MHC-F150

Ford has a redesigned one piece plug they have released that you can use. They started using the new design in the late '07 & all '08 models. They also have a Ford Rotunda / OTC 303-1203 Spark Plug Removal Tool, but it runs $220-$400.

Here's what they can look like if your break them.

tmuti13

do the new ford plugs work on 04-06 models? I thought they redesigned the cylinder head and thats why they've introduced a new plug?

MHC-F150

To my knowledge and from people on other sites, it's simply a more conventional plug and shouldn't require the new heads. Just what I've read, not completely sure, but I'll try to find out.

joebob

does the 4.6 have the 2 piece plug also?Are there suggestions on the best plug to use,have seen an add for the E3 performance plug($7/each),has a different bottom end that supposedly creates more spark.

Dark Stone

The scheduled Maintenance guide that came with my truck doesn't say anything about changing the plugs until 100K miles but it seems that some of you are changing at 50K. Should they plugs be changed at 50K? Just wondering.



John

MHC-F150

The 100K is what Ford recommends. Problem is Ford installed a bad plug design (2 piece) on the 04-mid/late 07's. The late 07s and 08s have a new head and plug design. The old 2-piece plug is know to break off (due to deposit build-up) in the head upon removal requiring the removal and sometimes replacement of the heads.

I would recommend replacing them earlier than the 100K mile recommendation, unless you don't plan to keep the truck past 100K. If you replace them, just make sure you are aware it may run a few thousand $ if one breaks off.

Now I have spoken to people who've done the plug replacement themselves. They've broken a few but were still able to remove the plug without having to remove/replace the head.

To me, it's a crap shoot on whether one will break or not.

Dark Stone

Ah I get it, change the plugs out before they get a chance to become hopelessly stuck. Sometimes us mechanic want to be take a little longer to get these things. Thanks for the clarification.


John

MHC-F150

Exactly! I'd prefer to remove them early and take my time doing so, than wait and rush to get them out.

transmaster

I have read up on the procedure for changing out these plugs. You first let the engine cool down all of the way. Then you loosen the plug and then spray a penetrating oil around the threads and let that soak in to soften the carbon that builds up on the non-threaded portion of the plug then after an over night soak you go ahead and remove the plug. Be sure to install the new ones with a torque wrench.

Dark Stone

I did a google search and found the TSB for this. There is a procedure for removing he broken part as well. Should this happen to anybody. Of course that's no guarantee it will come out so when I do mine I will be sure to be extra careful.

On another note, without this forum I would have never known about this so I appreciate everyones input. I sure you saved my a lot of time, money and grief.

John