Another Plug Question
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 34
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Another Plug Question
I've read many posts about the plug issue with the 3 valve 5.4's - I just picked up a 2005 F-150 with only 7,200 miles on it and am thinking of pulling and anti-seizing the plugs to avoid future problems. I've read the TSB on procedures, but am still concerned about the possibility of breakage. Any opinions about how low my risk may be with so few miles? I'd rather do this now as opposed to later and have a greater risk of breakage.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 94
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From: Western, NY
Go ahead and pull those plugs using the TSB, at 7,200 miles I wouldn't worry just take it easy and follow the procedure.
I'm doing mine as soon as spring gets here, it is too cold right now, my 2004 will have about 20,000 miles on by then.
Don't forget to buy a special sparkplug socket, newerseeze (sp?) and some penetrating oil.
I'm doing mine as soon as spring gets here, it is too cold right now, my 2004 will have about 20,000 miles on by then.
Don't forget to buy a special sparkplug socket, newerseeze (sp?) and some penetrating oil.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
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I second Freshman's advice. Do it yourself following the TSB. I did mine at 40,000 and it went well. I didn't know I could hold my breath that long. I used precisely the products recommended - the Kroil penetrating oil and the Motorcraft Anti-seize. I let it soak much longer than suggested because I had the time a mechanic would not. I kept the pressure low and if the plug seemed difficult, let it soak some more. Small back and forth pressure seemed to work well. Only two plugs even groaned a bit as they came out. The anti-seive was very sticky and I hope will stay on the grounding electrode. I will do it all again in 30,000 just to see how easy/difficult the plugs are to remove at that point. Glad to answer any questions you may have. Russ
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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What's the skinny on the "special" sparkplug socket? I've got the large "chrysler" size and the smaller ford style plug sockets - do these particular plugs require a unique plug socket? I'll get all my goodies (penetrant, anti-sieze, etc.) and dive into this when things get warm enough to spend a day under the hood. I've got a garage, but as many of us can lament, no room in it for a vehicle! Outside wrenching for me....
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2006
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The sparkplug takes a normal sized socket. What some have done, and what I did was buy the socket on the end of an extension - all in one piece. That way the socket could not separate from the extension and be difficult to reach and remove down in the rather deep hole that the plug resides. Other folks have posted that they successfully did the job with a normal spakplug socket and extension. Good luck which ever way you go. Russ
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 392
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The socket is 9/16
At only 7200 miles I wouldn't worry about using the TSB for taking them out.
At only 7200 miles I wouldn't worry about using the TSB for taking them out.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Finally got to this project - now the truck is at 12,500 miles and it did have 3 tight plugs. I got some kroil (absolutely great stuff!) & nickel anti-seize, but did get set back a day as I didn't pay attention that these plugs were 9/16" and that the "small" spark plug sockets are 5/8". Got the special plug socket from CarQuest and let the plugs soak overnight in kroil with a 1/8-1/4 turn on the plugs. My experience was similar to Russ' above - much breath holding! Those 3 tight ones came out o.k. after I worked them alternately while changing out the rest. I already had carbon build-up on all plugs with only 12,500 - glad I did this now! Thanks to all for the great advice and information.
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