Hey, I know there is a ton of information on here about the issue with the spark plugs in the triton motors throughout the years, but I was hoping someone could give me a paragraph synopsis of the whole issue. I was looking for a brief description of the problem, the years and engines typically affected, and what Ford has done to remedy the issue. Any other lingering issues surrounding this? Thanks

 

The mod motor likes to eject spark plugs due to an insufficient # of spark plug threads



the 5.4 mod motor has very narrow passages surrounding the plugs inside the cylinder...this allows crap to accululate on the electrode and causes the spark plug to occasionally break

the 4.6 3v and the 6.8 have been fixed so they no longer eject spark plugs

 

Actually the plug for the 3v engines was revised in 2008 and resembles a traditional spark plug. It has at least an inch of threads so there no chance of the plug popping out of the head. Below is a pic of the revised 2008 plug (top) and the previous 3v that are breaking apart on removal.

 

about 1/2 the 2008 production run is the old style of plugs


but yes, the later 08's have the 09+ plug style

 

From what I've read, 5.4 3v engines with build dates (that's engine build date, not vehicle) after 10/8/07 got the new heads with revised plugs. The engine build date will be on the tag on the driver side valve cover.

 

So,...can you use the "new" plug,..in the "old" head?

 

No.
10 char

 

If this happens to you and it will. Lisle tool company has the best kit I have found to remove the broken electrode. The part number is 65600 and it is worth its weight in gold. But is only around $100 bucks.

 

...so are the early 08 4.6 2v effected with plug problems? I've got 32k on mine and would rather change them before I have a major problem.

 

At 32k is early for a plug change plus the early 4.6-2v's would blow the plugs out. I think that problem was corrected by '08

 

Good to know as I hope to get a lot of miles out of this truck. I just figured i'd change them before they seized, but that doesn't seem to problem. Anyone know if the plugs are different or just more threads on the head on the newer 4.6?

 

New 3V plug on the top and old 3V plug on the bottom.

 

can anyone tell me if the Lisle extractor kit will work for the later model spark plugs in the 08 Ford?

 

Man, been a minute. Which plug is installed? 04-08 or 09+? See helpful pictures above

If you have the updated/better plug, it resolves the issue. The plug won’t break apart and leave the ceramic and the metal bit in the head. Unless the plug itself suffered a catastrophic shear or something.

if the plug separated into 2-3 pieces, you have the old style plug and that’s what the Lisle kit is for. To extract the outer ceramic “shell” of plug that is stuck when the spot welds break and the center core comes out.

 

The 4.6L is not effected by the broken plug like the 5.4L 3v, just ensure they are torqued properly. the 5.4L 3V had several pull upgrades due to breakage, original plug was SP-507, then 515 and now the revised plug is the SP-546. in engines built after 10/08/07 with the redesigned head the plug is SP-509. The Lisle tool will work to extract the 507/515 plugs, the 546 should not break,but I imagine if it did the tool would work for it also. Key is the clean the carbon build up from the plug hole as good as you can prior to new plug install, this will prevent it from seizing and breaking.