5.4 plug issue finally resolved?
#16
02-04-2008, 07:07 PM
You're right, a relatively small percentage of trucks have hit this service interval. So...say only 10% of them have reached it...that's 350,000 trucks! Even if it's only 1% of them, that's still 35,000 trucks...
if all of them needed the heads to be pulled, there would likely be a class action lawsuit.
I agree, there is a problem with the design, which I believe Ford addressed in the '05 and up models by putting anti-sieze lubricant on the plugs from the factory. This is also exactly what the TSB proscribes when putting in the new plugs to insure the issue does not repeat itself.
Flawed design? Sure, you could call it that. BUT, it's been proven time and again that if done correctly, most of the times they come out just fine.
This is all just my opinion here, folks. IMHO an issue such as this shouldn't determine what truck to buy.....I'm confident the original poster will get a great truck no matter what engine he or she buys, but I think he will be better served by the 5.4 if that's what he would prefer outside this issue......
if all of them needed the heads to be pulled, there would likely be a class action lawsuit.
I agree, there is a problem with the design, which I believe Ford addressed in the '05 and up models by putting anti-sieze lubricant on the plugs from the factory. This is also exactly what the TSB proscribes when putting in the new plugs to insure the issue does not repeat itself.
Flawed design? Sure, you could call it that. BUT, it's been proven time and again that if done correctly, most of the times they come out just fine.
This is all just my opinion here, folks. IMHO an issue such as this shouldn't determine what truck to buy.....I'm confident the original poster will get a great truck no matter what engine he or she buys, but I think he will be better served by the 5.4 if that's what he would prefer outside this issue......
#17
02-04-2008, 09:50 PM
Originally Posted by Crazy001
You're right, a relatively small percentage of trucks have hit this service interval. So...say only 10% of them have reached it...that's 350,000 trucks! Even if it's only 1% of them, that's still 35,000 trucks...
#18
02-04-2008, 10:01 PM
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#21
02-05-2008, 03:01 PM
Tom,
Thank you so much for the rant. However I think you misunderstood the point of the post. I was not asking for an opinon on the severity of the problem. I was asking if anyone could confirm the rumor that the heads on 5.4s built after 10-07 had been redesigned to address the plug problem. Nothing more, nothing less.
There have been posts where plugs broke off even though the TSB was followed. It is a gamble that the owner of a $30,000 plus vehicle should not be required to take. The decision on which engine to buy rests soley with the person writing the check. To catagorize people who's opinon differs from yours as ignorant is neither helpful or appreciated!
Thank you so much for the rant. However I think you misunderstood the point of the post. I was not asking for an opinon on the severity of the problem. I was asking if anyone could confirm the rumor that the heads on 5.4s built after 10-07 had been redesigned to address the plug problem. Nothing more, nothing less.
There have been posts where plugs broke off even though the TSB was followed. It is a gamble that the owner of a $30,000 plus vehicle should not be required to take. The decision on which engine to buy rests soley with the person writing the check. To catagorize people who's opinon differs from yours as ignorant is neither helpful or appreciated!
Originally Posted by Crazy001
You know, this kind of thing gets to me...
Ford sells almost a million of these things a year, meaning that at the moment there are probably close to 3.5-4 million F150s on the roads today, just in the US...
If EVERY single one of the trucks with the 5.4 broke the plugs when they were being changed, a couple things would be different. 1: Ford would be really hurting, more than they are now because NOBODY would touch one of their trucks with a 10 foot pole. 2: Nobody would be able to use this message board for the simple reason that there would be so many thousands of pissed off people who would come here to complain about their plug problem.
YES there is a problem. BUT if the proper procedures are followed the problem is downright rare.
Not buying a certain engine because something MIGHT POSSIBLY be a problem IF THE REPAIR ISN'T DONE RIGHT is simply ignorant.
End of rant.
