So I went to replace the #5 and the dreaded #8 spark plugs today because of misfires. I managed to get the #5 replaced after about 45 mins, but it took me 2 hours to finally give up on the #8, I managed to loosen it, unscrew it the entire way, or so i thought, but I could never get it out of the cylinder. I tried and tried and tried, everything I could possibly think of, tubing, spark plug sockets, magnets, i even got some needle nose pliers on it. I threaded it back in and out several times and could feel it was loose and ready to come out, but I just couldn't pull it out. I have no idea what the deal was. But I ended up giving up, and threading it back in, needless to say, I'm still missing on that cylinder, and the truck is running rough.

Please someone help me, I'm worried I broke something off or need some specialty tool to get it out, but I've got literally no idea why it wouldn't come out. It almost felt like something was holding it in, I just have no idea what it could have been. I promise you it was threaded the whole way out.

Should I just take it to a shop or dealer and ask them to change the plugs, and leave the problem with them? Is there something that in my frustration I forgot to think of? What exactly happens when a plug breaks?

 

Welcome to FTE. Did you break the spark plug?

Try this link https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ch-videos.html

Click on the link there and watch video 26 and see if that is the issue you're dealing with.

 

I didn't break the spark plug that I know of. It literally feels like i've got it threaded out the whole way, but I can't pull the plug out, not the whole plug, not a piece of it, nothing. I can't get it to pull out with the spark plug socket, or a magnet, or a piece of tube, or pliers even. It's not totally loose in the hole, but it can't be unthreaded anymore that I know of, it almost feels like something is holding it in. I just keep spinning it left and pulling but nothing happens it just sits in there and spins but dosen't pull out.

Plus to top it all of, it's the #8 cylinder so if i did break the plug they'll have to pull the heads to get it out, right?

 

Breaking the spark plug in any cylinder can mean pulling the head. The video I mentioned showed how to remove a broken spark plug in a 5.4 without pulling the head.

I'm a diesel guy so I don't have any spark plugs, but if it's completely unthreaded, it should pull out unless it's snapped off somewhere and there's a crimp connection holding the 2 pieces together.

Did you watch the video? Have you ever pulled a head before? Is #8 firing at all? If #8 is completely dead, there's no harm in taking this to the next level. If #8 is still working somewhat and you're not comfortable taking the next step, it's best to stop here and find a mechanic.

 

#8 is dead as far as I know. I'm sure whatever I did to it today didn't make it any better. It kind of makes sense that a crimp would be holding it in. But truthfully that's not what I want to think of right now. I bought this truck (used) less than a week ago. I've never pulled a head, but I can only imagine that it may be beyond my level of technical expertise. What all is involved?

 

Keep an open mind and it's really nothing more than using a ratchet to remove some bolts and using a ratchet, breaker bar, and torque wrench to re-install it.

If the spark plug is broken, there's no harm in trying the removal method from the video. A good idea would be to call a couple of local mechanic shops and explain the situation to them. Tell them you fear you might have broken the #8 plug. The ball park estimate they give you over the phone will either motivate you to tackle this yourself, or convince you it's not too bad and to just let them do it.

 

I find it best to take a look in the hole. Use a flashlight and mirror, inspection scope (lowes / home depot) or a bore scope might do it also. You should be able to pull the plug out. Also the 2foot long grabber thingy (craftsman or the like) work well.

 

Yeah like I said, I've tried to yank the sucker out every way that I can. I guess I'll pull the crap back off tomorrow and give it a good soak and see where that gets me. Maybe she'll pull free. I guess I'll give the mechanics around me a call and see what they have to say if I can't get it out. I'll also think about limping it to my grandma's where I can take the truck apart if need be. I've got the service manual for the truck. So....I guess we'll see how tomorrow pans out

 

Great video. I see an Oscar coming for that host!

 

What year engine is this?

You've either broken the spark plug or you have stripped the spark plug threads. Did you use some sort of penetrating oil before you tried to pull the plugs out?

Just so you know for future reference, misfires are usually caused by a bad COP (coil over plug) or the COP boot.

 

His profile says he has an 06. I would venture to guess that the lower shell of the plug is partially broken loose rom the upper portion of the plug. and the lower shell is stuck in the head. I would keep trying to pull up on the plug after you have loosened it up. The you will need to get one of the extraction tools to pull the lower shell out of the head.

 

I've got a 2006 5.4L F250. I'm starting to think that I've got the plug separated and just the crimp is what's holding the bottom portion in. I'm going to soak it in penetrating oil again tomorrow and see what happens. It might usually be a COP but the plugs are only 7 bucks and it's got 83k on it, driven hard and put away wet.

 

Penetrating oil not going to let the crimp area seperate.The only other thing is to pour something down the hole, that will soften the carbon holding the lower shell in. Like the Ford carb cleaner that is recommended in the tech bulliten, or try some Marvel Mystry oil. Your going to have to get ahold of the upper portion and pull hard, get the extraction tool.

You might as well change all the plugs now, with the miles you have on your truck and your already into it knee deep.

 

well I actually put it all back together and it runs, just minus one cylinder, If i end up pulling the heads, hell yeah I'm gonna be changing all those effing plugs, but we shall see my friend, we shall see.

 

If memory serves me correctly 06 is a 3 valve with the really wierd plugs. Ford issued a TSB about this in the mustangs and such...

No matter what the case, I've heard of much worse. I was talking to a guy who changed the plugs for the first time on an aluminum head vehicle at 100K on his 3V F150. Long story short, he changed the plugs 1 at a time, unaware that you can't reef aluminum like good ol cast iron heads. He ended up needing 2 new heads because he reefed and reefed to loosen the plugs, but carbon deposits between plug and head caused the plugs to shear and drop the electrode in the cylinder. He also managed to mess up his plug threads in the process.

Life could be worse, but eh, that a s****y gig