on it but I held it in my hands. After what I've been reading lately about issues with the 515's, maybe not so hard to believe?... Good luck, I'm going to follow along.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Heading outside to work on the plugs in the 27 degree Carolina weather.
I grabbed the cyl. #1 plug, it is Motorcraft Platinum PZH-14F. There does not seem to be any crimp. So time to go see if I have a socket to fit....back soon.
I grabbed the cyl. #1 plug, it is Motorcraft Platinum PZH-14F. There does not seem to be any crimp. So time to go see if I have a socket to fit....back soon.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
So, long story short, it looks like I have a small object, like a stone, wedged between the plug and sidewall - below the nut. That would explain my inability to seat the socket. Looks like I have a tedious job ahead. Any different ideas other than prying or hooking it?
Vacuum didn't get it nor did blowing it out.
Vacuum didn't get it nor did blowing it out.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
I have a box of wire used to prop up insulation bats. I have used it for so many things including hanging calipers. A stiff straight wire that can be easily bent serves many purposes.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
I can't complain Tedster9, although it is colder than normal here. From Boston originally I know the cold very well. But Iowa? Yeah, colder than Boston...best have a garage to work in.
That wire is good and stiff Ted928. I too keep that kinda stuff around the house as it comes in handy. I do have a long piece of similar wire, but I think if I get me a 90 degree pick with a handle on it I could likely get more leverage with it. I seem to recall that Harbor Freight has those in a pack, I'll be stopping by there after work today to look.
Thought about crushing it, but with an aluminum head.....
I'm going to get a larger hose that fits into the spark plug cavity, the smaller hose I'm using doesn't have enough pull for a stone.
Thanks for the replies!
That wire is good and stiff Ted928. I too keep that kinda stuff around the house as it comes in handy. I do have a long piece of similar wire, but I think if I get me a 90 degree pick with a handle on it I could likely get more leverage with it. I seem to recall that Harbor Freight has those in a pack, I'll be stopping by there after work today to look.
Thought about crushing it, but with an aluminum head.....
I'm going to get a larger hose that fits into the spark plug cavity, the smaller hose I'm using doesn't have enough pull for a stone.
Thanks for the replies!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Two Actually!! One near work and one halfway home....The advantage I guess of traveling 100 mi a day for a commute.
Success last night with Cylinder #3 :-)
I was able to move the obstruction with the probe I picked up from HF, but not out. I then upgraded my vacuum hose to one with twice the inside diameter and that did the trick. The plug resisted at first but came out easily.
So, 4 for 4 on plug removal on the passenger side....now I can tackle the others.
Success last night with Cylinder #3 :-)
I was able to move the obstruction with the probe I picked up from HF, but not out. I then upgraded my vacuum hose to one with twice the inside diameter and that did the trick. The plug resisted at first but came out easily.
So, 4 for 4 on plug removal on the passenger side....now I can tackle the others.