Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Tips on plug removal?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 15, 2007 | 01:42 PM
  #1  
loony2000's Avatar
loony2000
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Tips on plug removal?

Alright, I'm getting ready to change the plugs and wires on my truck... Does anyone have any tips to make this process easier? Most of the plug holes themselves are hidden on my 4.6L... should I take the air cleaner off and remove what I need to remove to get to them?

Any help appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2007 | 07:55 PM
  #2  
Ultramagdan's Avatar
Ultramagdan
Post Fiend
25 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Yes, remove what is in the way and take your time. Going slow will yield long term success. Once you've done it you'll be able to do the next one in your sleep.
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2007 | 08:12 PM
  #3  
ars_lurker's Avatar
ars_lurker
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Ditto on Dan's suggestion. I would really suggest using the extra-deep snap-on socket or I think KD tools has one also. I replaced the wires also since they were the original set and I had it all apart. There is a great thread on this that had all the tips and tricks I needed.
It will take some time but it is not really that difficult. Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2007 | 07:06 PM
  #4  
Bobby82490's Avatar
Bobby82490
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 0
From: N. Fort Myers,FL
Remove everything in the way, take off the wheels and set the front end on some 4x4s or something similar. Get a old pillow to put on the radiator, and make sure you have plenty of swivels and extensions. USE ANTI-SIEZE on the plugs!
There are tons more tips in the 4.6 and 5.4 spark plug change thread.
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2007 | 10:53 PM
  #5  
ATC Crazy's Avatar
ATC Crazy
Hotshot
Community Builder
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,358
Likes: 4,393
From: SW VA
Be sure to blow out the spark plug 'holes' with compressed air before removing the spark plugs. You dont want anything falling down into the cylinder.
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2007 | 11:35 PM
  #6  
LxMan1's Avatar
LxMan1
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Just blow out the plug holes so any debris won't fall into the cylinders. I just removed the upper PS reservoir to access #5. The rest are not as bad as they look. I have a 5.4L with COP's and it only took me a little over an hour. Be sure to use anti-seize on the plug threads before installing them.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2007 | 12:56 PM
  #7  
duggyb's Avatar
duggyb
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: YYC
i also found this magnet that works nicely to remove the plugs....its cylindrical and hanging on a wire...so you just wiggle it around until it drops down into the head and then pull on the wire and it brings the plug up with it.

as for putting them back in...there is a black hose on the drivers side of your motor that you will need to remove to get at the plugs....i just used this and stuck it over the top of the plug.....put it down the hole and screwed it in until the hose started slipping on the plug....then went to it with my combination of ratchets and crazy things...haha

there is a thread kicking around here somewhere to that explains it nicely with pictures.

THNX
Duggy
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:01 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE