Spark plug blowout
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Spark plug blowout
I am looking into buying a SD here in the next few months. I have had a 7.3 before and loved it but I just can't justify spending that much money on a diesel again with fuel prices the way they are and the cost. I don't really tow much. I plan on getting a boat here next year.
My question is what year models should I stay away from that have had the problems with the sparkplug blowouts? I would like a V10 but I may go with a 5.4. The V10 from what I have seen and read really doesn't get much worse gas milege than the 5.4. I would just love to have the extra power just in case I decide to go with a bigger toy to tow.
My question is what year models should I stay away from that have had the problems with the sparkplug blowouts? I would like a V10 but I may go with a 5.4. The V10 from what I have seen and read really doesn't get much worse gas milege than the 5.4. I would just love to have the extra power just in case I decide to go with a bigger toy to tow.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
I would personally look at an 03'up model. The 03' will definatly have the heads with more threads.
The plug blowout problem is somewhat over-played and isn't really a very common thing. With proper maint. any 5.4l or 6.8l will not have plug problems.
05'up 6.8l are 3V with the 5spd Auto.
99'-04' are 2V w/ 4R100
The plug blowout problem is somewhat over-played and isn't really a very common thing. With proper maint. any 5.4l or 6.8l will not have plug problems.
05'up 6.8l are 3V with the 5spd Auto.
99'-04' are 2V w/ 4R100
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: NE Texas
If at all possible, like any vehicle, get the maintenance records.
Yes, the MPG for the 5.4 and 6.8 are about the same with identical setups.
Like dkf said, the plug blowout is trumped up too much to pay any serious attention to.
Yes, the MPG for the 5.4 and 6.8 are about the same with identical setups.
Like dkf said, the plug blowout is trumped up too much to pay any serious attention to.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
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The spark plug problem is more common than it ought to be! It also seems that it happens with the factory installed plugs more often than if they were changed, so I don't think maintenance has anything to do with it if the truck has less than 100k on it. I have seen a number of them do it, even early '03 models. Broken exhaust manifold bolts are common. I would try to get a 3 valve. No plug problems, better manifold bolts, and more power.
Last edited by Louisville Joe; Oct 19, 2007 at 12:44 AM.
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Hotshot
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From: Pa
Originally Posted by uh60
Thanks for the advice. I will look and see what I can find. When did Ford stop putting 3.73 rear ends in the V10? I see now on the Ford web site that you can only get 4.10 and 4.30 gears.
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From: Villa Rica, GA
Go with the v-10, I think the 5.4 is underpowered for these trucks and like everyone has said they get the same gas mileage as the v10. I say you check out the trucks with the newer head so you wont have the problems that came with the older ones.
I just had a plug blow out on my '99 at 115,000 miles. It is really a pretty easy fix the only problem is that the tools necessary to fix it are expensive, but still much cheaper than taking it to a shop. The Time-sert kit is like 400 bucks and comes with 5 inserts, it took me about an hour and a half to fix it. Also, at-least half of my exhaust manifold studs are broken off, and I have some new headers that just got here yesterday ready to put on so I will solve that problem.
I just had a plug blow out on my '99 at 115,000 miles. It is really a pretty easy fix the only problem is that the tools necessary to fix it are expensive, but still much cheaper than taking it to a shop. The Time-sert kit is like 400 bucks and comes with 5 inserts, it took me about an hour and a half to fix it. Also, at-least half of my exhaust manifold studs are broken off, and I have some new headers that just got here yesterday ready to put on so I will solve that problem.
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Unfortantly the 05' and up is out of my price randge. I am looking at 03's and down. I might be able to swing an 04' if the price is right. The info has been great. I don't remember if Ford puts the gear ratio on the data plate or not. Does it? I don't want to get a 4.30 or anything. 3.73 or maybe even a 4.10 is what I am looking for.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Pa
Originally Posted by uh60
Unfortantly the 05' and up is out of my price randge. I am looking at 03's and down. I might be able to swing an 04' if the price is right. The info has been great. I don't remember if Ford puts the gear ratio on the data plate or not. Does it? I don't want to get a 4.30 or anything. 3.73 or maybe even a 4.10 is what I am looking for.
)Most V10 SD have 3:73s because thats the way the dealers usually order them. Should be a tag on the rear end to get the ratio off of.
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plug blowout
Originally Posted by dkf
I would personally look at an 03'up model. The 03' will definatly have the heads with more threads.
The plug blowout problem is somewhat over-played and isn't really a very common thing. With proper maint. any 5.4l or 6.8l will not have plug problems.
05'up 6.8l are 3V with the 5spd Auto.
99'-04' are 2V w/ 4R100
The plug blowout problem is somewhat over-played and isn't really a very common thing. With proper maint. any 5.4l or 6.8l will not have plug problems.
05'up 6.8l are 3V with the 5spd Auto.
99'-04' are 2V w/ 4R100
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
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From: Pa
Originally Posted by pony
Wish I could get to the bottom of this plug issue! I have a 2002 F250 with the 5.4 and 35,000 miles on it. The truck is primarily for recreational use and I don't want to be 50 miles into the bush and have #3 plug go ballistic on me. Can anyone recommend a course of action I should take to avoid a catasrophe?
Change the plugs with Motorcraft Plat. (OE) and use nickel based anti-seize on the plug threads and torque them to the recommend specs. (Should be 13-14ft. lb.)
Keeping the plugs torqued and using an anti-seize compound will keep everything in good shape. It would also be a good idea to put on a new set of COP boots since your truck is an 02'. Put a dab of dielectric grease in either end of the COP boot to seal it up and prevent a misfire.