tune up
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tune up
I just did a tune up on my 99 exp repalced all 8 plugs and boots in about 2.5 hrs. The #3 plug was loose I was able to take it out by hand. Just wondering if plug blowouts happen after you replace plugs or before or both.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,902
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From: Northern IL
Jake 95PSD, it only took 2.5 hrs for the plugs? Thats really fast I though it takes about 6-8 hrs? Was it hard, I was going to change the plugs on my 2000 Expedition 5.4
Any tips?
Thanks ~Gage~
Any tips?
Thanks ~Gage~
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When I first took a look a it I thought it would take a lot longer than it did. I started on the passenger side front and worked back. Just used a plug socket and 2 or 3 extensions. I used a 7mm nut driver to remove the COP. #7 was the toughest to get the COP off. Olny had to use one swivle with 2 4in extension to get to #4. Other than that just had to take time and stay cool.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
I've followed the "blow-out" problem for years. Based on my readings, most blow-outs seem to be a result of improper installation (ie crossthreading) of new plugs.
Gage, if you have a decent set of socket extensions, the complete job shouldn't take more than 3 hours. I actually thought the job was much easier than I anticipated. The hardest part for me was being able to reach all the plugs inasmuch as I have a 4x4 with larger tires.....I should have flattened my front tires before starting.
Gage, if you have a decent set of socket extensions, the complete job shouldn't take more than 3 hours. I actually thought the job was much easier than I anticipated. The hardest part for me was being able to reach all the plugs inasmuch as I have a 4x4 with larger tires.....I should have flattened my front tires before starting.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: huntsville, alabama
jake 95psd, 2.5 hours is great. It took me 5-6 hours.
Gage2502, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use a length of vacuum hose to get each new plug started in the hole. This prevents cross-threading.
Gage2502, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use a length of vacuum hose to get each new plug started in the hole. This prevents cross-threading.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: huntsville, alabama
happycamper116, let me try to explain. Take a piece of vacuum line that is big enough to slip over the tip of a spark plug and stick it on the end of the spark plug. The wells for these plugs are very deep. Stick the plug and hose (as one piece) into the spark plug well. Turn the hose (a little tricky if hose is not exactly straight) to start the plug into its hole. If the hose does not turn, the plug is trying to cross-thread itself. Back the plug a turn or so to get it free. Try again. You will know when you have it right because the hose will turn fairly easily. You cannot transmit enough force along a hose and force a spark plug to cross-thread itself. With a normal socket and extension, you don't have that "delicate feel" for starting the spark plug into its hole. After you get the spark plug started (the hose will no longer turn easily), pull on the vacuum hose to remove it from the spark plug. This way you don't cross-thread a spark plug AND your spark plug socket won't be stuck on the end of the spark plug. Finish tightening the plug with a ratchet, extension and socket.
Last edited by kailor; Jan 21, 2008 at 02:11 PM. Reason: Add a finishing note
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Where the war is...
Brothers, here is a link to my plug change experience, very long winded and written post, but I was glad I did the job myself, and here's why:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post5499863
Gage, you will be fine doing this if you just take your time and follow our advice... next time I change the plugs, it should be quicker, ....
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...ml#post5499863
Gage, you will be fine doing this if you just take your time and follow our advice... next time I change the plugs, it should be quicker, ....