Change spark plugs Ford Triton engine? (TOP 5 Tips)

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New spark plugs can be used in any cylinder. Remove the spark plugs. WARNING The spark plug gap is NOT adjustable. Damage can occur to the ceramic if the gap is adjusted. Replace the spark plug if the gap is out of specification. Inspect the spark plugs. Install new spark plugs as necessary.

How often should Ford spark plugs be changed?

Ford advises to change the plugs at 100,000 miles on an F-150, Explorer and other models under “normal” driving conditions. If a vehicle frequently tows a trailer or spends a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic or idling, then Ford suggests installing fresh plugs every 60,000 miles.

What year did Ford 5.4 have spark plug problems?

Design News readers have commented about having to lift engines or make holes in the car body to change spark plugs. This article describes a particularly frustrating spark plug issue with the 2004-2008 Ford 4.6-liter, 5.4-liter, and 6.8-liter 3-valve ‘modular’ engines.

What spark plugs does a 5.4 Triton take?

Set of 8 OEM Motorcraft Platinum SP546 (SP515) HT15 Spark Plugs For Ford 5.4L.

Why do f150 spark plugs break off?

The Motorcraft PZT 2FE Platinum spark plugs have a crimped lower electrode shell that becomes coated with carbon, causing it to stick in the cylinder head. Rust and corrosion on the lower plug shell can also cause it to stick. When you attempt to unscrew the plug, the lower shell breaks off and stays in the head.

How do I know if my spark plugs need changing?

7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Spark Plugs

The car is hard to start. The battery is often blamed as the culprit for a vehicle not starting.
The engine misfires.
The car gets poor fuel economy.
Rough engine idle.
Your car struggles to accelerate.
The engine is really loud.
Your ‘check engine’ light is on.

What are signs of a bad spark plug?

What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?

Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle.
Trouble starting. Car won’t start and you’re late for work… Flat battery?
Engine misfiring.
Engine surging.
High fuel consumption.
Lack of acceleration.

What happens if you don’t change your spark plugs?

Spark plugs will depreciate over time, so various engine issues will arise if they are not replaced. When the spark plugs do not generate the adequate spark, the combustion of the air/fuel mixture becomes incomplete, leading to loss of engine power, and in the worst-case scenario, the engine will not run.

Is the Ford 5.4 Triton a good engine?

Power comes in at 235-550 horsepower and 330-510 torque. Output greatly depends on the year and model. Nonetheless, the performance numbers are impressive for the era the 5.4L engine was released. It’s a solid overall engine and won a handful of Ward’s 10 Best Engine awards.

What years did the 5.4 Triton have problems?

What Years Did The 5.4 Triton Have Problems? I did state that the 2004 to 2006 models of the engine had the most problems. If you take into account smaller issues, then all engines that were released during 2004 and 2013 were the ones that caused the most issues for users.

Why do 5.4 spark plugs break?

Trying to remove spark plugs from Ford’s 3-valve 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L 2004-2008 engines can cause part of the plug to break off and get stuck in the cylinder head. The long service interval is actually one of the reasons the plugs break apart.

How many spark plugs does a 5.4 Triton have?

4.6L and 5.4L Spark Plug Replacement, Cylinder by Cylinder. An army of extensions and flex joints are required to reach the various spark plugs. Four different extension variations are required to change all 8 spark plugs.

Can you remove spark plugs with impact wrench?

NO! Please do not use an impact wrench on these. You run the distinct chance of stripping out all of the threads in the head, which will cause a huge nightmare for you having to have threads replaced (Heli-coil or the like). Just use a socket/ratchet and you’ll be fine.

How long does it take to change spark plugs v8?

Changing spark plugs takes about an hour (for a four-cylinder engine) and will save you at least a hundred bucks in labor if you do it yourself. In most cases it’s a simple job that will help to maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage.

Replacing Troublesome Ford Triton 5.4L V8 Spark Plugs

Hi everyone! I’d like to welcome you all to my website! I’m Pete, The Hybrid Guy, and I’m excited to tell you about how I resolved the nagging P0401 EGR inadequate flow problem on my 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid. In case you forgot, this is the vehicle for which I was contemplating whether or not I had made a mistake in purchasing it. To this far, the automobile has been excellent, except for an error code, P0401, which appears. Firstly, I must clarify a few points in order to assist anyone who comes across this problem.

Understanding Error Code (P0401) for the Toyota Prius Understand what the system does before you can figure out how to fix the EGR insufficient flow problem.

Everything up to this point has been fairly straightforward.

EGR assemblies are composed of a number of components in the majority of systems.

We also have a neat stepper motor.
In a 3rd Generation Toyota Prius, the P0401 code is activated when one or more of the following conditions are met.
An insufficient flow problem is typically caused by carbon deposits in a pipe.
There are methods for reducing carbon build-up in your EGR system, but that is a topic for another post.
As soon as there are enough deposits in the system, the MAP sensor, which monitors pressure changes, detects the pressure difference in the intake manifold and the trouble code is activated.
Fortunately, this problem can be resolved in a matter of hours with a little effort on your part.
In nearly all cases, carbon buildup is the source of the P0401 error.

But this was not the case.

It was at this point that I realized I needed more information on how to resolve the underlying issue.

In my research, I discovered that there are five major areas that can be at fault for the code being set.

Logic would dictate that I take a close look at this list and determine which of the simplest tests that can be performed without spending money should be carried out first, and that I should carry out those tests first.

It took me about an hour to complete this verification process, but I was confident that I had enough flow from the cooler up to the manifold and into the intake valves.

