04-06 Plug Warning
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 18
Considering the TSB requiring the nickel anti-seize compound, it stands to reason that the engine assembly process has been revised to include the anti-seize compound. Therefore there should be no problem with the plugs on the new engines. I would still put a wrench on each plug every 10,000 miles and slightly loosen, then re-snug it. Just to make sure. Do these engines have aluminum heads? The SOP for alloy heads has always been to never try to remove a hot plug. Of course the unusual extended 'snout' of these particular plugs is the problem, not the threads, and the TSB cautions against lubing the threads, which can cause over-tightening and stripped threads in the attempt to get the required torque (with aluminum cylinder heads).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I think I may do this in the spring on my 05, even though it will only have about 17K miles on it. I'm concerned about the length of time as well as the mileage, resulting in the plug threads siezing. How scary is this that a routine maintenance job can turn into a 4K cluster *$#% with on turn of a ratchet?
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Am I to understand that there is not an aftermarket company that sells a spark plug for the F-150, Bosch, NGK etc....the 5.4 engine gets produced at approx. 1m units annually. It looks like someone is missing out on some moneymaking..
Anyway --an aftermarket plug could solve this problem if you can get your factory plugs out? Right?
Anyway --an aftermarket plug could solve this problem if you can get your factory plugs out? Right?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by mcrensha
Am I to understand that there is not an aftermarket company that sells a spark plug for the F-150, Bosch, NGK etc....the 5.4 engine gets produced at approx. 1m units annually. It looks like someone is missing out on some moneymaking..
Anyway --an aftermarket plug could solve this problem if you can get your factory plugs out? Right?
Anyway --an aftermarket plug could solve this problem if you can get your factory plugs out? Right?
Negative.
The only other plug manufacturer is Autolite, and those are made to the same spec as the Motorcraft.
CMOS
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
I think I will run mine to 100K and then trade it in on one that the manufacturer knows how to build an engine, checking or changing plugs every 30K on a truck that costs 40K give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
I think I will run mine to 100K and then trade it in on one that the manufacturer knows how to build an engine, checking or changing plugs every 30K on a truck that costs 40K give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
FS-150, this is exactly the reasoning behind my decision. I had thought like Lineman that I would just unload the truck prior to 100K, but this engine running strong and without difficulty to 100K miles is not guaranteed at all. And having to change a plug out at 90K miles after reading this warning is not something I would look forward to doing at all. I think I'll take my chances this spring.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
the plugs don't get worn out, they build up carbon deposits around the "bullet" of the plug and are hard to remove. my plugs have been removed and cleaned (following the tsb) at 40k and replaced at 80k cleaning the plug holes with something to break up the carbon such as seafoam deep-creep. no problems so far.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by FS-150
That is one way to look at it... But what happens if your truck develops a miss and one or more of your plugs have to be pulled. At that point, you would have to ante up anyway. Just a thought...
New User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jkhobson
the plugs don't get worn out, they build up carbon deposits around the "bullet" of the plug and are hard to remove. my plugs have been removed and cleaned (following the tsb) at 40k and replaced at 80k cleaning the plug holes with something to break up the carbon such as seafoam deep-creep. no problems so far.
Thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
none broke and I did it myself. the back 2 on the passengers side are a little hard to get to. just follow the tsb on the plug removal, its very specific. you should be able to clean & replace the same plugs at 40k unless you just want new ones. these plugs are very expensive (about $20 each). as far as penetrating oil I like the sea foam. it'll break up the carbon deposits as well as lubricate. a little headache to save you a big headache.
Last edited by jkhobson; Jan 17, 2007 at 04:04 PM.
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Just did my plugs yesterday. I had taken them out and cleaned them about 400 miles ago thinking that it was the threads locking up so I just antiseized the threads, 2 pages later you guys got the info it was the ground shield seizing not the threads so instead of pulling and re-doing it I replaced them all with the autolites at $10.00 bucks a piece plus I used the motorcraft nickel anti-seize.In 400 miles those plugs were already carbed up again and I completely cleaned the shields when I had them out before. Way more carb build up going on then I would consider normal. And that motorcraft anti-seize is some thick gooey stuff.Good luck to everyone who braves this challenge.Oh by the way mines an 05 Lariat 2wd with 27k on it.
Todd
Todd
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by jkhobson
none broke and I did it myself. the back 2 on the passengers side are a little hard to get to. just follow the tsb on the plug removal, its very specific. you should be able to clean & replace the same plugs at 40k unless you just want new ones. these plugs are very expensive (about $20 each). as far as penetrating oil I like the sea foam. it'll break up the carbon deposits as well as lubricate. a little headache to save you a big headache.
$8 bucks a piece at 1stfordparts.com
CMOS