How big a problem, plug blowing?
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How big a problem, plug blowing?
I'm looking at used vans with the 5.4 engine, to tow my boat with. I'm looking at 2000 and newer. I'm aware of the plug blowing problem. How much of a problem is it. The service manager at the Ford dealer, said it is mostly caused by home mechanics, who don't know what they are doing. He says it is a good engine, and not to be afraid of it. Is he telling me the truth. Should I be looking at some other make?
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From: Stephensville WI
I know people who own the earlier 5.4s that have no problems with them. I'm not so sure about what the manager told you, from what I understood most of the plugs that were blown out were factory installed?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Central NY
my 2001 5.4 with 92k miles never blew a plug...just had the dealer change them at 91k...never an issue...
I've read people having problems with injectors, coils, etc, NOTHING too major...but, knock on wood, i've been lucky with NO issues.
I've read people having problems with injectors, coils, etc, NOTHING too major...but, knock on wood, i've been lucky with NO issues.
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Thanks for the replies. I looked at a 2002 E-150 sportvan today, whatever that is. It looked like any Club Wagon to me. 64,000 miles. Fairly clean, $7995, with a 5.4 engine. 64,000 miles is fairly low miles, and it should have a lot of miles left in it. I'll get some synthetic oil into it, and keep putting the local miles on my 95 E-150, with the smaller engine. Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SE Wyoming
The 2 biggest problems with blowing plugs, other than Ford ingenious 4 thread heads, are:
1: Not torquing the plugs correctly
2: Leaving the plugs in way to long (i.e. 100K miles)
Third would be forced induction, I know L's blow them a lot more than N/A engines. Keep the plugs changed every 60K and torque them right and you should be fine. They almost always get a nasty tick when they loosen up usually last at least a few miles so you should have fair warning if it is going to pop. I have over 200K on my '97 5.4L and keep them changed as close to 60K as I can and have never had a problem. I am on my 3rd or 4th set can't remember which. I'd hate to see how hard they are to get to in a econoline, they are bad enough in an F150.
1: Not torquing the plugs correctly
2: Leaving the plugs in way to long (i.e. 100K miles)
Third would be forced induction, I know L's blow them a lot more than N/A engines. Keep the plugs changed every 60K and torque them right and you should be fine. They almost always get a nasty tick when they loosen up usually last at least a few miles so you should have fair warning if it is going to pop. I have over 200K on my '97 5.4L and keep them changed as close to 60K as I can and have never had a problem. I am on my 3rd or 4th set can't remember which. I'd hate to see how hard they are to get to in a econoline, they are bad enough in an F150.
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Hello, I have a 99 F250 5.4L 4x4 and it blew a plug at 113000. so i guess you never know when it will go. Yes it was a Ford Mech who installed the plugs. You just never know. I installed new plugs and lets see when or if another plug blows. Good Luck with your selection
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Cargo Master
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From: Central NY
Originally Posted by mcg2030
Hello, I have a 99 F250 5.4L 4x4 and it blew a plug at 113000. so i guess you never know when it will go. Yes it was a Ford Mech who installed the plugs. You just never know. I installed new plugs and lets see when or if another plug blows. Good Luck with your selection
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Plug blowout is an "if" and not a "when" proposition...not every 5.4 will blow a plug.
Statistically, only a small percentage will blow a plug, but a small percentage of a huge number of vehicles on the road is still a large number overall.
Statistically, only a small percentage will blow a plug, but a small percentage of a huge number of vehicles on the road is still a large number overall.
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Torque of 12Nm is good for 10mm threads and maybe 17Nm for 14mm. You should use Anti-seize lubricant on the threads for aluminum heads. Aluminum contacting steel can cause galvanic corrosion and then you will have very hard time removing the spark plugs. I use the Loctite Anti-Seize for the spark plug threads.
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blown plugs
I have my 1999 Ford F250 and Blowing the plug is not a big deal. It runs great and I've put 2000 miles on it since. I went 4 wheeling in the snow and mud and it held up. I did notice a loud ticking noise before it blew. You can go to your local auto parts store and ask them if they sell a kit. You never know and it's good to get a price on a kit before it happens. I have an in law with a 1997 Ford Expedition 4X4 that has the same engine as mine and he has never had a problem with the plugs