After that, I followed Toyota’s instructions and back probed into the MAP sensor while still in the circuit, which worked perfectly.

A multimeter and my back probe wires were used to complete this task.

There didn’t appear to be anything wrong.

I had finished everything else on my list as well.

This is a well-established vehicle with well-established components.

In this case, the plan was to go through each component one by one until I identified who was to blame.

Sensors like the MAP sensor are used to measure the amount of water in a body of water.

In addition, the measurement I was able to obtain from it was not exactly what I had expected, even though it was within specification.

So I swapped out the sensor, cleared the code, and got in my car to go driving.

The VVTI sensor was swapped in Test Two because Test One had caught me off guard, and there was absolutely no other reason for doing so than curiosity.

My confusion came from the third component of the test.

I was certain it wasn’t it, but I was determined to give it a shot nonetheless.

I swapped the motor, magnet, and spring, connected it, cleared the code, and then went for a drive to see how it worked for me.

That was not the case this time; the code remained unset despite my repeated efforts.

Yes, I went so far as to follow the Toyota recommended confirmation clear drive pattern, and the code was successfully removed!

EGR motor, magnet, and spring were all that I needed for this project.

When it comes to Toyota vehicles, they are of extremely high quality, and while it is possible to have a malfunctioning ECU, the chances of this happening are extremely low.

Just because I needed to borrow one, I didn’t bring one.

I am confident that the electrical circuit itself is in good working order, but I am concerned that I may have a crack in the magnet or a weak spring in the circuit.

MAP sensors were $192 from the dealer and even more aftermarket, which prompted me to conduct these experiments.

When it comes to components, I am not one to spend money on them unless I am certain that they are defective.

The motor, spring, and magnet will be removed from a known good used valve that I purchased on eBay for $90 shipped, and I will be ready to go in about 5 minutes.

It’s important to remember that you must make certain that the mechanical portion of your EGR valve is free to move around.

If you want to install a completely new component in your vehicle, you can replace the entire valve.

It will be a pleasure to see you again in the next article.

Prius App?

I would be delighted to assist you.

See how well this Toyota Prius truck with a nice little bed performs, and then subscribe to Torque News YouTube for daily automotive news analysis and commentary.

He graduated with honors from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Service Technology.

If you want to get in touch with Peter, he can be found on LinkedIn and on Twitter as @The hybrid guy Certified Auto Consulting is the name of his Facebook page.

More of Peter’s stories can be found at Torque News, which provides news coverage of Toyota. Prius coverage from our reporters can be found by searching Toyota Prius Torque News.

Ford 4.6L & 5.4L V-8 Spark Plug Replacement Guide

The engineers at Ford designed the 4.6L and 5.4L engines in such a way that changing the spark plugs was a tough process. Apart from the fact that the sites are difficult to reach, there is also the possibility of stripping the spark plug threads. The replacement of spark plugs, on the other hand, is not really difficult if you have the proper equipment in front of you – it may take you a few hours the first time, but it will not be nearly as daunting the next time around. Unless your existing ignition coils are relatively fresh or have been proven to be in good operating condition, it is normally a good idea to change them while you have the engine off and the transmission in neutral.

4.6L, 5.4L Spark Plug Guide

Model Year	Engine	Ford Part Number
1997 – 2000	4.6L V-8	Motorcraft SP413orMotorcraft SP432
2001 – 2008	4.6L V-8	Motorcraft SP493
2009 – 2010	4.6L V-8	Motorcraft SP509
1997	5.4L V-8	Motorcraft SP459
1998 – 2007	5.4L V-8	Motorcraft SP479
2008 – 2010	5.4L V-8	Motorcraft SP509

Please keep in mind that you should always double-check fitment for your application. Part numbers that are not relevant to stock supercharged engines are shown below (Lightning, Harley Edition, etc). Although there are a few ‘designer’ spark plugs available on the market, there is no better option than to use OEM Motorcraft spark plugs. A similar statement can be made about ignition coils – there is no aftermarket replacement that will deliver a notable gain in performance or throttle response.

4.6L, 5.4L Spark Plug Replacement Procedures

It is possible to access each spark plug through a hole in the cylinder head that is several inches below the location of each individual ignition coil. For the majority of cylinders, you will not be able to physically see the spark plug; this is a predominantly a visually impaired procedure. Following the removal of the negative battery cable and the removal of the plastic engine cover, the procedure for changing each spark plug is straightforward: To get access to the coil retention bolt, unplug the ignition coil and fuel injector connections from their respective circuits.

Take care not to lose the bolt in the engine valley by loosening it with a socket, then unthreading it entirely and removing it by hand from the engine valley.
It is quite common for the insulator boot to detach from the remainder of the coil during the manufacturing process.
Exhaust the cylinder head with compressed air to clear out any debris that has accumulated in the bore where the spark plug has been installed.
To remove the spark plug, use a 5/8′ spark plug socket (1997 – 2003 model years) or a 9/16′ spark plug socket (2004 and later model years) together with a combination of extensions.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you secure the socket and extension(s) to the spark plug and check that they are a secure fit before attaching your ratchet – the last thing you want is to strip the hex head.
Check the spacing between the replacement spark plug and the original spark plug (refer to underhood emissions label for proper gap, it will vary with model year).
The replacement spark plug should be installed by first inserting it into the spark plug socket.

Spark plugs should be threaded smoothly and fully without the need of a ratchet or other special tool.

Do not overtighten the screws.

Check to see that the coil is properly positioned on the spark plug, and then reattach the retainer bolt, fuel injector connector, and ignition coil connector if needed.

