azdriver

Only tip I can give you is try to crack the plug loose by tightening it a bit first. I was able to get a very difficult plug out that way. If they break, the Lisle tool works well. Got it at O'reilly for about $99. Worth its weight in gold if it works like it is supposed to. Good luck.

Prof

Used SeaFoam in the tank, and squirted SeaFoam aerosol along with PB blaster in the holes, cracked em, let em soak over night. All 8 came out whole.

2005 Lariat 5.4, 87.7k miles. All plugs original (white dot on top).

Didn't even unbox the lisle tool. Runs well.

Take your time, stop if the plug seems tight, reverse a bit, and try it again. Worked for me.

haha

The white dot. Good info.
Of all the threads on this issue this is the first I've read about the white dot being original. (or maybe I wasnt paying much attention)

I bought my truck w/ 28k on it and it now has 81k on it. Was going to change the plugs this year but the truck runs so well I'm waiting until next spring. That should put me at about 90k miles.

Prof

I get that you want to wait - my truck was running well too, no hesitation, no codes, etc. - but here is the deal...the longer you wait, the more likely that you are going to have problems with possible carbon build-up. Ford was nuts when they said that these were 100k plugs, and that is pretty well known. When I read about this problem for the first time, I had a sinking feeling; my truck had been my father's pride and joy, and I know that he would have had (another) heart attack had he taken this thing to the dealer and been quoted $500 bucks to do the plugs...

Since he died, it has been up to me to get everything that needed maintenance taken care of - you will be shocked, even if your truck is running well, how much better it will run with new plugs, cleaned Mass Airflow Sensor, and cleaned throttle body, which you should plan to all do when you do get to this job. I also went ahead and did shocks all round and the fuel pump control module - I am just pissed that I didn't go ahead and replace the UCA completely and LCA bushings while I was at it...

With the right tools and some patience, it is an OK (which translates to "it sucks, but could be worse") job, and I would not wait, if you can help it. I still have a brand new unused Lisle tool if any one wants it?

Just my 2c, from a guy who last touched a wrench with a purpose some thirty years ago, and tackled this in a day (with soaking overnight).

Pop would be proud.

Firefighter433

9 hours...a lot of cussing...a couple scares...and 2 very tired firefighters later, I have new spark plugs and ignition coils. Oh yea, had 5 break in some way. Luckily the back passenger side one came out clean.

Lessons learned:
1) make sure you have the RIGHT extractor beforehand. Bought one from autozone that didn't do crap. Luckily I know a mechanic right across the street that let me borrow a Lisle tool and made the day go much smoother.
2) the back 2 plugs are a b*tch...especially the passenger side.
3) time for a cold one (or 12) lol

KingRanch4Life

iTrader: (2)

You could've rented the tool.. Autozone is still around?? Look at it this way.. 9hrs of cussing now you don't have to worry about doing this again for another 6-7yrs or more... By then you'd probably be in a new truck..

Firefighter433

None of the auto stores around town had one to buy, let alone to rent, and I wasn't going to the ford stealership. It's good knowing people in a fairly small town or I may still be fooling with it. And this possibly being the only time I have to do it is definitely nice.

azdriver

Think of it as a character building experience. Like I mentioned. That kit is worth its weight in gold when you hear the plug break......