2004 spark plugs HELP!!!!
12-28-2007, 09:23 PM
#21
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2004 F150 Triton Spark Plugs
Just to let you guys know that there are happy (sort of) endings to this fiasco, I just had the plugs changed by my Ford dealer and they all came out with out a hitch. I agree that this is certainly a black eye for Ford and they really should give the guy that designed the cylinder heads a pink slip. $250 for a spark plug change is rather absurd.
In talking with the service director, he reported that out of about 150 to 200 F150's with the Triton serviced this year he only had to use the spark plug removal tool twice, which I consider a pretty good batting average. The previous year, he ended up pulling two heads. He expressed that you have to follow the TSB to the letter and then some. For me, even though I could have done it myself, the trip to the dealer was worth it. Consider that the spark plug removal tool alone is about $200 and the plugs are $15-20 each. My time is better spent with my kids than trying to remove the plug next to the firewall on the passenger side, if you know what I mean.
My advice to those of you who have not changed the plugs in your 2004 F150 with the Triton engine is the following:
1. Run a couple of tanks of gas through the engine with a good fuel injector cleaner mixed as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help remove some of the carbon and rust build up (from galvanic corrosion).
2. Get them changed, the sooner, the better. My truck had 71,000 on it when I changed them.
3. Go to the dealer. They have the tools and experience.
4. If for some wierd reason you decide to take this on yourself, buy the spark plug removal tool first or have a tow truck lined up to get you over to the dealer.
In talking with the service director, he reported that out of about 150 to 200 F150's with the Triton serviced this year he only had to use the spark plug removal tool twice, which I consider a pretty good batting average. The previous year, he ended up pulling two heads. He expressed that you have to follow the TSB to the letter and then some. For me, even though I could have done it myself, the trip to the dealer was worth it. Consider that the spark plug removal tool alone is about $200 and the plugs are $15-20 each. My time is better spent with my kids than trying to remove the plug next to the firewall on the passenger side, if you know what I mean.
My advice to those of you who have not changed the plugs in your 2004 F150 with the Triton engine is the following:
1. Run a couple of tanks of gas through the engine with a good fuel injector cleaner mixed as recommended by the manufacturer. This will help remove some of the carbon and rust build up (from galvanic corrosion).
2. Get them changed, the sooner, the better. My truck had 71,000 on it when I changed them.
3. Go to the dealer. They have the tools and experience.
4. If for some wierd reason you decide to take this on yourself, buy the spark plug removal tool first or have a tow truck lined up to get you over to the dealer.
12-30-2007, 08:07 AM
#22
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I had my dealer change my plugs on my 2005 at about 90,000. It took them 3 days and they broke 3 plugs. I made them quote the job before they did the work. $600. A lot of money for a spark plug change.
From the beginning, I have had rear axle seal leaking problems, changed both front hubs because the 4 wheel drive wouldn't engage. A couple of leaking pinion seals, new bearings in the rear end, spark plug change and coil pack replacement on one cylinder, an ABS sensor, repair reverse in the transmission and new transmission planetary gears. WHEW!
Seems like a lot of trouble compared to other new trucks I have driven over the years.
From the beginning, I have had rear axle seal leaking problems, changed both front hubs because the 4 wheel drive wouldn't engage. A couple of leaking pinion seals, new bearings in the rear end, spark plug change and coil pack replacement on one cylinder, an ABS sensor, repair reverse in the transmission and new transmission planetary gears. WHEW!
Seems like a lot of trouble compared to other new trucks I have driven over the years.