replace spark plugs
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,049
Likes: 1,546
From: Media PA
What kinds of horror stories have you heard about the job? Pretty simple plug swap job with a little bit of stretching to reach the back ones but nothing too crazy. You will of course, want to use a higher torque value than the spec of 11/17 ft/lbs as those early heads only have 3 or 4 threads for the plugs to engage in. Torque them to 26/28 ft/lbs to help ensure they don't blow out over time.
The later 3V modular motors were the ones that had the plugs breaking upon removal attempt issues, your '02 should be an easy job. Just be sure to also replace the boots and springs as they are wear items just like the spark plugs.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 293
Likes: 29
From: Houston
The 5.4 2 valve engine like you and I have are relatively easy to change the spark plugs. You may have to release the fuel rails to get easy access to the spark plugs. Releasing those rails is very simply, just 2 small bolts on each side and pull up on rail.
To get myself up to working height for the rearmost #4 & #8 plugs I have some large timbers which I stand on.
The problem that your & my 5.4 2V has is the plugs blowing out & ripping the alum head threads out along the way. I have had 2 plugs blow out in 3 years; 1 put a Timesert in and 1 screwed right back in the head.
My maintenance plan now includes re-torquing the plugs periodically (9-12 months) to avoid blow outs.
To get myself up to working height for the rearmost #4 & #8 plugs I have some large timbers which I stand on.
The problem that your & my 5.4 2V has is the plugs blowing out & ripping the alum head threads out along the way. I have had 2 plugs blow out in 3 years; 1 put a Timesert in and 1 screwed right back in the head.
My maintenance plan now includes re-torquing the plugs periodically (9-12 months) to avoid blow outs.
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