Remove the cylinder 3 ignition coil and disconnect the cylinder 3 fuel injector in order to declutter your workspace and create more work space for yourself.

This plug is reached with the use of three 6′ extensions and a swivel/u-joint.

To reach the ignition coil holding bolt, it will also be necessary to use extension rods.

For bank 2 (driver side), cylinder 8 will necessitate the use of a 7 mm wrench rather of a socket in order to remove the coil retention bolt from the cylinder housing (the fuel rail limits access).

The removal of the 7th and 8th spark plugs may be accomplished with the use of three 6′ extensions and a swivel/u-joint.

The removal of the 6th spark plug is a pretty simple procedure. The removal of the power steering reservoir bracket is required in order to get access to the cylinder 5 plug (3 bolts using an 8 mm socket). It is rather simple to gain access to the5 plug when the bracket has been removed.

4.6L and 5.4L Spark Plug Replacement, Cylinder by Cylinder

To view a high-resolution full-size image with more information, simply click on any thumbnail (where applicable) In order to reach the numerous spark plugs, an army of extensions and flex joints must be deployed. To change all eight spark plugs, it is necessary to use four different extension versions. The ignition coil and fuel injector connections must be removed as part of the first step in the procedure. In our experience, factory ignition coils are black in color, and they last far longer than aftermarket ones.

When the spark plug base is inserted, it will be several inches below the rim of the bore.
It is tough to get to the number 4 cylinder because of the large quantity of hoses (passenger side, rearmost).
To make things easier, we recommend adding extension pieces as you go.
This appears to be less difficult than moving 16 inches worth of extensions into position at the same time.
This maintains the socket perpendicular to the spark plug nut, reducing the likelihood of stripping the nut or snapping the tip off the spark plug.
The removal of the power steering fluid reservoir bracket is required in order to get access to the number 5 cylinder (see image for reference).
It is vital to note that the spark plugs are not necessarily straight up and down within the cylinder heads; thus, it is necessary to locate the right angle and support the socket while you apply force to the ratchet when installing them.

The socket/extensions should be supported so that the fuel rail is not damaged.

In addition, the 8 cylinder is surrounded by a tangle of pipes and hoses, making access impossible.

Additional Suggestions Considerations On the interior of each fuel injector connector is a red rubber gasket that is prone to separating from the connector.

If you are having difficulties getting the thread of a spark plug to start, it is likely that the spark plug is inserted too deeply into the spark plug socket, resulting in a lack of thread exposed when the socket bottoms out, as described above.

There is no other brand of spark plugs that comes more highly recommended than the OEM Motorcraft brand.

In all cases, the correct spacing for spark plugs is specified on the underhood emissions label. The difference between the two-valve 4.6L and 5.4L engines is.054 to.056 inches.

How To Change Spark Plugs Ford F150 4.6l Engine

Many individuals have difficulty changing their spark plugs, and this is especially true when it comes to 4.6 L engines. For starters, the engineers have designed the assignment in such a way that it will be tough. Additionally, there is a possibility of stripping the spark plug threads if this is done. If this were to occur, you would have a great deal more to worry about than just the coming replacement of your vehicle. As a result, you’ll have to hire a professional to perform the identical task for you.

Furthermore, there is no need for you to hire a professional to complete the work if you are capable of doing so.
It will only take a few hours of your time, and it is preferable to arrange the replacement on a day when you will be available.
Who knows what will happen?
When changing the ignition coils, it is necessary to take the condition of the coils into consideration.
It is recommended that you take them off if this is not the case.
The fact that they are arranged in this manner decreases the likelihood of an accident.
Any of the following scenarios may indicate that your ignition system requires repair or maintenance.
If there is a difficulty upon starting, you must investigate the cause of the problem.
Several things must be taken into consideration while selecting the appropriate spark plug for your engine.
Ideally, you want to invest in something that will improve the overall performance of the engine and that will also endure for an extended period of time.

Replacing the Spark Plug

The first thing you’ll need to do is remove the spark plugs from their sockets. You will discover that they are located beneath the ignition coils and that they may be accessed through a hole in the cylinder. It is not feasible to obtain a good look at the spark plugs in the majority of cylinders because of the design. In the event that this is the case with your plugs, you will be entering the room blind. It may appear to be a frightening prospect, but as long as you adhere to the prescribed procedures, everything will end out OK.

After you’ve completed this, you can proceed to remove the engine cover made of plastic.
After you have completed the two stages listed above, the next steps will be quite straightforward.
You can do the same thing with the connections for the fuel injectors.
After that, you will proceed to remove the bolt, which you will be able to accomplish with the help of a seven-millimeter socket.
Begin by loosening the bolt with the aforementioned socket and then work your way down to unthreading it.
You can now proceed with the task of removing the ignition coil.
It is important to notice that the location where the insulator separates from the other half of the coil is typical.

Whatever the situation may be, this should not be a source of concern.

You must now clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the hole in the cylinder head, as this is where the spark plug is located.

This procedure prevents any dirt from entering the cylinder while you are removing the spark plug from the ignition system.

You will need various extensions, as well as a spark plug socket, in order to remove the spark plug from the engine.

If your car is from the 1997-2003 model years, you should use a 5/8 inch plug socket on the connector.

The socket is equipped with a rubber boot that will secure the spark plug in place.

Now, keep in mind that you are entering this situation blind, and that accuracy is therefore extremely critical.

You should then proceed to ensure that the fit is secure before adding the ratchet to the process.

After you have loosened the spark plug, you may now remove the ratchet from the engine.

