Broken Spark Plugs
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
When I got my 04, I was showing it to the mechanic I've used for several years. First words out of his mouth were "When you're ready for a tune-up, don't bring it to me."
Anyway, I don't really have the time or inclination to do it myself. I decided that the local Ford dealer would be the most likely to have experience, and know how to avoid the problem of the broken plug upon removal.
They quoted me $570.00 to replace the plugs and rubber boots on the coil-packs. IF nothing goes wrong. Then he said it would be about $120.00 extra for each plug that breaks if they break.
Am I crazy or is $570.00 uncallled for?
Is this the standard rate around the country for a Ford dealer to do a tune-up or is my dealer just trying to rip me?
After reading the TSB I'm almost tempted to do it myself, but I can't afford the time of having my truck out of commission if something goes wrong.
Thanks
Anyway, I don't really have the time or inclination to do it myself. I decided that the local Ford dealer would be the most likely to have experience, and know how to avoid the problem of the broken plug upon removal.
They quoted me $570.00 to replace the plugs and rubber boots on the coil-packs. IF nothing goes wrong. Then he said it would be about $120.00 extra for each plug that breaks if they break.
Am I crazy or is $570.00 uncallled for?
Is this the standard rate around the country for a Ford dealer to do a tune-up or is my dealer just trying to rip me?
After reading the TSB I'm almost tempted to do it myself, but I can't afford the time of having my truck out of commission if something goes wrong.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg, MS
Rick_Ford, The Lisle #65600 tool cost about $100 and it works very good. Follow the latest TSB but let them soak overnight. I bought my tool from a SnapOn Tool rep. but you should be able to get one through a local parts store.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
Thanks for the info guys
I'm still teetering on whether I want to tackle this myself or not. It just disturbs me that I might drop something off in the head, but then again, if I get the tool and have it on hand, and still can't get it out, I figure the worst case is I tow it to the dealer and pay them to fish it out.
Thanks for the part number Djack04F150XL. I found some for around $65. Also stumbled across a specialty spark plug socket that was designed for the 5.4 3v, to help prevent wabble while removing.
It looks like that number 4 cylinder could be a real PITA, but the rest don't look too bad as far as getting to them.
So when it comes to replacing the plugs, it looks like the general consensus is to go back with the original (just seems wrong) or get the champion (just seems wrong).
I noticed there are 2 autolites available. A HT15 that is OE Design, and a HT1 that is Optional Alternate Design.
Is the HT1 welded like the champion? Anybody have any experience recommendations for them?
Are there any recent breakthroughs that haven't made it to the forum yet?
Thanks again
Rick
Thanks for the part number Djack04F150XL. I found some for around $65. Also stumbled across a specialty spark plug socket that was designed for the 5.4 3v, to help prevent wabble while removing.
It looks like that number 4 cylinder could be a real PITA, but the rest don't look too bad as far as getting to them.
So when it comes to replacing the plugs, it looks like the general consensus is to go back with the original (just seems wrong) or get the champion (just seems wrong).
I noticed there are 2 autolites available. A HT15 that is OE Design, and a HT1 that is Optional Alternate Design.
Is the HT1 welded like the champion? Anybody have any experience recommendations for them?
Are there any recent breakthroughs that haven't made it to the forum yet?
Thanks again
Rick
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Vicksburg, MS
Rick, The Autolite plug are both made like the original designed Motorcraft plugs. I looked at all options before I used the #7989 Champion plugs. I too, am not a Champion fan but this looks like a very good designed alternative. I have had them for about 7000 miles and they run fine. I, also added a set af Accel #140033-8 COP about 4000 miles back for the heck of it. Just some added spark.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 277
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
When I got my 04, I was showing it to the mechanic I've used for several years. First words out of his mouth were "When you're ready for a tune-up, don't bring it to me."
Anyway, I don't really have the time or inclination to do it myself. I decided that the local Ford dealer would be the most likely to have experience, and know how to avoid the problem of the broken plug upon removal.
They quoted me $570.00 to replace the plugs and rubber boots on the coil-packs. IF nothing goes wrong. Then he said it would be about $120.00 extra for each plug that breaks if they break.
Am I crazy or is $570.00 uncallled for?
Is this the standard rate around the country for a Ford dealer to do a tune-up or is my dealer just trying to rip me?
