prevent 5.4 spark plug issue ?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
prevent 5.4 spark plug issue ?
Hi
I'm interested in a 2001-2004 f250 super duty 4x4 with a 5.4l but am concerned about the spark plug issue. I recently asked a ford dealer about the issue and this was there reply; I was wondering if this explanation holds any merit ? The dealer said there is no problem but the 5.4l must be decarboned at the dealer before plugs are changed as when the plugs are removed the carbon is so hard that it damages the threads as the plug is being removed if not decarboned first.Then the plugs must be properly torqued(makes sense).How much of an issue is this and is there one year in the range mentioned above that is more reliable than another? Thanks in advance for your replies!
I'm interested in a 2001-2004 f250 super duty 4x4 with a 5.4l but am concerned about the spark plug issue. I recently asked a ford dealer about the issue and this was there reply; I was wondering if this explanation holds any merit ? The dealer said there is no problem but the 5.4l must be decarboned at the dealer before plugs are changed as when the plugs are removed the carbon is so hard that it damages the threads as the plug is being removed if not decarboned first.Then the plugs must be properly torqued(makes sense).How much of an issue is this and is there one year in the range mentioned above that is more reliable than another? Thanks in advance for your replies!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
What plug issue are you referring to? The earlier 5.4's had issues with blowing plugs out because of insufficient thread count on the plugs but this was fixed in the year string you listed. Also, the 3v engines have plug issues but that's not going to be in the years described either.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
It wasn't fixed for those years, sometime in '03 in the F150 they doubled the thread count, I've never heard if they ever did it for the SD's most likely '04 at least got the 8 thread heads Since the SD's were a year behind the F150 I'd doubt the '03s got them but it is possible. I've never heard the carbon excuse for the spitting plugs but other places than the dealer definitely do the "decarbonizing", Napa service centers or example do the motorvac. anyway when my first plug spit the plugs had been in for a good 40K miles so I doubt any carbon ruining the threads 40K ago caused the problem.
My guess also is that the combustion chamber shouldn't be burning that dirty to build up that kind of crap on the threaded area. I do vaguely remember something about carbon and plug threads but I think it was on the 3V's, and again hard to believe they would burn that dirty.
My guess also is that the combustion chamber shouldn't be burning that dirty to build up that kind of crap on the threaded area. I do vaguely remember something about carbon and plug threads but I think it was on the 3V's, and again hard to believe they would burn that dirty.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
jdboy reply
thanks for the reply
I'm not familiar with the 5.4l that much.This forum had a thread that said the 2003 5.4l had more threads put in the head; is that so? I'm not aware of what year started the 3v .The bottom line is that I'm shopping for a new used truck in around the years mentioned 2001-2004 and would like some advice on the most reliable of those years.If there is any other issues with the super duty 4x4 that I should know of ;the info would be appreciated.
Ps : Just out of interest ,the reason I'm looking for a Ford is that my 2001 GMC SIERRA 2500 just burned to a crisp due to an unknown electrical problem! Truck parked for days then I come home and the truck bursts into flames. I'm changing brands with a wary eye.
I'm not familiar with the 5.4l that much.This forum had a thread that said the 2003 5.4l had more threads put in the head; is that so? I'm not aware of what year started the 3v .The bottom line is that I'm shopping for a new used truck in around the years mentioned 2001-2004 and would like some advice on the most reliable of those years.If there is any other issues with the super duty 4x4 that I should know of ;the info would be appreciated.
Ps : Just out of interest ,the reason I'm looking for a Ford is that my 2001 GMC SIERRA 2500 just burned to a crisp due to an unknown electrical problem! Truck parked for days then I come home and the truck bursts into flames. I'm changing brands with a wary eye.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
thanks for the reply
I'm not familiar with the 5.4l that much.This forum had a thread that said the 2003 5.4l had more threads put in the head; is that so? I'm not aware of what year started the 3v .The bottom line is that I'm shopping for a new used truck in around the years mentioned 2001-2004 and would like some advice on the most reliable of those years.If there is any other issues with the super duty 4x4 that I should know of ;the info would be appreciated.
Ps : Just out of interest ,the reason I'm looking for a Ford is that my 2001 GMC SIERRA 2500 just burned to a crisp due to an unknown electrical problem! Truck parked for days then I come home and the truck bursts into flames. I'm changing brands with a wary eye.