On edit:
I really do like my 5.4, but the 4.6 is certainly a great motor, and is proven reliable in over 15 years of use, whereas the 3v 5.4 is a bit newer.
but don't downsize just because you're worried about the integrity of the 5.4! It's also been proven in many millions of trucks, in 2v form from '97 to '03, and the new 3v since 2004!
Ford sells almost a million of these things a year, meaning that at the moment there are probably close to 3.5-4 million F150s on the roads today, just in the US...
If EVERY single one of the trucks with the 5.4 broke the plugs when they were being changed, a couple things would be different. 1: Ford would be really hurting, more than they are now because NOBODY would touch one of their trucks with a 10 foot pole. 2: Nobody would be able to use this message board for the simple reason that there would be so many thousands of pissed off people who would come here to complain about their plug problem.
YES there is a problem. BUT if the proper procedures are followed the problem is downright rare.
Not buying a certain engine because something MIGHT POSSIBLY be a problem IF THE REPAIR ISN'T DONE RIGHT is simply ignorant.
End of rant.
On edit:
I really do like my 5.4, but the 4.6 is certainly a great motor, and is proven reliable in over 15 years of use, whereas the 3v 5.4 is a bit newer.
but don't downsize just because you're worried about the integrity of the 5.4! It's also been proven in many millions of trucks, in 2v form from '97 to '03, and the new 3v since 2004!
#24
02-06-2008, 06:29 AM
#25
02-06-2008, 01:43 PM
#26
02-06-2008, 02:51 PM
Official confirmation?
Originally Posted by d445
While shopping for an '08 Screw I have been lurking on a number of f150 forums. After reading numerous posts regarding the plug problems on the 5.4, I decided that the 4.6 would be a better choice for my needs.
As I was researching the truck I saw a few posts that stated that the 5.4 heads have been redesigned to address the plug problem. Supposedly the new heads are installed on engines manufactured after 10-7-07. If this is true I would reconsider buying the 5.4. Has anyone been able to confirm the accuracy of the story? Hopefully it is not an urban myth or wishful thinking
.
TIA
As I was researching the truck I saw a few posts that stated that the 5.4 heads have been redesigned to address the plug problem. Supposedly the new heads are installed on engines manufactured after 10-7-07. If this is true I would reconsider buying the 5.4. Has anyone been able to confirm the accuracy of the story? Hopefully it is not an urban myth or wishful thinking
.TIA
https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph...tsb%2F0819.pdf
#28
02-06-2008, 06:53 PM
Did anybody else notice on page 4 of TSB it said the plug change was elgible[ under the provisions of new vehicle WARRANTY coverage and emissions WARRANTY coverage.
Originally Posted by d445
Well it looks like the new TSB for plug removal is the closest official confirmation that Ford made changes to correct the plug problem. The new TSB applies to 5.4s built prior to 10-9-07. It is unclear whether they changed the head design, plug design or both. Anyway, it appears that something did indeed change in October 07! Thanks to Peterman for posting the link.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph...tsb%2F0819.pdf
https://www.ford-trucks.com/lc/lc.ph...tsb%2F0819.pdf
#29
02-06-2008, 09:37 PM
Originally Posted by moonlighter
Did anybody else notice on page 4 of TSB it said the plug change was elgible[ under the provisions of new vehicle WARRANTY coverage and emissions WARRANTY coverage.
Anyone know the cost of getting the o8 heads installed?
#30
02-08-2008, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by bubbajoe28
Ford will cover the cost above the normal spark plug change cost if vehicle is still under powertrain warranty 3yr/36,000. Some dealers have been reluctant to change the plugs as they state the plugs are good till 100K. Every dealers is different so I'd get a quote in writing prior to them working on your truck.
Anyone know the cost of getting the o8 heads installed?
Anyone know the cost of getting the o8 heads installed?
Ford will cover the cost above a plug change if the truck was running poorly and NEEDED a plug change. If you decide to change the plugs early and one breaks you are SOL.
Getting a quote in writing is the best advice I've heard. Wish I did that when I had my plugs changed.