Notices
2004 - 2008 F150 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Ford F150's with 5.4 V8, 4.6 V8 engine
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

spark plug problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 10, 2007 | 08:12 PM
  #1  
jereco's Avatar
jereco
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
spark plug problems

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
 
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2007 | 08:52 PM
  #2  
kd4crs's Avatar
kd4crs
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2007 | 09:19 PM
  #3  
soxfan81's Avatar
soxfan81
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: FL
Originally Posted by jereco
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
Your fine it's only the 5.4.
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 06:24 AM
  #4  
thechief96's Avatar
thechief96
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
What years of the 5.4 does this include? I have an 2007.
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 11:27 AM
  #5  
kd4crs's Avatar
kd4crs
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
The redesigned spark plug and 3 valve heads are in the 04-07 F150 with the 5.4L engine.
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 05:47 PM
  #6  
wildcard30's Avatar
wildcard30
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 4
From: Sunny tourist infested FL
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 06:14 PM
  #7  
last5oh_302's Avatar
last5oh_302
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by wildcard30
Also, you will notice there is no TSB for this for model years 05 and up.
Does this mean that people with 05's and newer can simply remove and replace with new plugs without worry of them breakiing?
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 07:46 PM
  #8  
ohboy44's Avatar
ohboy44
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 392
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by wildcard30
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.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-3

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-6

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 09:45 PM
  #9  
04 FX4 Lineman's Avatar
04 FX4 Lineman
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 611
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by wildcard30
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?????
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 10:03 PM
  #10  
DRM2004's Avatar
DRM2004
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Texas
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2007 | 10:44 PM
  #11  
tomclem's Avatar
tomclem
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
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......
 
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2007 | 05:53 PM
  #12  
wildcard30's Avatar
wildcard30
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 4
From: Sunny tourist infested FL
Originally Posted by ohboy44
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.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2007 | 06:37 PM
  #13  
ohboy44's Avatar
ohboy44
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 392
Likes: 2
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2007 | 08:02 AM
  #14  
Cavtrooper06's Avatar
Cavtrooper06
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Springville, AL
Originally Posted by tomclem
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.
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2007 | 01:31 PM
  #15  
tomclem's Avatar
tomclem
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
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.
 

Last edited by tomclem; Jun 15, 2007 at 01:36 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:07 AM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE