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Issue: How To: Spark plug change-2004-2008 5.4 3V V8
Find out how to make this difficult task manageable with more information about the following:
• Tool and parts needed
• Step-by-step directions
• Proper use of a lisle toolClick Here
Please Read the full discussion below
Find out how to make this difficult task manageable with more information about the following:
• Tool and parts needed
• Step-by-step directions
• Proper use of a lisle toolClick Here
Please Read the full discussion below
How To: Spark plug change-2004-2008 5.4 3V V8
#381
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Join Date: May 2015
Location: Mississippi
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Read thru all this several times before getting the nerve to dive in. Bought the Lisle kit, followed the recipe, and took the plunge. Rushed the soaking a little. Broke 5 out of 8, but the Lisle tool brought them out without a hitch.
Truck has 130,000 mostly highway miles. Was getting a hard miss when she would lug a little in overdrive. The new plugs has her running like new!
Thanks for the help!
Mitch
Truck has 130,000 mostly highway miles. Was getting a hard miss when she would lug a little in overdrive. The new plugs has her running like new!
Thanks for the help!
Mitch
#382
How did you get the stripped plug out?
I used Motorcraft SP515 platinum spark plugs. I have heard that the one-piece replacements from Champion and Brisk are not doing so well with some owners. The factory replacement parts worked fine for me, and considering I know how to do this the next time it'll be much easier. Special thanks to Kozal01 and Goldteam for that!
You need to remove and set the PCM (computer) aside and that is easy enough. No need to remove anything fuel related. Honestly, considering how easy it was for me, it is a shame that people don't try it on their own. Remember, I broke every single plug and one was stripped and I was still able to get it done. I saved around $1,000.
You need to remove and set the PCM (computer) aside and that is easy enough. No need to remove anything fuel related. Honestly, considering how easy it was for me, it is a shame that people don't try it on their own. Remember, I broke every single plug and one was stripped and I was still able to get it done. I saved around $1,000.
#383
BAMF Club
#384
#385
Great write up and pictures!
Currently in the process of changing my plugs right now. They seem to be coming out alright since I've been letting them sit with the pb blaster for about an hour, turn them some, then let them sit for another hour.
I was curious if any of you guys had some tips for the the rear most plugs? I have several extensions and my swivel u-joint but I'm just worried about breaking something. Those rear most plugs are a pain to get at.
Currently in the process of changing my plugs right now. They seem to be coming out alright since I've been letting them sit with the pb blaster for about an hour, turn them some, then let them sit for another hour.
I was curious if any of you guys had some tips for the the rear most plugs? I have several extensions and my swivel u-joint but I'm just worried about breaking something. Those rear most plugs are a pain to get at.
#386
I did mine today. Broke all 8 plugs. Lisle tool was a life saver. Took about 6 hours working solo. 2007 with 130,000. All of the plugs were wasted, most were missing the metal at the tip. Took a test drive after and all the hesitation was gone. Thanks for the great write up.
Last edited by bsiegel; 09-08-2015 at 07:19 AM. Reason: Added photo
#387
Soaking Time vs Warm Motor?
I'm debating about starting tonight, and letting the plugs soak overnight, then continuing tomorrow. However, with doing it that way, the engine won't be hot/warm when I pull the plugs. Is it better to let the plugs soak longer or to have the motor warm which doesn't let the plugs soak as long?
#388
It took me eight hours to change the plugs on my '07 5.4 and I didn't break one plug. Truck had about 60K miles. I ran a can of bg 44k the week before thinking that additive would help remove carbon from plugs before I attempted to remove them.
So I used PB Blaster and soaked plugs before I put a socket on them. After a hour or so I started loosening plugs very slightly, a 1/4 turn first then I sprayed more PB on them.
Came back an hour or so later and turned all of them in then back out a 1/2 turn each. Soaked again and continued this process of screwing them in gently and out slightly before they loosened up enough to unscrew completely.
I also used some anti-seize on new plugs so they would come out easily the next time.
So I used PB Blaster and soaked plugs before I put a socket on them. After a hour or so I started loosening plugs very slightly, a 1/4 turn first then I sprayed more PB on them.
Came back an hour or so later and turned all of them in then back out a 1/2 turn each. Soaked again and continued this process of screwing them in gently and out slightly before they loosened up enough to unscrew completely.
I also used some anti-seize on new plugs so they would come out easily the next time.
#389
BAMF Club
I'm debating about starting tonight, and letting the plugs soak overnight, then continuing tomorrow. However, with doing it that way, the engine won't be hot/warm when I pull the plugs. Is it better to let the plugs soak longer or to have the motor warm which doesn't let the plugs soak as long?
Tomorrow I would tighten it all up, drive it around to get it hot again, soak the plugs and use an impact to rattle them out.
#390
Did the plug change on my '08 Expedition (5.4) at 110K. Read all the horror stories so I went in cautiously and expecting the worse. I don't recall having to remove the PCM (25+ year in Ford tune-up helped with shortcuts) but other than that I did pretty much what the original poster did and had no broken plug issues. One thing I've always found helpful in installing plugs is using a piece of 7/32 vac hose (sometimes at the end of a #1 Phillips) to get them started in a place where fingers just won't go. It was one of the more challenging plug R&Rs but then again so was the Mustang 428 Cobra Jets with smog plumbing just above them - remember those nasty things?