Re torque spark plugs???
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Re torque spark plugs???
This past weekend I replaced the plugs in my '99 F150 4.6L. I did not use a torque wrench, but from turning a lot of wrenches I feel pretty comfortable that they are within specs. 10 ~ 12 fl/lbs. Also replaced the wires.
With all the threads about pug blowout, I was wondering if I should go back in a few hundred miles or so and retorque??? The boots would be easy to remove as they were new w/dieletric grease and the plugs were not really all that hard to get to. (I had the correct tools) Figure I could retorque all of them in less that an hour.
Any thoughts???
With all the threads about pug blowout, I was wondering if I should go back in a few hundred miles or so and retorque??? The boots would be easy to remove as they were new w/dieletric grease and the plugs were not really all that hard to get to. (I had the correct tools) Figure I could retorque all of them in less that an hour.
Any thoughts???
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kansas
I hand torqued mine and that was over 20K ago. Respectful snugness goes a long ways. I had all the tools except for a torque wrench that you could fit on the rear ones and get an accurate reading on.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Edgerton, WI
All Triton engines suffer from sparkplug blowout, even the V10. While it wouldnt be a bad idea to retorque the plugs every couple of years, I dont think its going to prevent them from blowing out.
If the plugs are going to strip and cause the plug to blow out, its going to happen no matter how often you retorque the plugs.
The only way to really make sure you dont have a plug blow out is to install helicoils in every cylinder.
If the plugs are going to strip and cause the plug to blow out, its going to happen no matter how often you retorque the plugs.
The only way to really make sure you dont have a plug blow out is to install helicoils in every cylinder.
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All Triton engines suffer from sparkplug blowout, even the V10. While it wouldnt be a bad idea to retorque the plugs every couple of years, I dont think its going to prevent them from blowing out.
If the plugs are going to strip and cause the plug to blow out, its going to happen no matter how often you retorque the plugs.
The only way to really make sure you dont have a plug blow out is to install helicoils in every cylinder.
If the plugs are going to strip and cause the plug to blow out, its going to happen no matter how often you retorque the plugs.
The only way to really make sure you dont have a plug blow out is to install helicoils in every cylinder.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,290
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From: Edgerton, WI
From what I understand, there are only 2 or 3 sets of threads holding each plug in and over time, they can weaken and fail.
That would explain what, when Ford went to the 3-valve motors and doubled the number of threads holding each plug in, the problem was fixed.
That would explain what, when Ford went to the 3-valve motors and doubled the number of threads holding each plug in, the problem was fixed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
The new 3 valve heads use a completely different spark plug hole design. While yes you never have to worry about a 3v's spark plug shooting out anymore... now you have to worry about getting out the spark plug in 1 peice.
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
While those trucks are beasts, i personally think they are ugly. But having one would be like almost having the performance of a Gen 2 Lightning, but being able to tow alot also.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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I have had 3 blow in my 2001 5.4 My mechanic here in town fixed the first two for about $320. the third he fixed for $200 and he replaced all 8 plugs. he said the first 2 paid for the tool he used. He said he thought when i replaced my plugs I had them too tight and it added stress to the few threads that were holding the plugs in. so be careful not to over torque them.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Long Beach, Ms.