Afterwards, you may validate the ford 4.6 spark plug gap that you intend to utilize in the replacement.

Then, in preparation for the installation, add some anti-seize to the threads in the nut.

The most effective method for accomplishing this is to begin by hand.

You should be able to thread the plugs completely without the need of a ratchet or any other tool.

Keep in mind not to overdo it with this, as overtightening will result in an issue with the joint.

After that, replace the coil on the spark plug, making sure that it is securely attached to the plug.

Place the retainer bolt in place next, followed by the fuel injector connector and the ignition coil connector, and then tighten the bolt down. In this respect, let us have a look at some of the often asked questions.

FAQs

When purchasing an engine, you want to be confident that you are receiving the greatest possible product, which is exactly what you are getting with this engine. This is the engine to choose if you want a long-lasting engine that will serve you well for many years in the field. Consider how many cabs and police cars are powered by this engine, and then consider their mileage. It only goes to show how much this engine has to offer in terms of performance. So, yeah, that is an excellent engine.

Consequently, you will not have to deal with concerns such as leaking oil from head gaskets or spark plugs that blow out.

Ford 4.6 Best Spark Plugs

There are a plethora of solutions available on the market. When it comes to Ford, Motorcraft or Autolite are the ideal brands to use. You could, of course, attempt some of the alternatives, but they will almost never live up to the high standards set by these favored solutions.

Ford f150 Spark Plug Removal Cost

In today’s market, there are a variety of possibilities. Always use Motorcraft or Autolite when dealing with Ford vehicles. It’s possible to experiment with alternatives, but it’s unlikely that they will ever achieve the high criteria set by these chosen alternatives.

4.6 l 3v Spark Plug Removal Instructions

As we previously explained, you will first need to clean out any material that has accumulated in the cylinder hole. Then you’ll need a socket for the model that’s currently in play, as well as at least four extension pieces. You may now use your hands to acquire a firm grasp on the socket and hold it in place. Once the fit is secure, use a ratchet to loosen the plug until it is no longer tight. After that, unfasten the ratchet and use your hands to begin removing the plug from the hole. Replacing spark plugs may appear to be a tough process, and you may decide to subcontract it to someone else.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Change spark plugs Ford Triton engine

If you own a Ford truck with a 5.4-liter 3-valve ‘Triton’ or 6.8-liter 3-valve engine built before October 9, 2007, or a 4.6-liter 3-valve engine built before November 30, 2007, you should be aware that running your spark plugs for an excessive amount of time could result in expensive repair bills down the road. Corrosion may practically ‘weld’ the ‘High thread’ spark plugs in these vehicles in place because they reach so far into the head. If this occurs and you attempt to remove the plug by physical force, you run the risk of breaking it or damaging the threads.

TSB08-1-9, a technical service bulletin from Ford, has been released.
You are required to follow these instructions to the letter!
First and foremost, NEVER attempt to remove the spark plugs while the engine is hot, even if it is just slightly warm.
Continue by visiting the dealership and purchasing Motorcraft carburetor tune-up cleaner.
Then, using compressed air, remove the coil-on-plug ignition coil and clean out the spark plug wells on the engine.
Then, pour a MAXIMUM of 12 to 34 TEASPOONS of the cleaner into the spark plug well and mix thoroughly.
Keep the spark plug turned in either way for at least 15 minutes after it has been turned.

Do you understand what I’m saying?

Ford cautions that applying too much cleaner might cause the engine to hydro-lock.

It’s possible that you heard the threads of the plug threads shrieking against the threads of the cylinder head.

When shaking the plug, do not apply more than 33 ft-lbs of torque.

If you need to remove plugs, never use power tools.

And never, ever use the plugs beyond the suggested replacement frequency for any reason. Change them as soon as possible in 2012 Rick Muscoplat is a professional musician. Rick Muscoplat posted a blog entry on

Must read before you try to change your plugs on the 5.4l 3 valve engine

The tsb just states that it is for the 2004 model year, but it appears that they will have to alter it to be applicable to the 04’s and up till they make a modification to the plugs or the head. VideoHERE, After clicking on register now (you are not need to register), get to Episode 26 by clicking on video and selecting it from the drop-down menu. TSB 06-5-9 (Technical Specification Bulletin) FORD: F-150 pickup truck, model year 2004 ISSUE: Some 2004 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with a 5.4L 3-valve engine may have difficulties removing the spark plug, resulting in damage to the spark plug and the possibility of a portion of the spark plug remaining in the cylinder head.

SERVICE OPERATING PROCEDURE Removal of a Spark Plug in General Before attempting to remove spark plugs, it is critical to follow this technique to the letter in order to avoid causing harm to the plugs.
Check to see that the engine is heated (hand touch after cooling down).
This increases the likelihood that the threads may become damaged.
3.
4.
Back out the spark plugs by no more than 1/8 to 1/4 turn at a time.
Installing the spark plug well slightly above where the jamb nut hex is located will need penetrating oil (AeroKroil or a comparable).

During this period, the penetrating oil will wick its way down to the ground electrode shield.

WARNING: DO NOT USE AIR OR POWER TOOLS TO REMOVE THE PLUG.

Some shrieking and exertion may be heard, however this is not always the case in every situation.

Try turning the spark plug back in a half turn and then back out again to see if the reading is higher.

Taking Out a Separated or Broken Spark Plug It is possible that the plug will fall apart even after performing the General Spark Plug Removal Procedure.

Figure 1 – Article 06-5-9 from the journal Mode 2: The porcelain center and ground electrode shield are both left in place, and only the upper jamb nut is removed from the jamb opening.

