Plug Change Tips
08-17-2008, 09:48 AM
#21
Ok I this morning I figured I would start early on a cold engine and change my plugs. I assumed that it wouldn't be too bad since I only have 38,000 miles on my truck. I did run Lucas through my engine but for only a few hundred miles. I removed all of the crap in the way so I could get a straight shot at the plugs and loosened all of the plugs.
I was only able to get about 1/8th to a quarter turn before they tightened back up again. I sprayed some PB Blaster in each cylinder and am currently waiting for that to soak. My question though, when everyone else changed their plugs did they tighten back up after about 1/4 turn. All 8 of mine did, I dont want to turn too hard because I dont want to strip the threads. Should I just turn a little harder or should I take it to the dealer so it's on them?
Either way I guess this is what I get for assuming this would be easy because I dont have too many miles.
EDIT: New Update, I'm now 5 for 8 I was 4 for 8 but one of them was just the casing and that came out pretty easy once I tapped it and made a puller. If I could get the ceramic out of the other 3 somehow I could do the same and probably get the other casings out but I can't figure out how to get the ceramic out of the other 3.
I was only able to get about 1/8th to a quarter turn before they tightened back up again. I sprayed some PB Blaster in each cylinder and am currently waiting for that to soak. My question though, when everyone else changed their plugs did they tighten back up after about 1/4 turn. All 8 of mine did, I dont want to turn too hard because I dont want to strip the threads. Should I just turn a little harder or should I take it to the dealer so it's on them?
Either way I guess this is what I get for assuming this would be easy because I dont have too many miles.
EDIT: New Update, I'm now 5 for 8 I was 4 for 8 but one of them was just the casing and that came out pretty easy once I tapped it and made a puller. If I could get the ceramic out of the other 3 somehow I could do the same and probably get the other casings out but I can't figure out how to get the ceramic out of the other 3.
Last edited by exitwound; 08-17-2008 at 01:04 PM.
02-09-2009, 07:53 PM
#22
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champion plugs
anybody have information on where i can purchase the champion plugs that are suppose to be one piece for a 2005 5.4. sorry my dealer in oregon sucks and has no clue about the plug issue
02-09-2009, 10:30 PM
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02-09-2009, 10:41 PM
#25
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Hey everyone, just plug change on my 5.4L this weekend. I wound up getting all 8 plugs out without breaking them. Although, the change didn't come without problems. I used a 9/16 socket on the motorcrafts (I read that they were 9/16) and wound up stripping 2 plug nuts. They are actually a 14mm which is a little smaller than a 9/16, but luckily i was able to get the 2 stripped plugs out with the 14mm.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that what I did was run lucas fuel additive for about 1,000 miles before i did the change. This stuff is supposed to clean out carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. I followed the TSB except for that i used PB Blaster as the penetrant.
My truck had 51K and there was a little carbon build up on the plugs. I think the lucas helped though and the PB Blaster definitely softened it up. I was scared as hell when i started this because although I've changed plugs a dozen times, i've didn't know what to expect and read all the horror stories of the 2 piece design. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that they did come out (much easier than I though they would) and pass the tip along about using the Lucas additive. Good luck to anyone who plans on doing the plug change!
BTW, I went with the Champions and the truck runs great so far (about 30 miles). I gapped them to .45
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that what I did was run lucas fuel additive for about 1,000 miles before i did the change. This stuff is supposed to clean out carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. I followed the TSB except for that i used PB Blaster as the penetrant.
My truck had 51K and there was a little carbon build up on the plugs. I think the lucas helped though and the PB Blaster definitely softened it up. I was scared as hell when i started this because although I've changed plugs a dozen times, i've didn't know what to expect and read all the horror stories of the 2 piece design. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that they did come out (much easier than I though they would) and pass the tip along about using the Lucas additive. Good luck to anyone who plans on doing the plug change!
BTW, I went with the Champions and the truck runs great so far (about 30 miles). I gapped them to .45
All of the newer motors run platinum plugs that are good for 100,000 miles and DO NOT get gapped. If you gapped and installed Champion plugs you did the truck more harm then good. ONLY run Motorcraft or Autolites in a Ford....Just cause they make a plug with the same threads to screw into it doesnt mean it is the right plug for the truck. Never ever install an Bosch or AC Delco into a Ford. The stock design does have issues. I had to pull a head on one at the shop that had the plug snap off in it and wouldnt remove even with the extractor. Does Champion have some crazy plug out that I know nothing about that does not have the smooth metal shank that adhears to the head?
Last edited by fabfordtech; 02-09-2009 at 10:45 PM.
02-09-2009, 11:43 PM
#26
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Important Tips!!!!!
http://www.flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=4
episode 26.....please watch this (and take notes) before you attempt to change your plugs!!!!!!!
episode 26.....please watch this (and take notes) before you attempt to change your plugs!!!!!!!
02-10-2009, 02:44 PM
#27
All of the newer motors run platinum plugs that are good for 100,000 miles and DO NOT get gapped. If you gapped and installed Champion plugs you did the truck more harm then good. ONLY run Motorcraft or Autolites in a Ford....Just cause they make a plug with the same threads to screw into it doesnt mean it is the right plug for the truck. Never ever install an Bosch or AC Delco into a Ford. The stock design does have issues. I had to pull a head on one at the shop that had the plug snap off in it and wouldnt remove even with the extractor. Does Champion have some crazy plug out that I know nothing about that does not have the smooth metal shank that adhears to the head?
02-10-2009, 04:20 PM
#28
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http://www.flatratetech.com/index.php?categoryid=4
episode 26.....please watch this (and take notes) before you attempt to change your plugs!!!!!!!
episode 26.....please watch this (and take notes) before you attempt to change your plugs!!!!!!!
THANKS for posting this. Now I have this video and TSB 06-15-2 to go by for when I attempt the nightmare. Not looking forward to it, over 70K miles now and I don't know when/if the plugs have been changed since before I bought it (used, last summer). So does anybody have any GOOD stories about plug changes with high mileage?????
02-10-2009, 04:25 PM
#29
