Changing the sparkplugs.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Everett, WA
Changing the sparkplugs.
I did a search here to find which brand of sparkplugs I should consider. Didn't find much along those lines but whilst searching another question came up. I have a 5.0 liter, are changing the sparkplugs a challenging task for someone who is newbie in automotive maintenance? I read a thread by someone who needed to change the plugs on a F-150 4.6 liter and a guy who replied said it was a task for someone who was rather advanced in matters such as these.
So I pretty much need help on which brand of sparkplugs I should get (heard before that it doesn't matter and I should just get the cheap ones, but I'm not sure about that), and if I can do it myself easily. Thanks
So I pretty much need help on which brand of sparkplugs I should get (heard before that it doesn't matter and I should just get the cheap ones, but I'm not sure about that), and if I can do it myself easily. Thanks
Last edited by TripleCorpseHammerblow; Oct 28, 2003 at 05:34 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,456
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From: Indiana
I would get motorcraft plugs. They are not hard to change.
A couple of pointers for you pull on the plug boot and not the wire and when you install the plugs make sure they are snug not real tight.
A couple of pointers for you pull on the plug boot and not the wire and when you install the plugs make sure they are snug not real tight.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I agree. It's not complicated. The biggest thing is make sure they're not overtightened. Take your time, and do on plug at a time. That way there's no chance of mixing up the firing order.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 71
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From: Greensburg, PA
My suggestion...
Make sure that you're very careful when you pull the wires off of the plugs, or you might pull the wire out of the boot. And make sure that you use the plug grease on the wires before you put the wires back on, this will prevent the chance of breaking the wire later.
Good luck.
Make sure that you're very careful when you pull the wires off of the plugs, or you might pull the wire out of the boot. And make sure that you use the plug grease on the wires before you put the wires back on, this will prevent the chance of breaking the wire later.
Good luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
While the newer OHC engines may make it difficult, the 5.0 is not. You will need a few different lengths of extentions for your socket wrench to make it easy. Be sure to look at the sticker under the hood for the correct plug and gap. The catalog in the parts store and the Chiltons or Haynes manuals are often wrong. Expensive "Split+4 unobtanium" plugs are a waste of money in a truck engine. You should not spend more than $2 each for decent plugs. I run Bosch single platinum. Motorcraft and NGK standard plugs have an excellent reputation in the 5.0. I have had bad luck with Autolite (from the makers of the dreaded Fram oil filter) but others may disagree.
Jim
Jim
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8
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From: USA
A useful tip- You can avoid cross threading the holes (bad thing) by using some quite loose fitting hose pushed over the ceramic insulator and turning that, not the plug. acts like a simple clutch. if it starts to cross thread at all, the hose will slip, you won't cross thread the hole in the cylinder head.
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