Hello all,

I've been reading about all these spark plug issues, and am getting a little worried. My truck has almost 50k on it, runs excellent, maintained well, and I have an extended warranty to 60k.

I talked to the dealer about changing the plugs early and he looked at me like I had 2 heads or something....I don't want to attempt this myself.

I used to drive 23 miles 1 way to work, now it's only 1.5 miles...I know short trips are not the best for any vehicle, but will this increase the carbon build upon the plugs?

How many people are really having issues with the plugs, there has to be a load of 04 F150's getting up there in mileage now..should I have the dealer swap them out while still under the extended warranty?

Any thoughts/opinions appreciated.

thanks.

-Mrshark

 

No the tune up on the 4.6 and 5.4 V-8 Fordis not a fun one. It can hit near 3 hours for the first couple times doing them.
You are most likely safe with 50k on you're truck. You may even break 100K before you notice anykind of sparkplug problem. I use a fuel system cleaner called Tecron atleast twice a year in both trucks and the wifes car. I think it helps clean anything fuel related.
I got 90k before doing the tune-up on my 01 SuperCab.
Bob

 

I'm talking about not being able to get the plugs out of the head....that's my concern.....heard they break off because the base of the plugs gets stuck to the aluminum in the engine...

 

It is a concern for all owners of the 3 valve 5.4l If you plan on keeping the truck past 100k, I would look into getting the plugs changed by 50k the latest. Knowing full well, however that the plugs could break off inside the heads even at that mileage. Only you can say whether or not you would be OK with the bill to fix the truck at that point. Otherwise I'd run it until the first sign of spark plug problems and trade it in.

 

so Ford wouldn't cover it even if they break them and even if I have an extended warranty to 60k?

That makes no sense....I baby my truck and want to keep it for a long long time......but think paying 3,000 or more for something that was 100% not my fault is insane.

 

Most people have said that the dealer wouldn't cover damage if they break even with the extended warranty because it is a "part" problem and they don't cover problems caused by bad parts (since they have no control over qaulity of the parts).

Ask you dealer specifically though if that's the case and report back here what he said please. I still find it hard to believe myself!