coin flip on plug change
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: upstate NNY WATERTOWN
coin flip on plug change
Just upgraded from 1992 flareside 5.8 w/plow with 140.000 miles(best truck ever owned purchased in 1998 no major problems)
upgrade to 05 screw 5.4 with 39000 miles.If I try to change plugs now will
I still have plug breakage issue.Who has changed them with low miles with no issues.
upgrade to 05 screw 5.4 with 39000 miles.If I try to change plugs now will
I still have plug breakage issue.Who has changed them with low miles with no issues.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,024
Likes: 1,519
From: Maine, Virginia
Just upgraded from 1992 flareside 5.8 w/plow with 140.000 miles(best truck ever owned purchased in 1998 no major problems)
upgrade to 05 screw 5.4 with 39000 miles.If I try to change plugs now will
I still have plug breakage issue.Who has changed them with low miles with no issues.
upgrade to 05 screw 5.4 with 39000 miles.If I try to change plugs now will
I still have plug breakage issue.Who has changed them with low miles with no issues.
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: Top Of The World, TN
When I bought my '04 2 years ago, it had 60K miles on it. I had no info about plug change history so, I thought it would be a good idea to change them out --not. (This was before my introduction to FTE.) Broke the first one - freaked - spent all day chipping, vacuuming, tapping, etc. Finnally got the old one out and replaced it. I left the other seven as they were.
My thought at that time was to drive it untill it blows up. Well now the truck has over 150,000 miles on it. Seven of the plugs have at least 90,000. The truck runs great, fuel mileage is good (unless I have 10% ethonal - cr*p).
Except for the plug issue, I am pretty an*l about preventive maintenance. I have been saying its going to need a new engine for the last 90K miles. Cam phasers ticking (not bad), timing chain tensioners occaisionally clatter (not bad). I drive and work this truck very hard and it is still going strong. One of the best trucks I have ever had.
My thought at that time was to drive it untill it blows up. Well now the truck has over 150,000 miles on it. Seven of the plugs have at least 90,000. The truck runs great, fuel mileage is good (unless I have 10% ethonal - cr*p).
Except for the plug issue, I am pretty an*l about preventive maintenance. I have been saying its going to need a new engine for the last 90K miles. Cam phasers ticking (not bad), timing chain tensioners occaisionally clatter (not bad). I drive and work this truck very hard and it is still going strong. One of the best trucks I have ever had.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
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I keep my trucks a long time, 6-8 years. I figured I was going to get the two piece plugs out early so when it was time to change them I would not have to worry about the breakage later. I have a 2008 Screw and I changed the plugs at 24,000 mi. I used Marvel Mystery oil in each tank for the last 3 or 4 tanks, bought the plug socket with the extension attached, did not buy the Lisle tool(figured I would get one later if needed), and followed the TSB to the letter. All the plugs came out easily, so easily in fact, I thought I had broken them until I saw them once they had been removed. There was no screeching or the like. I replaced the plugs with the Champion 7989's gapped at .045 with the nickel antiseize and the truck has run like a top for 6000 mi.
HYPO
HYPO
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
I keep my trucks a long time, 6-8 years. I figured I was going to get the two piece plugs out early so when it was time to change them I would not have to worry about the breakage later. I have a 2008 Screw and I changed the plugs at 24,000 mi. I used Marvel Mystery oil in each tank for the last 3 or 4 tanks, bought the plug socket with the extension attached, did not buy the Lisle tool(figured I would get one later if needed), and followed the TSB to the letter. All the plugs came out easily, so easily in fact, I thought I had broken them until I saw them once they had been removed. There was no screeching or the like. I replaced the plugs with the Champion 7989's gapped at .045 with the nickel antiseize and the truck has run like a top for 6000 mi.
HYPO
HYPO
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
From: Sunapee NH
You'll find a wide range of opinions regarding changing before 100K miles or not to. You'll also find that some have removed all 8 (low and high mileage) without breakage. You'll also find some have broken 1 or more (again low and high mileage). A few have had to deal with head removal to deal with the broken plugs.
