Spark plug change
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 3
From: Longwood, Fl
antiseize
I have an 07 expy EL w/16K. After all this, I am wondering about having the plugs pulled and antiseize applied. Did Ford not put any antiseize on them during assembly? After this many years surely they would have caught on! (yea right).
What are the chances on a 16K motor that any will break? If so, might as well wait until 100K, buy the tool, and prepare for the ordeal
What are the chances on a 16K motor that any will break? If so, might as well wait until 100K, buy the tool, and prepare for the ordeal
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
First I would like to say that this is a great site for information and advise. My 05 was making the ticking noise that I read about here, the cam phazers????? When I took it in to the dealer they changed them under warrenty, but when I was in there I asked them to change the plugs while they had the engine torn apart. The manager told be 120.00 due to the engine being apart. I'm glad I had them do it, 3 of them broke. I'm so glad I read about these problems before I went in there. Thanks everyone.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 698
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, TX
First I would like to say that this is a great site for information and advise. My 05 was making the ticking noise that I read about here, the cam phazers????? When I took it in to the dealer they changed them under warrenty, but when I was in there I asked them to change the plugs while they had the engine torn apart. The manager told be 120.00 due to the engine being apart. I'm glad I had them do it, 3 of them broke. I'm so glad I read about these problems before I went in there. Thanks everyone.
How many miles did the engine have on it?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
I don't recommend removing the plugs only to add anti-seize. I removed one plug to check the part number to get an idea on whether or not they had ever been changed. When I installed the plug and started the truck, it ran like crap. I broke the fine wire that is in the plug. just some info.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 3
From: Longwood, Fl
TX, Considering the effort involved after they seize and break it would almost be worth the expense of just changing them out way early and making sure to use anti seize. My question is, what is the likelyhood that they will break with under 20K? Our climate is not cold or wet, so maybe they dont corrode in the heads as badly, or is it an electrolysis thing?
New User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
i just installed a magnacharger and broke 2 plugs sent to dealer pulled head sent back to me on a tow so i could finish my install would not start towed back 1 whole week cam chain installed wrong swhen head was pulled have to pull front cover off motor these plugs have been a nightmare but under warranty thank god or henry ford
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg, MS
I am still in the process of removing 7 broke plugs. I bought a #65600 Lisle tool and it works great. It has one tool to push the porcelan down to the ground electrode. I had to crush part of it, blow out the pieces 2 times before the heatshield removal tool would tap into the heatshield, though. Once the tool was tapped into the shield it came out easy. I recommend that you soak the plugs after 1/8th of a turn for at least 1 or 2 days. The problem is mostly carbon and gum buildup. PB Blaster or Seafoam Deep Creep will slowlly break down the deposit. I do not see how the antisieze will help because the plug does not come direct contact with the head on the heatshield.
Last edited by Djack04F150XL; Nov 27, 2008 at 10:16 PM. Reason: Forgot the antisieze
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 3
From: Longwood, Fl
Guess I will just have to pull a plug to see how much clearance between the ground electrode shield and the hole it fits in. I would think the anti seize (or something) could be put there to help keep even the deposits from sticking to it. Anti seize is just a good practice anywhere steel is threaded into aluminum.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg, MS
I finally removed the last broken plug. I had to use the Snapon FSPK tool kit because I overtightened the Lisle remover and stripped the top part of the heatshield. Operator malfunction. But I now have a set of #7989 Champion plug and it runs better than before the change.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
If you have excessive carbon build up, your engine is running rich. Its not usually carbon that kills plugs, the electrodes just get physically worn down from the spark jumping the gap and the heat of combustion.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 3
From: Longwood, Fl
Amsoil
Hope this is not off topic, but it may have to do with carbon buildup which affects spark plug changing.
I was listening to a local AM radio station Sat Morning to the "Magic Mechanic" call in talk show. I believe it is a nationally syndicated show because I have heard people from numerous states call in with problems. The experts are from a local (Orlando, fl) business. The owner (Larry Perry) usually does the answers. I frequently disagree with them on certain things but give credit that they do it for a living! Biggest one was when he told someone to back down timing for a "dieseling" or "run-on" problem.
Anyway, the moderator, a substitute employee of the shop, mentioned a product by Amsoil that is mixed with the fuel at a very high ratio ~400 parts fuel to 1 part of the amsoil. I didnt hear the whole thing, just the last and dont remember the name of the stuff now, but it was amsoil. I do not have great faith in anything poured into the tank, maybe some cleaners do clean a little, but I sure cant prove it, maybe injector cleaners--.
Anyone got anything on it or its possible application to carbon removal?
I was listening to a local AM radio station Sat Morning to the "Magic Mechanic" call in talk show. I believe it is a nationally syndicated show because I have heard people from numerous states call in with problems. The experts are from a local (Orlando, fl) business. The owner (Larry Perry) usually does the answers. I frequently disagree with them on certain things but give credit that they do it for a living! Biggest one was when he told someone to back down timing for a "dieseling" or "run-on" problem.
Anyway, the moderator, a substitute employee of the shop, mentioned a product by Amsoil that is mixed with the fuel at a very high ratio ~400 parts fuel to 1 part of the amsoil. I didnt hear the whole thing, just the last and dont remember the name of the stuff now, but it was amsoil. I do not have great faith in anything poured into the tank, maybe some cleaners do clean a little, but I sure cant prove it, maybe injector cleaners--.
Anyone got anything on it or its possible application to carbon removal?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 17
From: New Castle, PA
Ok, is it true that the spark plug breakage problem is only on the 3v 5.4? I have a 2004 w/ 4.6 and am wondering about spark plug changing. Also is there a good plug besides the Motorcraft ones for replacement?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg, MS
I would use a NGK #6044 Laser Iridium plug if it could be found. Most parts supply stores have them for the 4.6 -2V motor but not the 5.4-3V. I used the only one piece plug available in my 5.4, Champion #7989.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
videopro192
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
15
Feb 1, 2010 03:02 PM