Article 06-5-9 (see Figure 2) Using Rotunda Special Service Tool 303-1203, remove the ground electrode shield from the cylinder head until there is just an empty ground electrode shield left in the cylinder head (Figure 3). Figure 3 – Article 06-5-9 from the journal

Ford Broken Spark Plug Problem

Welcome to the Auto Repair Library, where you will find auto parts and accessories, as well as tools and manuals for your vehicle. Books, Car BLOG, Links, and more Index byLarry Carley (c)2019 AA1Car.com All rights reserved. Attention: Be on the lookout for Ford Motorcraft Two-piece 16mm ‘High Thread’ Spark Plugs that fail! In many late model (2004 to 2008) Ford trucks with 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 engines, as well as 2005 to 2007 Mustang GT models with a 4.65.4L V8 engine, and 2008 Mustang GT models built prior to November 30, 2007, the original equipment Motorcraft brand spark plugs can break when you attempt to remove them.

Ford Expedition and F-Super Duty models from 2005 to 2008.
Lincoln Mark LT from 2006 until 2008.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac F-53 Motorhome chassis was produced between 2007 and 2008.
Rust and corrosion on the lower plug shell can also cause the lower plug shell to get jammed.
The extraction of the shattered shell necessitates the use of a specific Ford, Snap-On, or Lisle extractor tool.
Many experts advise changing the original equipment Motorcraft spark plugs before they have accumulated a significant amount of mileage (over 40,000 miles).
Awaiting until the original equipment spark plugs have accumulated a total of 100,000 miles is asking for disaster!

The central electrode of the original equipment Motorcraft spark plugs has a platinum tip to increase its conductivity.

In fact, many plugs will last up to 140,000 miles or more with no problems – provided that the engine is not burning oil and that the plugs are driven on the highway frequently enough to maintain them clean (frequent short trip stop-and-go driving can cause plugs to foul).

Another notion occurred to me.

The danger is that if you attempt to change high mileage plugs and break out multiple plugs (which is usual), the cost of those spark plugs might be quite expensive.

Why?

Depending on the situation, it may even be required to remove the cylinder heads in order to perform the repair work. You may read a long list of horror stories from Ford owners who have dealt with the broken spark plug problem by visiting this page: Broken Spark Plug Horror Stories.

Ford’s Technical Service Bulletin 08-7-6

Welcome to the Auto Repair Library, where you will find auto parts and accessories, as well as tools and manuals for your automobile. Books, a car blog, links, and other resources are provided. Index Copyright 2019 AA1Car.com, Larry Carley, byLarry Carley Caution is advised while using Ford Motorcraft two-piece 16mm ‘High Thread’ spark plugs. In many late model (2004 to 2008) Ford vehicles with 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 engines, as well as 2005 to 2007 Mustang GT models with a 4.65.4L V8 engine, and 2008 Mustang GT models produced before to November 30, 2007, the original equipment Motorcraft brand spark plugs might shatter when you try to remove them.

Ford Expedition and F-Super Duty vehicles from 2005 to 2008.

Engine: 4.6L V8 in a Ford Mustang GT (uses 3L3E ignition coils) Lincoln Navigator from 2005 until 2008.

Lincoln Mark LT (2006 – 2008) Mercury Mountaneer from 2006 to 2008 Motorhome chassis based on the 2007-2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac F-53 It is the lower electrode shell of the Motorcraft PZT 2FE Platinum spark plugs that becomes covered with carbon, causing it to become stuck in the cylinder head.

It breaks off the lower shell as you try to unscrew the plug, and it remains in the head after you have finished.
Even worse, if any shell or electrode pieces fall into the cylinder and are unable to be pulled out, you may be forced to remove the cylinder head in order to remove the debris.
Plugs should be replaced after a short period of time to prevent the possibility of them sticking and breaking.
If your car has a lot of miles on it (say, more than 80,000), and the spark plugs have never been replaced, it may be best to just leave them alone for the time being.
They should be good for up to 100,000 miles or more, depending on the conditions.
If your engine is starting and running normally, as well as receiving normal fuel efficiency (with no misfiring and no Check Engine light on with misfire codes), there is no reason to change the spark plugs.
You run the danger of spending a lot of money if you attempt to change high mileage plugs and break out many plugs (as is frequent when changing high mileage plugs).
Why?

Depending on the circumstances, it may even be required to remove the cylinder heads in order to finish the repair work. If you want to read a long list of horror stories from Ford owners who have had to deal with the broken spark plug problem, you may do so by visiting this page.

How to Remove the Motorcraft Spark Plugs So They Do Not Break

Welcome to the Auto Repair Library, where you will find auto parts and accessories, as well as tools and manuals for your car. Books, a car blog, links, and other resources Index byLarry Carley (c)2019 AA1Car.com Copyright Keep an eye out for faulty Ford Motorcraft two-piece 16mm ‘High Thread’ spark plugs! In many late model (2004 to 2008) Ford trucks with 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 engines, as well as 2005 to 2007 Mustang GT models with a 4.65.4L V8 engine, and 2008 Mustang GT models built prior to November 30, 2007, the original equipment Motorcraft brand spark plugs can break when you attempt to remove them from the engine.

