Hello- I have replaced 6 plugs on my '99 F150 5.4 today, the last 2 (rear driver's side) look impossible. Do I need to remove FI parts to get to them? Any help appreciated!

 

I confess, have never worked on the 5.4L. Seen posts go both ways here on the site, suiggest using the search button. Its in there someplace, some take off the fuel rail and others using a series of extensions and wobbleys get ti done. I'm real old school, I prefer access and take off what is necessary. Every one agrees, use a torque wrench to install the plugs. How you can use a torque wrench with a series of wobbleys is way beyond my experience (45 Years)!

 

Swivels and extensions are your friend, but removing stuff also helps sometimes. If it means fighting my way around crap for 2 hours or removing a few things to bring the time down to 30 minutes I remove stuff. I don't know your year truck though, so it's your call.

 

try not to remove the fuel rails if you can, my injectors started making nioses after i remove my rails. with the right tools you shouldnt need to . make sure blocks cool befor removing them. i did mine in an hour or so if i did it again i could in a half hour. shops want $300. say it takes over 3hrs. thats why i dont trust people.

 

Skidmarks, I'm sorry, how can taking off a fuel rail make and injector noisy? Think about it. Please educate me.

 

Thanks guys, I'll give it another go one of these days!

 

Spark plug removal tips:
On the drivers side unbolt the power steering pump tank and take the EGR valve off. For thee passenger side disconnect the mounting brackets for the main wiring harness on the firewall and move it to the left securely out of the way. Also on the passenger side zip tie the heater hoses up and out of the way. For both sides remove the fuel rails by unbolting them and lifting them up [rubber lines at the back make them very flexable].
Once you are ready to remove the plugs first make sure the engine is overnight cold, you vacuum out the plug holes for trash, and use a good penetrating oil before removing the plugs. Make very slow 1/4 turns when removing the plugs.
Another trick is when putting the new plugs in, use a old spark plug boot on the end of a long extension to start the plug in. Be very careful when starting the plugs in because you only have about 3-4 threads in the head to work with.
Remember that the plugs only torque to 11-14 ftlbs. so don't muscle down when tightning them back.

 

Sounds like the voice of experience...thank you!