I'm not familiar with the 5.4l that much.This forum had a thread that said the 2003 5.4l had more threads put in the head; is that so? I'm not aware of what year started the 3v .The bottom line is that I'm shopping for a new used truck in around the years mentioned 2001-2004 and would like some advice on the most reliable of those years.If there is any other issues with the super duty 4x4 that I should know of ;the info would be appreciated.
Ps : Just out of interest ,the reason I'm looking for a Ford is that my 2001 GMC SIERRA 2500 just burned to a crisp due to an unknown electrical problem! Truck parked for days then I come home and the truck bursts into flames. I'm changing brands with a wary eye.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 420
From: Long Island USA
Plug modifications:
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
In 1999, and 2001, an interim fix was done for a cross-threading issue.
Original process:
Step 1 - Zero torque spark plug (air tool)
Step 2 - Torque to 16-20Nm final torque (DC Run down), monitor at 6-12Nm, and final torque must be reached within 0-360 degrees.
New process (addressed the possibility of applying installation torque for more than 25 degrees of rotation)
Step 1 - Zero torque spark plug (air tool)
Step 2 - Torque to 16-20Nm final torque (DC Run down) start monitor at 6-12Nm, and final torque must be reached within 3-25 degrees.
Another action to address cross-threading was the addition of an alignment feature to lead the plug into the hole.
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
In 1999, and 2001, an interim fix was done for a cross-threading issue.
Original process:
Step 1 - Zero torque spark plug (air tool)
Step 2 - Torque to 16-20Nm final torque (DC Run down), monitor at 6-12Nm, and final torque must be reached within 0-360 degrees.
New process (addressed the possibility of applying installation torque for more than 25 degrees of rotation)
Step 1 - Zero torque spark plug (air tool)
Step 2 - Torque to 16-20Nm final torque (DC Run down) start monitor at 6-12Nm, and final torque must be reached within 3-25 degrees.
Another action to address cross-threading was the addition of an alignment feature to lead the plug into the hole.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Thanks Krewat, this is why I like this forum!! I can always count on knowledgeable accurate information.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
I had a 2003 5.4L, and finally changed my plugs at 105,000 miles. Carbon build-up??? Never heard that one before. Sounds like the dealer wants some money from you. Anyway, I never had any problem with spitting plugs, did not have any issues changing them, and that truck was never in the shop for anything the entire time I owned it. Had 125,000 miles on it. I sold it to a guy down the street to tow his travel trailer. He loves it, and uses it often. Still a great looking truck, and I miss it a lot. If I didn't need the diesel with my new 5th wheel, I would still have it. It was, and is, a great truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
My son in-laws 05 f150 4.6l blew a plug about a year ago. I don't remember what plug it was but Ford replaced the whole head. I also can't clarify if he had the additional threads but i would assume so being an 05. This also leads me to believe that it hasn't eliminated it.
As far as the 5.4l 3v and 2v as well is the problem was not blowing plugs but plug breakage on removal. The assumption is that excessive carbon buildup in the plug well caused the two-piece plug to break off in the head. So in essence the problem was more with the 2 piece shell plug design. They have since designed a 1 piece shell plug.
I had my plugs changed on my 06 at 60k and the dealer broke 4 (2 piece shell). I had them install the newer 1 piece plug. I am planning on changing them at 100k.
See fords TSB on this issue.
http://www.wfservices.biz/TSB%20Ford...%20removal.pdf
As far as the 5.4l 3v and 2v as well is the problem was not blowing plugs but plug breakage on removal. The assumption is that excessive carbon buildup in the plug well caused the two-piece plug to break off in the head. So in essence the problem was more with the 2 piece shell plug design. They have since designed a 1 piece shell plug.
I had my plugs changed on my 06 at 60k and the dealer broke 4 (2 piece shell). I had them install the newer 1 piece plug. I am planning on changing them at 100k.
See fords TSB on this issue.
http://www.wfservices.biz/TSB%20Ford...%20removal.pdf
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Laserface
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
26
Jul 1, 2010 09:21 PM
hossbuilder
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
20
Oct 12, 2009 06:00 PM
