I recently purchased a 2002 F 250 SD with a Triton 5.4 V8. I read that the spark plugs are under the individual coil packs.

How do you remove the spark plugs?
I see the nut that holds the coil in place and the coil is connected to the wiring harnes. Once you remove the nut and disconnect the coil from the wire loom...then what? Is there a small spark plug wire that goes from the coil to the plug or what?

I've never done this type of spark plug change before.

Thanks for the help

 

The coil pack (or COP - Coil On Plug) sits on top of the spark plug. There are no spark plug wires.

Since you are new to changing plugs on a Triton engine, it would be very wise to read up on the procedure before you attempt it. It isn't like changing plugs on a small block Chevrolet. The plugs are only tightened just a but more than finger tight, you should use anti-seize compound on them and (with the 1999-2004 2V engines) if you screw it up you stand a good chance of damaging your head and blowing a spark plug out of the head.

 

Check out this link for a video on the procedure... Episode 26.

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Can I use liquid wrench instead of airocroil?

 

I would think so...

 

They didn't convert to long thread count heads until late 2002 so you might have the low thread count heads and will not have the trouble that the video listed. When was the engine built?

 

Per Krewat:

December 1996 - 4.6L 4V alignment feature added
February 1997 - 4.6L 2V head alignment feature added
September 2000 - WEP (Windsor Engine Plant) 2V head alignment feature modified (4.6/5.4/6.8)
November 2002 - WEP introduced long thread heads on 2V (all)
May 2003 - REP (Romeo Engine Plant) introduced long-thread heads on 4V 4.6 and 5.4
November 2003 - REP introduced long-thread heads on 2V and modified alignment feature

 

So, how common is it for one to break the ground shild...or have it stuck in the head? I'm not sure exactly when my truck was built? I know it's a 2002 F 250 with a 5.4 Triton V8.

Do I need to purchase the ground shield removal tool? If so, where can I purchase this tool?

Thanks for the info! I've never seen a spark plug like these plugs....ever!

Thank you for the link!

 

You may want one of these.....Amazon.com: OTC 6900 Specialty Spark Plug Socket for Ford F-150 Triton Engine: Automotive

 

It doesn't matter when the truck was built but when the engine was produced. You can see the build date on the sticker on the left hand (drivers side) valve cover. More than likely it was made before Nov 2002 so you don't have to worry about the long thread count issues. The spark plugs on short thread count heads are not subjected to the issues in the video. They do have their own issues however.

For the short thread head remove the COP, blow out the plug whole with air and carefully remove the plug. On the new plug check your gap, use a light coat of anti-seize on the plug threads, install new plug torque to 14 lb-ft and reinstall COP.

 

I purchased my spark plugs from Autozone and they look very similar to the typical sbc spark plugs and look nothing like the ones in the video. I took them back to AZ and spoke with the manager who I've trused for years and he confirmed that the plugs I have are the ones my 2002 f250 calls for. The plugs do not have the grounding shield at at all. I"m hoping this is normal and I do not have the type of plugs in the video.

 

I would guess they are the right plugs. I doubt your engine was produced in Nov of 2002 or later and put into a 2002 MY truck. The heads in pre Nov 2002 engines have only 4 threads so no need for the long gounding shield.

Make sure to re-check the torque of the plugs ever so often.

 

The plugs with the long ground shield fit 2005 and newer. Your 2002 takes regular plugs. Just make sure that when you install them to use some anti-sieze grease and torque them to 11 foot pounds.


RON

 

Thank you RON!

How many Ft. lbs shoud I use to torque the plugs into the heads? I've heard and read 14ft/lbs and i"ve heard 25ft lbs.

Thank you all for your help!

 

11 foot pounds as I stated above.