Carbon build up around plugs
 

Hey all, looking for advice. I recently pulled out 5 broken plugs. Before I replace them do I try to clean out the carbon in the plug hole that's left over with a wire brush? Any advice is welcome

Take it you didn't use a impact to remove them? It almost eliminates breakage. The carbon can be cleaned with a .410 bore brush. Make sure you use nickel anti sieze.

Yes clean that carbon out and return it to new condition
 

Carb cleaner will dissolve it . Carbon breaks plugs coming out and going in . It changes heat range of plug . Make sure you torque wrench them in 25-28 foot pounds not by feel . They will last 60k if you take care . These plugs are hard to get to. Start by fingers it should feel right . Use rubber spark plug socket . Most 5.4 3v use the newest sp 546 . Unless you are in the head redesign around 08. Check your vin for that .
By all means replace all boots and use dielectric grease sparingly on boot ends , it is an insulator not a conducive gel . Clean all cop ends and connectors . Replace any connector not locking on . Put a little anti seize on cop bolt ,it must hold cop good .
Of course you blew out all dirt before starting job so it doesn't end up in cyl .
Anti seize on plugs no longer required but if you do use it don't use copper on an alum head. Nickel is on amazon and is for very high heat, use it sparingly and it will last you for years . Ford specs nickel .

I prefer to use a spark plug thread chaser to clean the hole because it also fixes any issues with the threads at the same time.

The carbon build up I'm referring to is inside the head past the threads. Ford's spark plug uses a long thin plug to make up for the extra large valve.
So ok back to the carb cleaner do I spray it down the hole then blow out the cylinder?

Some use a 410 bore brush . Some make up a wire like a bore wad cleaner . Just make sure it can't end up in cyl . Carb claener will evap readily if you give it time .
Ford uses it on old type sticking plugs/carbon seized to try and get past threads . Its not an exact science . Carb cleaner actually melts carbon .

Excellent thanks