Spark plug question
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Senior User
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Spark plug question
So ive been noticing alot of hazitation from my 06 250 xlt SD with the 5.4 but I have a huge fear of changing the plugs myself and cant afford to have a shop do it. My fear is the truck has 116k on it and i know fords have always had problem stripping out plugs.
when should I change the plugs? when the engine is hot? cold? warm? any tips you can offer me to make this go smoothly would be great!
when should I change the plugs? when the engine is hot? cold? warm? any tips you can offer me to make this go smoothly would be great!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Florida
Warm should make it slightly easier, patience is the best way to attack it. Have the right tools handy and let it take as long as it has too. Blow the pockets out and let a little penetrating oil soak. I was worried when I did mine, but the job was easy and no hiccups.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: muskegon mi.
cold motor you need an air hose to blow out the holes and let sit tillllll cold with p-oil in each plug hole. you have a 3 valver your plugs are smaller 9/16 Mac tools has the right tool,need thred goop and dielectric grease for the boots,right tools and 2hrs. need a inch lb touqe wrench too
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Here's a TSB on changing the plugs on the 3-valvers:
06-5-9***SPARK PLUG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS - 5.4 3V
It is necessary to do it while warm to the touch.
For the hesitation though, I'd change the fuel filter and clean the MAF. You'll be amazed at the difference.
06-5-9***SPARK PLUG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS - 5.4 3V
It is necessary to do it while warm to the touch.
For the hesitation though, I'd change the fuel filter and clean the MAF. You'll be amazed at the difference.
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the MAF was cleaned about 2 weeks back when my engine light came on and my code reder said it was a bank of injectors running lean. clean the MAF and havent had the problem but ill get a fuel filter too. They are cheap money
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Cool... Check for vacuum leaks for the heck of it too... you never know.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Michigan
The TSB for the 3 valve heads say to do them cold. I just did them in my 05 and about a monthe before i changed them i added Marvel Mystry oil to every tank before I tackled them. The came out very easy, I was lucky. Their are some real horror stories tacking the plugs out on these motors. You also should put nickel anti-seize on the the plugs, when you intsll the new ones, but don't put it on the threads, just the lower shell area. You should do a search on these plugs, theirs alot of info on them, especially in the F150 section. The key is following the TSB to the letter. Also, I put the Champions in, but it's my understanding that Denso has just come out with a plug for these engines.
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Brett Foote
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Huh? Did you read the TSB I posted? And I quote:
"Make sure the engine is warm (hand touch after cooling down). "
That's not "cold".
"Make sure the engine is warm (hand touch after cooling down). "
That's not "cold".