The Motorcraft PZT 2FE Platinum spark plugs feature a crimped bottom electrode shell that becomes covered with carbon over time, leading it to become stuck in the cylinder head.
When you attempt to remove the plug, the lower shell breaks off and remains in the head.
Even worse, if any shell or electrode pieces fall into the cylinder and cannot be pulled out, you may have to remove the cylinder head in order to get the debris out.
Replacing the plugs when they have a low mileage can lessen the likelihood of them becoming stuck and breaking.
If your car has a lot of miles on it (say, over 80,000), and the spark plugs have never been replaced, it may be best to just leave them alone.
The plugs are expected to survive for up to 100,000 miles or more.
In other words, if your engine starts and runs normally, and you are obtaining typical fuel efficiency (with no misfiring and no Check Engine light on with misfire codes), there is no reason to change the spark plugs.
If you plan on selling or trading your Ford truck or Mustang within the next couple of years (and it is running fine now), leave the spark plugs in place and let the next owner worry about changing them.
For the 5.4L, 4.6L, and 6.8L engines equipped with the two-piece Motorcraft spark plugs, many Ford dealerships are charging anywhere from $600 to several thousand dollars to replace the spark plugs.
Because the spark plugs are prone to sticking and breaking, and because it takes a significant amount of time and effort to remove the debris from the spark plug holes.

In some cases, it may even be necessary to remove the cylinder heads in order to complete the repair. You can read a long list of horror stories from Ford owners who have dealt with the broken spark plug issue by visiting this page.

Spark Plug Installation

Home,Auto Repair Library,Auto Parts,Accessories,Tools,Manuals Books, Car BLOG, Links, and other resources Index byLarry Carleycopyright 2019 AA1Car.com Keep an eye out for Ford Motorcraft Two-piece 16mm ‘High Thread’ Spark Plugs that fail! When you attempt to remove the original equipment Motorcraft brand spark plugs that were factory installed in many late model (2004 to 2008) Ford trucks with 5.4L V8 and 6.8L V10 engines, 2005 to 2007 Mustang GT 4.65.4L V8 engines, and 2008 Mustang GT models built prior to November 30, 2007), they may break.

Rust and corrosion on the lower plug shell might also cause it to become stuck.
The removal of the shattered shell necessitates the use of a specific Ford, Snap-On, or Lisle extractor tool.
Many experts advise changing the original equipment Motorcraft spark plugs before they have accumulated too many miles on them (over 40,000 miles).
Waiting until the original equipment spark plugs have 100,000 miles on them is a recipe for disaster!
The central electrode of the original equipment Motorcraft spark plugs has a platinum tip.
Many plugs will really last up to 140,000 miles or more with no problems – provided that the engine is not burning oil and that there is enough highway travel to keep the plugs clean (frequent short trip stop-and-go driving can cause plugs to foul).
Here’s another thought for you.
The concern is that if you attempt to change high mileage plugs and break out multiple plugs (which is usual), the cost of those spark plugs might be significant.
Why?

In extreme instances, it may even be required to remove the cylinder heads in order to finish the repair. If you want to read a long list of horror stories from Ford owners who have had to deal with the broken spark plug problem, you can do so by clicking here.

Spark Plugs Eject From Aluminum Heads of Triton Engine

Despite the fact that Ford Triton engines are shooting out spark plugs like sunflower seeds, the suits in Detroit are acting as if there isn’t an issue. They’re completely wrong. We suspect that the following 2-valve engines are affected by this defect: Triton 4.6L V8, 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10, and perhaps others.

Spark Plugs Popping Out Of Aluminum Heads∞

There are a handful of hypotheses as to why spark plugs in Fords are ejecting from their respective cylinders.

Some attribute the failure to the design of the plugs as well as the usage of aluminum cylinder heads. There are just four threads on the plugs, and they are also composed of a lesser aluminum alloy that is more prone to wear and tear. Others contend that the spark plugs were over-torqued and under-tightened during the manufacturing process, and that this contributed to the fire. As a result, the spark plugs shake, causing the metal threads that hold them in place to wear down faster.

No matter what is causing it, there is no doubting that either the plugs or cylinder heads are being stripped, and that this is a serious situation. Even Ford admitted this in Technical Service Bulletin 07-21-2. In addition to the hazard of fuel vapor spewing from the loose spark plug, the loose spark plug may also ignite the fuel vapor that is likely to erupt from the plug. It has really been reported that spark plug ejection / explosion has caused engine fires in several instances. Contrary to popular belief, the opposite problem occurs in the same engines, in which the spark plugs become caught and break off in the engine.

Fords Most Likely to Experience Spark Plug Blowout∞

Ford F-150
2001 Ford Expedition
2002 Ford Expedition
2003 Ford Expedition
1999 Ford Expedition
2000 Ford Expedition
2001 Ford F-150
2002 Ford F-150
2003 Ford F-150
2004 Ford F-150

Other Models and Model Years Affected:∞

There are more model years of the cars listed above that are impacted by spark plug blowouts in the Ford Triton engine, including the following:

Ford Expedition: 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Ford Explorer: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Ford Excursion: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Ford F-150: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007
Ford F-150: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007
Ford

Other years’ models include: 1997, 1998, and 1999. Ford Thunderbird (from 1997 to 2004). Ford Mustang, 1997-2008Ford Crown Victoria, 1997-1999Ford F-250, 1997-2004Ford F-350, 1997-2007Ford F-450, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008Ford F-550, 1997-2008 Lincoln Town Car, model years 1998-1999 Lincoln Navigator (from 1997 to 2008). Mercedez Benz Grand Marquis (2002-2006) Mercury Mountaineer is a fictional character created by writer William Shakespeare.

Ford’s Response to Spark Plug Ejection∞

Ford first claimed that the problem was caused by incorrect torqueing of new plugs. Ford then changed its position. One major flaw in their reasoning, on the other hand, is that it is not logical. Several owners have expressed concern that the original factory spark plugs are frequently ejected from the engine. That shows that there has been a flaw from the beginning, whether in the design or the production process itself.

