Sparkplug blowout question.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, VA
Sparkplug blowout question.
I keep reading about this problem happening with the V10 engines. I have an 04' with the 5.4. Has anyone had this happen in the 5.4? I also read that ford "fixed" the issue in 03'. Any one have anything?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 6
From: Eastern PA
I believe this problem comes from over-torqueing the plugs. I had a 5.4 in my Expedition and never had hte problem after taking the plugs in and out a dozen times, never using a torque wrench, but i have put in a lot of plugs and kind of know what feels right. As far as I know, as long as plug maintenance is done right, you shouldn't have an issue. However other 5.4 owners might wnat to chime in with more info.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
With the '03 model year, Ford started putting 8+ threads in the spark plug holes on the cylinder heads, which made the margin for torque error larger, thereby all but eliminating the blown plug problem.
As Jay stated, it's improperly torquing the plugs on the '02 and older, 4 thread spark plug hole heads that can cause the plug to eventually blow, if the torque is not corrected.
Stewart
PS - I blew a plug in my Lightning. Ever since then, I've checked my plug every 6 months and when I change my plugs, I do it with the engine cold, torquing them down to 12-13 ft lbs.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, VA
It's a problem with all 2V modular engines, the 6.8 (V10), the 5.4, and the 4.6L engines.
With the '03 model year, Ford started putting 8+ threads in the spark plug holes on the cylinder heads, which made the margin for torque error larger, thereby all but eliminating the blown plug problem.
As Jay stated, it's improperly torquing the plugs on the '02 and older, 4 thread spark plug hole heads that can cause the plug to eventually blow, if the torque is not corrected.
Stewart
PS - I blew a plug in my Lightning. Ever since then, I've checked my plug every 6 months and when I change my plugs, I do it with the engine cold, torquing them down to 12-13 ft lbs.
With the '03 model year, Ford started putting 8+ threads in the spark plug holes on the cylinder heads, which made the margin for torque error larger, thereby all but eliminating the blown plug problem.
As Jay stated, it's improperly torquing the plugs on the '02 and older, 4 thread spark plug hole heads that can cause the plug to eventually blow, if the torque is not corrected.
Stewart
PS - I blew a plug in my Lightning. Ever since then, I've checked my plug every 6 months and when I change my plugs, I do it with the engine cold, torquing them down to 12-13 ft lbs.
I'll keep that in mind. It's got 66,000 in it now, and I can only assume it's never had the plugs changed. Is there a giude that shows me the service intervals and certain mileages, so I know what to do from here on out?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I'm sure there is something online, but I've never needed to look for one online so I have no clue what the web address would be. Maybe someone else who has a place bookmarked will chime in.
Stewart
