Hello everyone! Me again.
I'm getting ready to change out the spark plugs on my F150, 4.5L Triton 2004.
I've watched several videos on the nightmares that can occur from this deal.
I already messed up the number one plug, months ago. (well not me but I'm throwing anyone under the bus here because I would have done the same thing, I'm sure.)
So I've been running rough for a while but due to my health, and finances (or lack of) I had no choice. But it's been short trips to the Doctor, Pharmacy, and grocery store, and that's it.
But now I think I can swing the plugs, and a friend is going to help, or I'm going to help him is probably a better description.
But for now, my question is this:
Autozone has the "Motorcraft Copper Spark Plug SP-546" (that looks like something that belongs on the Space Shuttle) factory spec plugs for $12.99 each. ($111.19 total w/tax)




But... Advance has a "Motorcraft Spark Plug (AGSF22FM1)" (that looks like the old spark plugs I used to know and love so well.) for $4.99 each. ($42.71 total w/tax)
And they have assured me that they will work in my truck, just fine... I just don't buy it...



So...
That just seems too good to be true.

So, what is the right plug? Will those cheaper plugs work for now?
Or should I just go ahead and bite the proverbial bullet and buy the factory spec plugs?

I don't plan on keeping this truck. I plan on selling it. I figure if I spend a few dollars now, to get it running right, I will get a little more out of it when I sell it.
I do plan on buying another Ford f150, or Ranger, just something a little smaller and less engine. (Never thought I'd hear myself say that)

Thanks for listening.

 

Well they could both be right. Is your truck the new body with the 3v 5.4 or the Old body Heritage with the 5.4 2v. Both were available in 2004.

 

Rock Auto has the SP-546 for $9.21 each and 5.95 shipping bringing them to 10 bucks each, saving you 36 bucks over the price at auto zone.

MOTORCRAFT SP546 Spark Plug | RockAuto

Amazon has them for 62.04 for the set of 8 with free shipping!


I do not have any ford this new, I drive old stuff, but if I did, I would continue to use Motorcraft plugs. Those AGSF22FM1 look quite different. Much shorter neck.

 

Phill, if your truck takes the SP456, There may be other plugs that will screw in. But they will not allow the truck to run well if at all. About 3 years ago there was an update to the 456 plug. Note in the picture where the lower metal part is inserted in the upper (threaded) part the grove/open space. the new 456 plugs have been welded to prevent the two halves from coming apart. That could very well be the difference in the price of the plug. Also note that there are a lot of counterfit plugs out on the market. I would do my research before buying. The VIN number either ran at the dealer or AutoZone will tell you which plug you have assuming the engine is the original type.
Steve RockAuto does not have a stellar reputation for shipping the correct part!

 

ford390gashog:
I'm not sure of that... Its engine code is -5- so, if that tells me anything other than it's the 'Intech 5.4L SOHC(E)
Edit: I looked and it is NOT the Heritage body style.

VIN: 1FTPW14594KC06260

spurredon, I'll look into that, thanks.

Thanks, 5_labsownus, with some more research.

 

That's the 3v 5.4, it takes the more expensive plugs. Avoid buying from eBay, amazon.com or RockAuto. These plugs are widely counterfeited. Buy from a dealer online and make sure you buy the broken plug extraction set and the special 9/16" plug socket. Use the impact method with penetrating oil and you should be fine.

 

Ok, thanks for the input.

 

According to a TSB I saw from Ford and as well as I can remember.
Spray a penetrating oil around the plugs and let them sit (I do not remember how long) and then gently tighten and the plug. Then break the plug free and stop. It said to then liberally spray all the plugs with penetrating oil and leave to sit overnight. The next day attempt to remove the plug by the gentle tighten and loosen technique! Each plug nay take some time and there is no guarantee that the plugs will be removed intact!

 

Yeah, I've seen several YouTube videos on this, For sure, I will spray them down, and while still warm if possible.
Let it sit overnight at least... Then spray them down again.

I can get the broken plug extractor kit as a loaner from Autozone. (I can almost see the store from my apartment. I have a NAPA, Autozone, O'reilly's, and Advance Auto all within half a mile from me.)
I can't justify buying the kit when it's just the one broken plug. (So Far) But I will have it on hand, just in case.
And the plug in question is not really broken.
The threaded sleeve came out, and not the plug.



So should I go ahead and break it, so I can use the extractor to get it out? Or is there a better plan?
It's going to be at least another week before I'm ready to do it so...
And I will be in no rush to get it done.

The vendor for the plugs @ $62.00 for 8, on Amazon, has a 95% positive rating, and from what I can tell the negative reviews, were that they shipped the old-style plugs a few times a few years back.
I sent a question form to them, through Amazon, and specifically asked about exactly what part number the plugs were that they planned on shipping... they said give it a day or to for a response...
There are a few Youtube videos on how to check for authenticity, so I will be re-watching those, several more times.

The Ford parts dealer wants something like $35.00 EACH for the same plug... so there's that.

Thank you all for your input, it is very much appreciated.

 

Autozone has the extractor kit in the "Loaner Tool" and the "Porcelain extractor" and if not they can get it in a day from another store. Th kit is sold like you are buying it and then they refund the entire amount. The "Porcelain extractor" is sold and not refundable it used. It is a consumable. I don't remember don't think the Porcelain kit is expensive.

 

Hope it goes well Phil.

 

Evening Steve!

 

Hey there Rod. My buddy came tonite for the 9mm and brought me a box of 25 00Buck and a new auto 12V battery he had setting in his cellar. Nice!

 

Nothing wrong with that.
I spent a little of the day sorting about 500 cases by head stamp.