ak_cowboy

^read this thread....

Nash04

I would believe that if your plugs were broken prior of them touching it, it would cause misfiring and poor performance throughout the rpm but hey! I might be wrong, as for taken the heads off to fix it, I've heard of that when they first seeing this issue but thought by now all ASE mechanics would know how to remove them with the proper tools. That really sucks!! Mine is in also and hope that I won't hear that kind of bad news on Monday.

jthiii

I have an f150 with 101000 miles now and I put champions in at 75k. they were missing from the timeI put them in. I did use anti seize on the threads and they came out easily with out any problems. I have replace them with the new (supposedly) one piece motorcraft plugs (oem). It runs fine now. and if the tech put the antisieze like he was supposed to then I will not have any broken when I remove them again.
Also to note I was able to get the originals out with breaking any. Follow the guide for that and you won't have a problem and don't be in a hurry.

mhanksii

I tried using the search function but couldn't find anything on the E3 Spark Plugs. Has anyone used these yet in a 5.4L?

http://www.jegs.com/i/E3+Spark+Plugs/368/E3.70/10002/-1

Nash04

Tried them in my CX7 and they basically suck and don't last long but that's my opinion. Do a google search review, should have more/better info towards it

doughboysigep

I just did and their basic reply was (with my coments and preceptions thrown in) ...."we know there is a problem" (they didn't say that, but they do know), "but we cannot do anything until we get actual complaints that can be routed up the chain of command and a list can be created". The lady said all of the complaints and b!tching on forums like these does no good at all (eventhough Ford and the "engineers" obviously know about the issue - they fixed if for cryin' ou loud on newer models!!) and people need to call Ford Customer Service". If they get enough actual complaints then maybe Ford will do something - basically I/we are SOL unless Ford deems it "worthy". Keep your receipts in case Ford does eventually decide to do the right thing.

So please, if you haven't called, do so now and tell anyone you may know to do the same. Let's make Ford take notice and step up to the plate to reimburse owners/dealerships for their p!ss-poor design.

Ford Customer Service: 1-800-392-3673
also use the link for the class action suit (can't hurt): http://gsglawsparkplugdefect.com/

BlackBrant

Okay, I know there hasn't been much response on this topic but this is what I've discovered so far. I went to two different dealerships in the area. I had to give them the part number from the TSB. First one didn't have it in stock. Went to the second one and they didn't have it either. I asked what the service department used when they did the plugs for the 5.4L. They use the Permatex antiseize that you can get from Walmart. "It's just any ol antiseize," was the exact quote. So...that tells me that the service technicians don't even follow their own TSB's.

I did a search on Amazon and you can get an 8oz bottle of CRC nickel anti seize for just under $16. Its going to be more anti-seize then I'll ever use but I can use it on just about anything.

I'll be getting the nickle since it's effective up to 2400 degrees and the aluminum is only effective up to 1600 degrees. There was a reason Ford listed that antiseize to be used.

J0660

So I have an 04 s-crew 5.4 136,000 and have NEVER changed the plugs. Am I doomed to them ALL breaking?

Nash04

Just had mine change at the dealership with 95,000 and they only broke one so it all depends on who does it and how good he is.

Nash04

Just pick up the beast and they charge me only $26.95 to remove 1 broken plug #4 which I think the main reason they only charge me this little is due to the fact they had the manifolds out since they were replacing the gaskets and studs. Honestly I can not tell the difference between my old/new plugs so I guess my old plugs were still good. At least they did get rid of that ticking noise but now I noticed with the heat fan on, can smell a little bit of fuel but that could be residual, will test it this weekend.