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Broken Spark Plug Question

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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
waldo9190's Avatar
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Default Broken Spark Plug Question

Hi all,

Yesterday I attempted the spark plug change on my 05, 5.4 3V and didn't break any plugs until I got to this one. I used the pusher tool from lisle, but I think part of the electrode is keeping the extractor from being able to grab in the tip. Has anyone encountered this before? any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks,


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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 01:54 PM
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F150Torqued's Avatar
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Hopefully you will find a solution in one of the following links discussing problems getting difficult plugs out.
https://www.f150forum.com/f12/spark-...7/#post4176775

Or in the latest TSB at: http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...g-removal.html

Can't tell from your photo exactly what is left behind, but most people who have trouble with the Lisle tool are not screwing it tool down tight enough or tightening the extractor insert in tight enough.

Good luck
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 02:11 PM
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First of all do not panic...I would suggest using the first tool all over again and screwing down till it hits the bottom. then proceed to use the second tool until you start hearing things about 4 or 5 turns more then back out..youll be fine
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 04:31 PM
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Thank god for the genius that invented this tool! Do plugs usually break after the first change if you use anti-seize?
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Old Aug 23, 2015 | 10:58 PM
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Exclamation ANTI-SIEZE doesn't make subsequent plug remover easier

Originally Posted by bigcanoe
... Do plugs usually break after the first change if you use anti-seize?
That's what the TSB claims - but DON'T BELIEVE IT. See this post: Followed TSB - "WITH HIGH TEMP ANTI-SIEZE" !! http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/11...l#post11799905 .


It just provides the glue for further inevitable carbon build up - if it's not removed as part of a spark plug change procedure at some point. https://www.f150forum.com/f4/5-4l-3v...6/#post3930018
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by F150Torqued
That's what the TSB claims - but DON'T BELIEVE IT. See this post: Followed TSB - "WITH HIGH TEMP ANTI-SIEZE" !! http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/11...l#post11799905 .


It just provides the glue for further inevitable carbon build up - if it's not removed as part of a spark plug change procedure at some point. https://www.f150forum.com/f4/5-4l-3v...6/#post3930018
So the only solution is a one piece plug and more frequent changes?
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 10:23 AM
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Lightbulb A Better Solution

@bigcanoe , IMO, there is a second (and I believe better) solution - more frequent changes AND clean the carbon build up out of the spark plug holes as part of the change procedure, with EITHER one or two piece plugs. This will also solve the spark plug heat range degradation problem resulting from the carbon buildup contacting the barrel. Which I believe contributes to the development of misfire problems in the 5.4L. See links:


https://www.f150forum.com/f4/5-4l-3v...6/#post3932639


http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...ml#post5161039


IMO, the two problems - plugs breaking off - and misfires - are linked because if the carbon accumulation becomes serious enough to "twist off" the barrel, then forcing a new plug into that environment can "fracture" the porcelain in the new plug - AND - the heat conductivity of the carbon build-up into the water jackets degrades the "heat range" of the new plug.

Last edited by F150Torqued; Aug 24, 2015 at 10:34 AM. Reason: foobarred spelling
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by F150Torqued
@bigcanoe , IMO, there is a second (and I believe better) solution - more frequent changes AND clean the carbon build up out of the spark plug holes as part of the change procedure, with EITHER one or two piece plug. This will also solve the spark plug heat range degradation problem resulting from the carbon buildup contacting the barrel. Which I believe contributes to the development of misfire problems in the 5.4L. See:
https://www.f150forum.com/f4/5-4l-3v...6/#post3932639
http://www.f150online.com/forums/v8-...ml#post5161039
Ya I wondered about that myself. Could you use some sort of bottle brush or something similar used when washing dishes
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 10:50 AM
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Harbor Freight has a set of brass & stainless "thread cleaning" brushes for just under $20.00. Comes with a "T" handle.
If you do this - use extreme care not to drop the brush into the cylinder like this fellow. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/13...lp-piease.html
I remove ALL my plugs first, then rotate the engine to bring each piston to TDC while I burnish that hole. But since I started doing this every 50k mi (two plug changes now), I have had ZERO misfires and > 200k on the clock. The last plug change - NO broken plugs.
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Old Aug 24, 2015 | 12:24 PM
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Use sp-515 plugs change them every 50-85k and ull never have any issues.. also make sure you use anti-seize
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