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i have read a few posts here that talk about problems with removing the plugs from the 5.4 does anyone know if the problem exists in the 2005 4.6 v8s. i have 49000km on my f-150 and im wondering if i should replace them now, and if i should do it myself or get the dealer to do it. any help would be appreciated. thanks
Only the 3 valve heads use the new spark plug design which has the sticking/breaking problem. The 5.4L in the F150 has the 3 valve heads, the 4.6 has 2 valve heads.
i have read a few posts here that talk about problems with removing the plugs from the 5.4 does anyone know if the problem exists in the 2005 4.6 v8s. i have 49000km on my f-150 and im wondering if i should replace them now, and if i should do it myself or get the dealer to do it. any help would be appreciated. thanks
The plugs were changed in the 05 model year. If you look at the part numbers for 04 compared to an 05 and newer you will see they are different. The newer plugs are backward compatible. Also, you will notice there is no TSB for this for model years 05 and up.
The plugs were changed in the 05 model year. If you look at the part numbers for 04 compared to an 05 and newer you will see they are different. The newer plugs are backward compatible. Also, you will notice there is no TSB for this for model years 05 and up.
The TSB covers 05 model year F150's too and was extended to 05 Super Duties, Expedition and Navigators with 5.4l 3v engines.
The only change to the plugs was the heat range.
The plugs were changed in the 05 model year. If you look at the part numbers for 04 compared to an 05 and newer you will see they are different. The newer plugs are backward compatible. Also, you will notice there is no TSB for this for model years 05 and up.
Could you give me some documentation on what a backward compatible plug is because I don't think ford has such a thing, they do have a new one with a different heat range that I know of?????
Model year 2004 = SP421 (PZT 2F)
Model year 2005 = SP421 (PZT 2F)
Model year 2006 = SP462 (PZT 1F)
Model year 2007 = SP462 (PZT 1F)
This is per Ford's parts website: www.motorcraft.com
The only difference with the PZT 1F plugs is the heat range.....one colder.
Some people say if you've got a 2004 or 2005 you should switch to the colder PZT 1F plugs.....why then does Ford recommend the PZT 2F plugs on the 2004 and 2005's? Was there a slight change to the PCM program in 2006?
I changed my plugs at 41,000 for peace of mind....no issues. But follow the TSB listed on this website! I installed the PZT 2F's again. My opinion is to use the hottest plug which doesn't cause detonation....therefore less carbon build up which you will sometimes get with colder plugs.
I wish someone would be so kind (or so brave) as do a step by step with pictures the removal of all 8 plugs so the average backyard joe could have something simple to go by if we were to attempt this ourselves. I would probably try to just check them but with all the junk in the way, I'm hesitant. If anyone does there own changeout and have a simple step by step instruction, many a people on here will truly appreciate it. I've checked many service departments and all say don't attempt to touch them until 100k. I'm concerned......
The TSB covers 05 model year F150's too and was extended to 05 Super Duties, Expedition and Navigators with 5.4l 3v engines.
The only change to the plugs was the heat range.
Then it would appear the TSB info on this site is wrong.... How about posting the TSB reference.
The newer plugs can be used in 2004 5.4's. Meaning you can use them on model years previous to the current one. So doesn't that make them backward compatible?
So, lineman, that's what backward compatible means. Or would you like an explaination of how it applies to PLC's, SCADA, telemetry and control systems in a fresh/reclaimed water enivorment?
Last edited by wildcard30; Jun 12, 2007 at 06:03 PM.
The TSB reference I have is Fords Technicians web sight.
And the reason for the colder plug is some of the early trucks had a issue with spark knock hence putting in the colder plug.
I wish someone would be so kind (or so brave) as do a step by step with pictures the removal of all 8 plugs so the average backyard joe could have something simple to go by if we were to attempt this ourselves. I would probably try to just check them but with all the junk in the way, I'm hesitant. If anyone does there own changeout and have a simple step by step instruction, many a people on here will truly appreciate it. I've checked many service departments and all say don't attempt to touch them until 100k. I'm concerned......
I did not do a strict step by step, but I changed mine out at about 43,000 or 45,000 miles and I broke one in the head. I have pics in my gallery of the job and the removal.
I did some calling to the local Ford Service Departments around Georgia again today. Believe it or not, some deny they've heard of it. Other's admit there has been difficulty with a large percentage requiring the "special tool". Then, there's the one that told me, "Being honest, if I were you, I'd just sell it before 100k". What a crock of crap. So this is what us Ford Custumers are supposed to hear? Our trucks are only designed to be operated until 100k miles, then we are to get rid of them b/c the maintance will result in thousands of dollars in repairs instead of just regular maintanance? Why doesn't Ford just go ahead and list them as "Maintanace Free Trucks" b/c it appears that this maintanance is going to be more or less, replacement. They should have just gone ahead and welded the things in. I'd be happier knowing they planned it for us to have to have the heads removed/replaced than to design a crappy sparkplug/head design as they apparently have. Go ahead and label me as a troll, but I'm not going to stand by and not comment on something that potentially involves my wallet. I really hope more people chime in on this situation b/c there are so many 5.4 3v engines on the road now.