Don't Plan to Replace Plugs
08-14-2016, 09:02 AM
#21
Spark plug electrodes wear down over time. So no matter what you are going to want to pull them.... Whether you want to try and clean, flatten and regap the old ones, or just pop in some new ones for a couple bucks is your call.
Personally I don't see the logic in why you wouldn't put in new ones if you are already in there and they are so cheap. Heck, it's easier and faster to replace them then try to recondition the old ones.
Personally I don't see the logic in why you wouldn't put in new ones if you are already in there and they are so cheap. Heck, it's easier and faster to replace them then try to recondition the old ones.
It just doesn't make a bit of sense to me to go through all the effort of pulling the plugs and then taking MORE time to save $30-$40 and leave yourself open to one of them dying and then having to redo the entire job.
I understand the notion of saving money, but you also want to save time as well because time is money and if spending $40~ now means i don't need to do this job again, then that's money well spent.
08-14-2016, 01:15 PM
#22
BAMF Club
08-14-2016, 04:17 PM
#24
Senior Member
08-15-2016, 05:27 AM
#25
08-15-2016, 02:31 PM
#26
He's got an 08 with the new head and the one piece plug. They are pre gapped at the factory.
OP, here is my .02
They are a preventative maintenance item. Just like you are supposed to change your oil at a designated interval, plugs have a degenerative life. The longer you wait to change them, the harder they will be to remove and you'll be kicking yourself for not changing them sooner with the better design. Also, by leaving them in there longer, the electrode will degrade further and further, leaving a wider gap, thus lowering fuel economy and the potential for spark blow out (when the spark cant jump the gap, not blowing out the head). Right now, you are in a prime position to change them with minimal struggle due to the mileage. In the end, it's your truck, but none the less, it's a wear item.
OP, here is my .02
They are a preventative maintenance item. Just like you are supposed to change your oil at a designated interval, plugs have a degenerative life. The longer you wait to change them, the harder they will be to remove and you'll be kicking yourself for not changing them sooner with the better design. Also, by leaving them in there longer, the electrode will degrade further and further, leaving a wider gap, thus lowering fuel economy and the potential for spark blow out (when the spark cant jump the gap, not blowing out the head). Right now, you are in a prime position to change them with minimal struggle due to the mileage. In the end, it's your truck, but none the less, it's a wear item.
08-15-2016, 04:12 PM
#27
05 5.4l 3v s.crew lariat
Interesting theory
Not the way I would go but even being old I can learn new stuff . Hope you do not get a newer truck with the two piece plugs . Failure to read and follow the ford TSB will be real trouble . If you don't coat them with nickel antiseize and change them more often than 100k will be hard on your engine and pocket book . Aluminum heads and high temperatures as well as coil volts of 50k or more are harder to keep maintained .
Don't want to tell you what to do ,I can fully understand that . These newer engines are unforgiving that's why we share on here to get out of deep do- do .
I miss the old engines that were simple to work on .
Even at 71 I tore down my 5.4 3v and changed all the timing stuff when it broke and I'm no mechanic--- thanks to all the help on here . I too picked and chose my way thru many suggestions . Keep going !
Don't want to tell you what to do ,I can fully understand that . These newer engines are unforgiving that's why we share on here to get out of deep do- do .
I miss the old engines that were simple to work on .
Even at 71 I tore down my 5.4 3v and changed all the timing stuff when it broke and I'm no mechanic--- thanks to all the help on here . I too picked and chose my way thru many suggestions . Keep going !
08-15-2016, 05:33 PM
#28
2004 F150 5.4 Lariat
Thread Starter
Spark plug electrodes wear down over time.
I went from 13-13.5 mpg to 13.75-14.5 mpg I would say. I check it every fill up.
08-15-2016, 11:02 PM
#29
Senior Member
I had my truck throw the first code I've ever had while owning it right around 60k. It was an issue with the #1 plug, so I decided I should probably just suck it up and replace all of the plugs and COP's. I did about half and half and even following the TSB they still were breaking. These plugs were so disgusting with small amounts of rust on the threads. I was amazed the first time I pushed that gas pedal. I couldn't imagine not replacing these plugs, and after the first time any additional changes should be a piece of cake. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but I would definitely vote for "change your plugs". I think it would be stupid to follow all of the routine maintenance and then skip plug changes.
08-19-2016, 02:36 PM
#30
Senior Member
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Well, I had mine replaced @ 50K to prevent plug breakage issues, recommended by my selling dealer. I seafoamed the truck for 2-3 tankfuls, all came out w/o any problems. However they were worn down about 75%-probably wouldn't have lasted much past 75K. Also noticed gas mileage went up slighlty, power also increased, and my weird hot hard starting problem I'd have about every couple of months went away. No codes were ever set. I'll replace them again @ 100K to be safe and prevent any performance issues.
Found a dealer in my new location who replaced them all for $325. thought that was very responsible and had them do it.
Found a dealer in my new location who replaced them all for $325. thought that was very responsible and had them do it.