If the car is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, Ford will replace the cylinder heads if they’ve been compromised. Unfortunately, this problem usually occurs after 100,000 miles, when the cars have reached the end of their warranty period.

How To Prevent Spark Plugs Ejecting From the Engine∞

So, what are your alternatives if your vehicle has reached the end of its warranty? Ford recommends that you place Lock-N-Stitch thread inserts in the cylinder heads. This essentially creates new threads to keep the spark plugs from coming out again. However, because to the poor aluminum utilized, owners have reported that this remedy is only temporary in most cases. It has been reported that some shop owners have had success with a HeliCoil kit, as explained by this mechanic: As the owner of a repair business, I am intimately aware with the Ford problem of spark plugs bursting out of cylinder heads, which occurs on certain models.

I had never replaced my plugs because of the lower mileage of my truck, and as a result, I cannot be held responsible for incorrect torqueing of new plugs or any of the other novel things that Ford has come up with recently.
5 days previous to blowing a plug, I began to hear what sounded like a rather strong lifter noise.
A loose plug in an engine spinning at 2000 rpm creates a great amount of pressure each time a cylinder is fired, and this pressure may be quite dangerous.
So, here we are, and what do we do from here on out?
If the HeliCoil kit is fitted correctly and a goodloctitecompound is applied to the threads of the repair insert, a thirty dollar HeliCoil kit should be sufficient.
It normally lasts for a short period of time before blowing again, causing a larger problem!
IT IS POSSIBLE TO FIX IT!
The mechanic previously said that a cheap HeliCoil kit will generally suffice – but that this is not always the case long term.
We also do not advocate merely re-taping the spark plug threads because the threads are likely already too damaged and the spark plug may simply blow out again, inflicting considerably more harm to the engine.

We’re also not aware of any class action lawsuits being filed in connection with this matter. yet. It is at this point that you enter the picture.

A spark plug port with stripped or missing threads is described in TSB 07-21-2 as occurring in ‘certain 1997-2008 Ford cars equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine with aluminum heads.’

Ford Spark Plugs Break During Removal

Those of us who do our own auto maintenance are well aware that a simple procedure such as replacing spark plugs may become difficult. One of the articles in the July 2014 edition of Design News, written by Bradley Miller, discusses the time and work it took him to change the plugs in a 4.0-liter V-6 engine in his 2002 Ford Explorer. The need to lift engines or cut holes in the automobile body to change spark plugs has been brought up by Design News readers, who have expressed their frustration.

Ford modular engines have been produced in a variety of displacements, including 4.6-liter, 5.0-liter, 5.2-liter, 5.4-liter, and 5.8-liter (V-8) and 6.8-liter (V-10) displacements, cast iron or aluminum blocks, and 2-, 3-, and 4-valve configurations.
The engines have been in production since 1991 and have been marketed under many brand names, including Triton, InTech, Coyote, Voodoo, and Trinity.
Although certain engines are referred to as ‘Romeo’ engines, the engine facility in Romeo, Michigan is not the only site where these engines have been produced.
The Ford modular engines have been plagued by spark plug problems in the past.
Another concern is what Ford refers to as ‘difficulty with spark plug removal’ from 3-valve engines with displacements of 4.6-liter, 5.4-liter, and 6.8-liter.
I was aware of the spark plug removal issue and had reviewed Ford’s removal technique in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-7-6 before removing the spark plug from the car.
In order to get a longer reach down to the combustion chamber, two-piece shells were used: the upper portion included the wrench hex and threads, while the lower piece contained a smooth tube that extended the plug’s reach down to the combustion chamber.
It is because of the carbon that the bottom half of the spark plug shell becomes stuck in the head and separates from the top shell when the spark plug is rotated to remove it from the engine.
It is suggested that the engine be allowed to cool before removing the plugs, as removing plugs from a hot engine increases the possibility of thread damage to the plugs.
Once the spark plugs have been loosen somewhat, inject carburetor cleaner into the spark plug holes, allowing it to soak in and remove any carbon deposits that have accumulated there.
Despite following the Ford protocol to the letter, I was still able to break three out of eight spark plugs during the removal process.

Although Ford anticipates that some of the plugs may be damaged during removal, even if their protocol is followed, they give advice in the TSB on how to remove the broken plugs. It is possible for the plugs to fail in one of three ways:

The bottom section (tube) of the shell stays in the skull, while the remainder of the plug is expelled. There is no need to remove the entire porcelain insulator and bottom section of the shell from within the head. Because to the breakage of the upper piece of the porcelain, a portion of it remains in the head, along with a bit of the lower portion of the shell.

MORE FROM DESIGN NEWS: The Microwave Has a Poor Connectivity For the purpose of extracting the spark plug pieces from the engine’s cylinder head, special tools are provided. The Ford process for removing the porcelain consists in cementing a pin into the porcelain using Loctite 638 Retaining Compound and then pulling the porcelain out with the pin, as seen in the video. The empty shell is removed by threading the ID of the shell and then pulling it out with a threaded rod. The fact that I did not have the necessary special equipment to remove the mode-3 damaged plugs, plus the fact that I needed to return the car to service the next day, necessitated my having the vehicle towed to an authorized Ford dealer.

