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

 

One of the members here, DearbornDerek, works for Ford in truck assembly. I believe it was he that confirmed the design change in October.

 

It is true, the heads and plugs where redesigned. The plugs are now a conventional design with the threads at the bottom and the ground electrode is adjustable as far as the gap goes.

 

Besides looking at the tag on the valve cover, is there any other physical difference?

I have what I believe to be two dates on my tag, and I'm leaning towards the earlier one being the 'right' one which in my case makes my SCrewed, and not because I have four doors. The middle of the tag says 110907 but the bottom date on the tag says 080707.

Is there an engine code difference in the VIN or the door? How do we go to the parts department/auto parts store to buy the correct plugs?

 

The build date on my 07' is the bottom date on valve cover, it's also on the build sheet.

 

When was your truck built and was it built at the Dearborn plant or KC?

 

If your asking me, where do I find the build date? I do know it was built in KC, at least according to the sticker in the front window.

 

The truck was assembled at Dearborn plant, but the engine was assembled in Canada--6/14/07.

 

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!

 

Crazy001
Iv"e seen many posts describing their vehicle as a "screw". I also have a 2007 150 5.4 4X4 supercrew XLT. I don't know where the screw comes into the picture. Is this some sort of option?

 

I think it's short for SuperCREW.

 

"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..."

Tom,

I know you have made up your mind, but how many of those trucks do you think have reached 100,000 miles and completed the suggested plug change?

 

The build date will be on the drivers door or B-pillar (info Sticker) it will give the month and year.

 

Super Crew = Screw
Super Cab = Scab

 

e-xactly! I ain't looking forward to mine... i'd rather do a headswap then start doing spark plugs and end up having to pull the heads :P