Plug Observations
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Elder User
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Plug Observations
I'm approaching 50K miles and having some spare time I pulled the #6 cyl plug today to have a look. First off, it came out quite hard. The plug itself had threads all the way up to the angled seat, .056 gap, and white ash covering it. I then made a right angle feeler gauge out of a coat hanger to check thread count. By best feel I have 4-5 threads. From the chamfered seat on the head to the start of the threads there is a smooth area. Is this where the additional threads are on the later model heads? More threads on the plug really don't do anything for us with 4-5 threads other than making absolutly sure were are getting grip. When installing the plug back in, I used 150inlbs. Nice round number and is 12.5ftlbs. in-between the 11-14ftlbs. When I started tightening down, the 155inlbs. came REAL fast, almost like I couldn't go anymore. Engine build date 11/15/02
Comments?
Comments?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
I think the long-thread plugs came out when the long-thread heads did, and the long-thread plugs can be used in the short-thread heads.
I'd use some penetrating oil on them before breaking them loose, and, only go 1/4 turn, and spray more oil in there. Then, blow clean, and remove the plug.
Did you use any anti-sieze, seeing it was only 1 plug? If not, the torque might not be all that high.
Also, calibrate your torque wrench. Check it against another torque wrench. All three I have, when connected using a socket the right size to catch the square drive, click (or read) exactly the same.
I think what you have is the short-thread head with the "alignment feature" - the narrow area just above the threads.
Look at this picture:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/100_9327.jpg
It's a '99 from 10strokin's batch of pics I put here:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/v10.html
It shows a much bigger hole above the threads compared to what I see on my '01.
I'd use some penetrating oil on them before breaking them loose, and, only go 1/4 turn, and spray more oil in there. Then, blow clean, and remove the plug.
Did you use any anti-sieze, seeing it was only 1 plug? If not, the torque might not be all that high.
Also, calibrate your torque wrench. Check it against another torque wrench. All three I have, when connected using a socket the right size to catch the square drive, click (or read) exactly the same.
I think what you have is the short-thread head with the "alignment feature" - the narrow area just above the threads.
Look at this picture:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/100_9327.jpg
It's a '99 from 10strokin's batch of pics I put here:
http://fords.kilonet.org/10strokin/v10.html
It shows a much bigger hole above the threads compared to what I see on my '01.
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Hey Art,
Yes I did anti-seize the plug when I put it back in. I wish I would have seen those pictures beforehand and I would have paid more attention to the hole above the threads. I recall the hole wasn't much bigger than the threaded part. Bummer that with my build date I don't have the more threads. Just how many more threads are there? My wrench is a Craftsman inch pound wrench that I don't use that often. Never had any problems with it before. It was just kind of strange the way it hit 150inlbs. It was like finger tight then BOOM 150. I was thinking it is because we are tightening against the tapered seat and not like a nut and bolt?
Yes I did anti-seize the plug when I put it back in. I wish I would have seen those pictures beforehand and I would have paid more attention to the hole above the threads. I recall the hole wasn't much bigger than the threaded part. Bummer that with my build date I don't have the more threads. Just how many more threads are there? My wrench is a Craftsman inch pound wrench that I don't use that often. Never had any problems with it before. It was just kind of strange the way it hit 150inlbs. It was like finger tight then BOOM 150. I was thinking it is because we are tightening against the tapered seat and not like a nut and bolt?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 706
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From: Montreal,Canada
Exactly what I was feeling holding my wrench and going on 168in/lbs with 144 pretight.
Just did my plugs,old ones were tighten anywhere from 120 to 204in/lbs.
threads are scary and yes we are tightening against the tapered seat ,that's why
if you overtighten them you rip the threads away,in my opinion.Did not put no
anti-seize.91k
Krewat, nice pictures.
Just did my plugs,old ones were tighten anywhere from 120 to 204in/lbs.
threads are scary and yes we are tightening against the tapered seat ,that's why
if you overtighten them you rip the threads away,in my opinion.Did not put no
anti-seize.91k
Krewat, nice pictures.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 420
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by ZBIGBIG19TH
Krewat, nice pictures.
All I know is my '01 w/engine manufactured 09/2000 has more meat above the threads than those pictures of a '99.
In the following, the dates are manufacture dates of the ENGINE - check your valve cover - I'd love to know what it says.
December 1996 - 4.6L 4V alignment feature added
February 1997 - 4.6L 2V head alignment feature added
September 2000 - WEP (Windsor Engine Plant) 2V head alignment feature modified (4.6/5.4/6.8)
November 2002 - WEP introduced long thread heads on 2V (all)
May 2003 - REP (Romeo Engine Plant) introduced long-thread heads on 4V 4.6 and 5.4
November 2003 - REP introduced long-thread heads on 2V and modified alignment feature