If you're going to change them, earlier is probably better. If you're going to change them follow the TSB 08-4-6 to the letter. You'll reduce the likelyhood of breakage. Also purchase a Lisle 65600 extraction tool and a OTC 6900 spark plug socket. You could replace your plugs with Champions or stay with Motorcraft OE replacements. There's lots of opinions on which is better.
You commented on flipping a coin. I'd run with that decision making method, unless of course you have one of those magic 8 ***** we had were kids.
Enjoy your truck and don't sweat the plug breakage issue. (and yes, I changed mine at 60K and broke 3)
If you're going to change them, earlier is probably better. If you're going to change them follow the TSB 08-4-6 to the letter. You'll reduce the likelyhood of breakage. Also purchase a Lisle 65600 extraction tool and a OTC 6900 spark plug socket. You could replace your plugs with Champions or stay with Motorcraft OE replacements. There's lots of opinions on which is better.
You commented on flipping a coin. I'd run with that decision making method, unless of course you have one of those magic 8 ***** we had were kids.
Enjoy your truck and don't sweat the plug breakage issue. (and yes, I changed mine at 60K and broke 3)
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 1
From: Charlton, NY
You'll find a wide range of opinions regarding changing before 100K miles or not to. You'll also find that some have removed all 8 (low and high mileage) without breakage. You'll also find some have broken 1 or more (again low and high mileage). A few have had to deal with head removal to deal with the broken plugs.
If you're going to change them, earlier is probably better. If you're going to change them follow the TSB 08-4-6 to the letter. You'll reduce the likelyhood of breakage. Also purchase a Lisle 65600 extraction tool and a OTC 6900 spark plug socket. You could replace your plugs with Champions or stay with Motorcraft OE replacements. There's lots of opinions on which is better.
You commented on flipping a coin. I'd run with that decision making method, unless of course you have one of those magic 8 ***** we had were kids.
Enjoy your truck and don't sweat the plug breakage issue. (and yes, I changed mine at 60K and broke 3)
If you're going to change them, earlier is probably better. If you're going to change them follow the TSB 08-4-6 to the letter. You'll reduce the likelyhood of breakage. Also purchase a Lisle 65600 extraction tool and a OTC 6900 spark plug socket. You could replace your plugs with Champions or stay with Motorcraft OE replacements. There's lots of opinions on which is better.
You commented on flipping a coin. I'd run with that decision making method, unless of course you have one of those magic 8 ***** we had were kids.
Enjoy your truck and don't sweat the plug breakage issue. (and yes, I changed mine at 60K and broke 3)
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2009
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08 screw Changed mine at 48,000. bought the Lisel tool. Had the engine stare at it. And of course they all came out without a problem. Bought everything to follow the TSB but never needed to follow it. Replaced them with champion and running like a champ. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: nevada
Here I go again, should I or shouldnt I? Now I'm wondering if its the mileage or the age of the truck deciding if the plug will break on the way out. My 5.4 is now 5 yrs old with 25K on it. I know the manual says 100K, (with my average yearly mileage, I will hit that in about 2025). Oh well, maybe I'll trade it before then!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I would if it were me.....I changed mine at under 30K and my parents at under 20k and got all 16 out with NO broken.....follow the TSB EXACTLY......and you'll thank yourself at 100,000 miles....
Oh..and get champion plugs....
Oh..and get champion plugs....
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: Top Of The World, TN
Well, I finally bit the bullit. At 153,000 miles and after reading all of the threads on the subject, I decided to change my plugs. I bought the Lisle tool yesterday and started the project after lunch today. Broke 3 (#'s 2, 4 and 8), The tool worked like a charm and all eight are replaced. Needless to say I am feeling pretty good, taking a break and will finish up with reinstalling COP's (and everything else). Will update later with the final results.