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Broken Spark Plugs

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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 06:48 PM
  #1  
Dwayne42's Avatar
Dwayne42
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Broken Spark Plugs

I am currently changing my spark plugs in my 2004 F150. The very first one broke. I was not aware of this issue until it broke. I did some research on the Lisle 65600 removal tool and it appears it works well. I am a little nervous at this point because the porselin is flush with the top of the flange.

Does anyone have experience with removing with this tool??
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:03 PM
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From what I have read, people have had good luck with that tool, and its alot less than the tool Ford sells. Don''t forget the Stainless Atin-seize on the lower shell of the plugs you put back in. Do a seach on here for more information on the TSB for this plug change. What brand of plugs are you putting in? Champions, make a 1 piece plug that prevents this from happining again.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:13 PM
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I bought the autolite HT-1 but am contimplating taking them back and getting the 1 piece plug.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:34 PM
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I put the Champions in my truck, and have had no complaints so far.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 07:47 PM
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I put the Champion 7989s in mine when I changed them. No sense in putting the problem plugs back in.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 09:03 PM
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Ryan50hrl
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absolutly...put the champions in....save yourself the same hassle down the road...i've got them in mine and can't tell the difference...
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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I agree. i've had the champions in now for over 10K with no problems.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2009 | 10:29 PM
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Djack04F150XL
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Dwayne42, I changed mine on a 04 back in Nov. and I broke 7. The Lisle tool was a lifesaver. When I used the pusher tool I would push the porcelain, remove the tool, blow out the crumbled porcelain and repeat that procedure. When you tighten the puller be careful not to overtighten it. You will feel it "bottom" then you can pull the heatshield out. Back the remaining plug out 1/8th to 1/4 of a turn and soak them with the Ford carb. cleaner per the TSB. I would recommend overnight. My impatience was my mistake.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:57 AM
  #9  
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First off the champions are not a 1 piece, they have a lazer weld just like the autolite. Just changed my plugs a couple weeks of go. The lisle tool works like a charm. I really don't think it matters how long you let them soak, some will break. I soaked mine for 4 hours and still broke 2. I simpy followed the directions that come with the tool, prayed a bit and they came right out. Just be sure to get the spark plug wells clean (inspection mirror and a rigged up shop vac)before you put the new plugs back in. I went with the autolite but it is really just a matter of opinion. Also be sure to put a thin layer of high temp anti-sieze on each plug, the reason i say thin is because if you put it on to thick it will cause a misfire thus screwing up yet another weekend. Good luck and god speed.8d
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 11:11 AM
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wait, so are you saying that the champions will have the same breakage issues as the plugs the trucks come with?
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 11:23 AM
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The Champion plugs are welded, the Motorcraft plugs are crimped and not welded. I trust a weld more than a crimp any day.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 04:55 PM
  #12  
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dlgentry,
Thanks for the help. I am not sure I even want to attempt another plug after this ordeal. Once I hopefully get the broken plug out should I clean the head with something?

I am not sure how you had the courage to continue with the rest. I was thinking I would just take it to the dealer and let them deal with it. This has been a real learning experience. When I decided to do this I never thought this is where I would be. Thank god for sites like this one or I may have made matters even worse.
 
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Old Feb 9, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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Yep....the ford and autolite plugs are not welded...the champion ones ARE....in my book...thats 1 piece.....call it what you want, they are welded into one piece...and won't break like the other ones.....
 
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 10:44 AM
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dlgentry
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I stand corrected, the autolites are not welded, the champions are,but i wouldn't run champions in my lawnmower. What ever plug you choose, take your time with the plug change, get the proper tools and keep your fridge stocked with cold beer. If you do give up and take it to a dealer just be sure to ask the supervisor for a tech that has done it before and make it very clear that you will not pay for the labor or cost of a new head because of fords lack of training. Although i don't trust dealers for anything, they may be getting better the more f-150's they work on. Either way if you do it yourself you gain the knowledge and save yourself some cash.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 02:15 PM
  #15  
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1-bigmac
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lucky for you that your lawnmower plugs are one piece eh? Lets see...oem plugs break routinely, cost of beer, cost of removal tools, time, energy, and truck downtime. so even if you need to replace the Champs every 20K, you're still way ahead. BTW my Champs have been going strong for some 15K miles now. The '05 FX4 runs like a top, loves to run out, loves its edge and premium gas. One-piece (welded or not) plugs are a no brainer.
 
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