Changing Plugs
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 1
From: Yorkton Sk
Changing Plugs
I've been reading in the 04 to 07 forums about the spark plugs breaking off in the heads on some 04 F-150's during a change. My truck is still on warranty so I called the dealership to determine who pays if this does happen. They advised that they would pay for the fix if it were to happen(TSB) so I'm getting it done on Wednesday.
The only problem from what I was told is that if they do break and end up having to remove the heads, they have to lift the cab from the frame to get the heads off!
Three days without the truck!
They better put lots of anti-seize on the threads because next time it will be me changing them!
The only problem from what I was told is that if they do break and end up having to remove the heads, they have to lift the cab from the frame to get the heads off!
Three days without the truck!They better put lots of anti-seize on the threads because next time it will be me changing them!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
From: Saskatoon SK Canada
I think it might be due the the aluminum heads. As a tip do not remove spark plugs from a hot aluminum heads or you can ruin the treads for break the sparkplug. It's due to the aluminum expanding and putting pressure on the plugs.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,628
Likes: 2,012
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I`ve heard that happens so it`s a good idea to let the Ford dealer change the plugs, especially if it`s still under warranty. The anti-seize on the threads is a good idea too, just hope they do it right.
Does the dealer have any suggestions on how to prevent this and what is the cause?
Does the dealer have any suggestions on how to prevent this and what is the cause?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 1
From: Yorkton Sk
Yeah the dealership is changing them. I'll do it next time since the warranty will be off by then. The problem seems to with the plug corroding itself into the head. They also changed the spark plugs for these trucks. I hope they come out easy, I did it myself on my Cobra and it was one of the easiest jobs ever.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 1
From: Yorkton Sk
Yeah the F-150 has 3 valve aluminum heads on an iron block. The Cobra has 4 valve aluminum heads on an aluminum block.
I'd hate to see how difficult it would be to get the plugs out if they were in there until the scheduled maintenance time!
I'd hate to see how difficult it would be to get the plugs out if they were in there until the scheduled maintenance time!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,800
Likes: 9
From: Rouleau, Saskatchewan
On my motorcycles I always let the engine cool overnight before removing them and in the fall before putting it away I would just take the plugs out and back in just to make sure they didn't freeze in the block over winter. I didn't bother with any anti seize stuff, but I usually only put on 10 -15 ks per year.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Have you heard if the TSB is for 2006 aswell?
I have read about this a few times lately and am kind of concerned about it. I only have 22,000k so far and have read they should be ok till 40, but was the dealership changing them out for free?
I have read about this a few times lately and am kind of concerned about it. I only have 22,000k so far and have read they should be ok till 40, but was the dealership changing them out for free?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 1
From: Yorkton Sk
I believe that the problem was with the shroud near the electrode being too tight of a tolerance in the head and not the threads themselves. I think they updated the spark plugs sometime in 05 but it wouldn't hurt to check with your local dealer.
I will be paying for the plug change ($15/plug and 2 hours labour!) but at least the dealer will cover the rest of the issue if the plugs do seize in the heads. I was supposed to have it done today but something else came up so it will be later on. The dealer told me to wait for the recommended 100,000km service interval but I would rather do it before a problem starts. I keep the post updated.
I will be paying for the plug change ($15/plug and 2 hours labour!) but at least the dealer will cover the rest of the issue if the plugs do seize in the heads. I was supposed to have it done today but something else came up so it will be later on. The dealer told me to wait for the recommended 100,000km service interval but I would rather do it before a problem starts. I keep the post updated.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 1
From: Yorkton Sk
UPDATE: March 15th 2007
I had the plugs changed and thankfully they all came out fine. I think $230 for the spark plugs and fuel filter change is cheap insurance , considering the plugs are $15 a piece! They also did a multi point inspection and everything was fine. Warranty runs out in 9 days so I wanted to make sure the lariat had a checkup before it ended!
I had the plugs changed and thankfully they all came out fine. I think $230 for the spark plugs and fuel filter change is cheap insurance , considering the plugs are $15 a piece! They also did a multi point inspection and everything was fine. Warranty runs out in 9 days so I wanted to make sure the lariat had a checkup before it ended!