The towing bill came to $110.50, the eight new spark plugs were $104.72, and the Ford dealer charged $323.68 for the work to remove the broken spark plug from the car.
MORE FROM DESIGN NEWS: Writers Get 3D Printing WrongWarranty Coverage: What You Need to Know No.
Removal of damaged plugs would have been covered under the guarantee if there had been a stated cause (other than a customer request) for the plugs to be changed while the vehicle was still under warranty.
TFI ignition modules were installed on the distributor, which is one of the hottest parts of the engine, in about 22 million cars manufactured between 1983 and 1995 in order to save money.
In order to encourage Ford to extend warranty coverage on the ignition modules to 100,000 miles, a class action lawsuit was brought against the company.
Send your articles to Jennifer Campbell for consideration.

replacing spark plugs on 5.4l

In order to avoid experiencing the dreaded spark plug coming out of the head problem, you must use extreme caution when working on the aluminum head threads. Despite the fact that I couldn’t locate the original posts, I had created a technique based on two or three articles that had supplied helpful information. M Feeney is a slang term for ‘Mr. Feeney.’ How to change the spark plugs in your 4.6L5.4L engines Changing these plugs is extremely difficult because I they are difficult to reach, (ii) if done incorrectly, you will strip the delicate aluminum heads, and (iii) you will need a blow gun to clean out the spark plug holes in the heads to ensure that no dirt gets into your engine while you are working on them.

Please read the following to have a better understanding of how terrible the head condition is: You should visit your local dealership if you are not up to the challenge.

(depending on the place).

Anyone should be able to do the task in 2 to 3 hours.

The expense of the equipment and supplies ($100) as well as the time it took me to do this work were not worth it to me the first time I attempted it.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

This is crucial to ensure that the aluminum heads are not stripped or otherwise harmed during the process.

Three 10mm head bolts are used to secure it to the wall.

Disconnect the air intake tube that runs from the throttle body to the air filter housing and set it aside.

Please keep in mind that the Coil On Plugs should now be visible (COPs).

Aside from that, you will not need to remove the fuel rails in order to remove the COP assemblies; they will just come out from under the fuel rail.

Remove the COPs with a 7mm or 9/32 inch drill bit ‘Socket, extension, and ratchet are all included.

Remove the connection from each COP by squeezing the tab inward and pulling on the connector.

8) Twist the COPs out from the bottom.

It is critical to use a blow gun to thoroughly clean the spark plug holes and surrounding region.

***WARNING*** The next procedure must be completed before to removing the spark plugs; otherwise, when you remove the plugs, all of the debris will fall into the combustion chamber of your engine (very bad).

10.

Allow 5 minutes for each plug to absorb the solution.

Remove any remaining penetrating oil or muck from the hole by blowing it out once more.

Remove the plugs from the sockets.

Each plug hole is approximately 7 inches in diameter ‘a lot of depth Ford suggests using a super-long spark plug socket instead than the more often used shorter ones, along with an extension cord.

On the more difficult ones, start with a super-long socket (available at Kragen or Sears), then a swivel, then a long extension, and finally the ratchet.

12.

usually.052-.056′.

HINT: Use a tiny quantity of medium-strength anti-seize on the threads of only the spark plug to prevent it from seizing.

In order to properly install a spark plug into the super-long socket, you must first place the plug into the super-long socket, then lower the plug into its hole, and then gently start the plugs in their holes.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: It is very necessary to use a torque wrench to tighten the plugs.

***WARNING*** Don’t overtighten your belts!

A screw that is too tight can cause the threads to be stripped and/or your plugs to shoot out while you’re driving.

17.

I originally wrote this for someone else, but I thought I’d share it with everyone else as well.

If anyone has any thoughts or other suggestions on how to complete the task, please post them in this thread, and we may be able to incorporate them all into a useful technical essay.

That is all I intend to use as well.

Gimmick style spark plugs, on the other hand, appear to be a waste of money most of the time.

In the past several months, I’ve changed plugs on a number of 5.4s, and once you’ve completed a set, they’re not quite as horrible as they appear.

The Coil On Plug (COP) components will protrude over the fuel rail and into the engine compartment.

It significantly lessens the discomfort of the task.

the black plastic lid with the number 5.4 printed on it A total of three 10mm head bolts secure it in place.

Pull out the little hoses that attach to the air intake tube near the throttle body and loosen or remove the hose clamps on each end of it.

After that, remove the brace that connects the power steering reservoir to the thermostat housing and discard it.

You should now be able to see the COPs.

To remove the COPs, a 7mm or 9/32 inch drill bit will suffice ‘Wrench or nutdriver, socket, extension and ratchet, or any combination of the above.

Each COP’s connector should be unplugged by pushing the tab in and pulling on the connector.

A few of the COPs on the driver’s side and four on the passenger’s side are a little difficult to reach, but with a little perseverance, they will be accessible.

There shouldn’t be any surprises if there’s rust and trash in the containers.

You’ll need a mix of extension rods, swivels (universal joints), sockets, and ratchets to reach these areas.

On the most difficult to reach ones, I normally use a socket with a 4mm drive ‘First there was an extension, then a swivel, then a long extension, and last the ratchet The plugs are a long way down in the holes, which is why I use an extension rather than a swivel to get them out.

Depending on your emissions decal on the radiator support, you should set the space between your new plugs to that number as well.

To prevent the spark plug from seizing, apply a little quantity of anti-seize to the threads alone.

Start the plugs in their respective holes with caution.

Crossthreaded plug threads are a pain in the neck.

Don’t overtighten your belts!

After then, it’s merely a matter of putting everything back together in the opposite sequence.

You should be able to change the plugs in around 45 minutes if you’ve done enough of them; but, don’t be shocked if it takes a few hours the first few times you do it. David – full-time moderatorForum Rules and Regulations Please remember to switch off the sound if your mind starts to wander off.