Hi All,

Is it safe to say this problem will go away with the new 2004 5.4. Also, is the 2004 4.6 a new engine as well?

Thanks Bob

 

just dont worry about it if they havent popped out by 32,000 miles. Most people try to change them and over torque them or under torque them. Be carefull and dont just try this at home. Use a good ford mechanic and do it about 90,000 miles or abouts.

 

>Is this a problem in the 4.6 as well, or is it just in the 5.4<

I have been looking closely at this problem since I would like to purchase a used F-150. My Father-in-law was over tonight so I brought up the subject. I completely forgot he blew a plug on his SHO Taurus. I have not checked but I bet that was a 4.6 engine.

Bob

 

The most recent gen of Taurus SHOs use a 3.4 DOHC V8.

 

My father just popped a plug in his 98 F150/ 5.4 he has never changed his plugs, not checked them, and he currently has 73K miles on it. The shop that he took it to, told him he has 2 options. 1. replace the head Total of 2600
2. remove the head, take it to a machine shop, and have a helicoil put into it, for about 1400. Any thoughts on these options? I never thought about this problem, I guess I need to start checking my 03 5.3

Sparkchaser

 

"..take it to a machine shop, and have a helicoil put into it, for about 1400. Any thoughts on these options"?

Do a search on "spark plug" or "spark plug launch". You'll see that Ford recommends a head replacment only. However, some are very happy with the "Helicoil" solution. And, according to some, REMOVING the head is NOT needed.. The Helicoil can be installed without removing the head if the mechanic is experienced and CAREFUL.

When you read the posts you'll see that people have had this done for as little as $400.00 up to about $800.00.

Good Luck,

Bill

 

If you do not replace the head I recomend a kit called Big sert. Do a search and you will see it is much better than using a hellicoil.

mlaughscrew

 

Thanks for the relys, I didn't know that this was such a common problem.