After reading the TSB I'm almost tempted to do it myself, but I can't afford the time of having my truck out of commission if something goes wrong.
Thanks
Anyway, I don't really have the time or inclination to do it myself. I decided that the local Ford dealer would be the most likely to have experience, and know how to avoid the problem of the broken plug upon removal.
They quoted me $570.00 to replace the plugs and rubber boots on the coil-packs. IF nothing goes wrong. Then he said it would be about $120.00 extra for each plug that breaks if they break.
Am I crazy or is $570.00 uncallled for?
Is this the standard rate around the country for a Ford dealer to do a tune-up or is my dealer just trying to rip me?
After reading the TSB I'm almost tempted to do it myself, but I can't afford the time of having my truck out of commission if something goes wrong.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Rural Ida Michigan
replacement plug
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville USA
When I got my quote, he called the parts department and they told him all they had was the same plug that was coming out.
I wonder what autolite means by this line in their descriptions.
HT1 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Optional alternate design."
HT15 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Original equip.
On Autolite's website, they list 2 Motorcrafts as competitors, along with the Champion.
I may check around a couple of local shops. I have about 3 mechanics in town that I trust. One of them said he wouldn't touch it, but at the time, they were still working on the tool.
By the time I buy the tool to have on hand, anti-sieze, penetrating oil and plugs, I'm going to be out between 200 and 250. If I can find someone to do it for me for that price range, I think I'll keep my Saturday for other things.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Rural Ida Michigan
I did mine, after a lot of research. I have read 3 differant TSB's and even bought the special plug socket. I did the soak and worked the plug back and forth. For every 1/2 turn I reversed about a quarter tune back in, on and on until they came out. A bit nerve racking but I did it. I felt that I wasn't going to pay for some mechnic to break the plug off when I could do it myself for free... 
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
When I got my quote, he called the parts department and they told him all they had was the same plug that was coming out.
I wonder what autolite means by this line in their descriptions.
HT1 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Optional alternate design."
HT15 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Original equip.
I wonder what autolite means by this line in their descriptions.
HT1 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Optional alternate design."
HT15 "...specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine design; Original equip.
. I found some for around $65. Also stumbled across a specialty spark plug socket that was designed for the 5.4 3v, to help prevent wabble while removing.
So when it comes to replacing the plugs, it looks like the general consensus is to go back with the original (just seems wrong) or get the champion (just seems wrong).
Is the HT1 welded like the champion? Anybody have any experience recommendations for them?
Are there any recent breakthroughs that haven't made it to the forum yet?
Thanks again
Rick
So when it comes to replacing the plugs, it looks like the general consensus is to go back with the original (just seems wrong) or get the champion (just seems wrong).
Is the HT1 welded like the champion? Anybody have any experience recommendations for them?
Are there any recent breakthroughs that haven't made it to the forum yet?
Thanks again
Rick
Whats wrong with the champions...i've yet to come across anyone who had any proof the champion plugs have problems....
The HT1's are NOT welded....the only 1 piece plugs are champion and brisk...end of story....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Rural Ida Michigan
[quote=jsoko;7198786]
I read in my research on the forums that some spoke of a special plug socket, so I ordered mine from S-K Hand Tools in Il. It is a 3/8" drive 9/16 size scoket for the plug. I have two other scokets for plugs and neither one fit... I guess you could just use a deep well 9/16" regular socket.
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Spark Plug Breaking Issues
I had 3 break on mine while removing them and a local mechanic shop here recommended a great one piece design spark plug to solve this issue. Not only do I not have to worry about them breaking but once I had the Brisk spark plugs installed I seen a difference in fuel economy, not a whole lot but every little bit counts. I bought mine direct from them but they also have an online store www.briskracing.com. Thought I'd share the info for anyone who's interested!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
I now have 18,000 mi. on my Champion plugs and the truck runs just great. There are a few detractors lurking in these truck sites, who really go out of their way to trash the Champion 7989 plugs. However, if you listen to the majority of those who have tried them, the reports are very favorable. I took a logical approach... why put in the very same type plugs you were worried about breaking in the first place??? At least if the Champions didn't work out, you could just ****** them out without fear of breaking one. At any rate, I feel it is one of the best decisions I have made of late.
HYPO
HYPO