HypnoticPigeon

Is it a issue with the design of the engine block, or the 2 piece plug design? I am starting to get confused on this issue. All I know is buy 1 piece plugs, the special tool, and go to chruch every sunday till all the plugs are changed.

Also is this a issues with the mustangs also with the v8's? My buddy is getting some work done to his and the shop is also going to replace the plugs. His is a new (to him) but lightly used cobra and I told him about the issues f150 owners have with swapping the plugs.

MHC-F150

Wow, did the price come down for the tool? Last time I checked them they were running $200+.

The issue is the 2 piece plug. The sleeve comes apart and gets stuck in the head.

From my understanding, this is not a problem on any 4.6L V8 (Mustang or F150). Only the 5.4L F150's and possibly the F250's with a 5.4L, but haven't heard of any of them with the issue.

I frequent another site where this issue has been well documented. I'm sure Ford will never do anything about it, but if we combined all the owners that have or potentially could have this issue, do you think there is anyway to force Fords hand on the subject?

MHC-F150

Here's what a broken plug looks like. Where's the ground shielf???

Jason8691

I go to the dealer for everything but oil changes and new air filters.

NAV_GUNZ

Advise...?

After reading all these post about the plugs I'm glad that I didn't try and do it myself. Just bought my truck about two weeks ago and I'm starting to learn more about it.

Here's the question. Are there special plugs for these trucks and do you guys NOT recommend doing it yourselves...? Well, without this special 200$ tool....?

thanks

HypnoticPigeon

So would swapping out for a 1 piece plug be a solution or a bandaid?

MHC-F150

Changing plugs in these trucks are a pain in the *****. You can do it yourself, just plan on some banged knuckles and a good 2-3hrs (if not more if you break off multiple plugs). The specialty tool is called "Rotunda 303-1203" and listed in the 3rd link below. Otherwise the top link below has been provided for a little review of the issue. Also, I have provided a link to a tool suggested in the below article (2nd link), which is list priced at $99.99 but selling for $64.99. You'll notice the Rotunda tool has a list price of $399.95, but they are so nice to have a special on it for only $218.99.

http://www.denlorstools.com/autoblog...ds-bad-design/
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...65600_alt.html
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...lug_remov.html

This from all signs, will fix the issue. The entire issue revolves around the 2-piece plug design coming apart, which the electrode shield getting stuck in the motor, requiring the special tool. The one piece design doesn't separate (or at least shouldn't), so you won't have this issue anymore. Just make sure you put some anti-seeze on the new plugs.

Now my '06 has just under 24K miles on her, but plan on changing to the 1 piece design when she hits 30K. The dealer will be changing these and of course I will not pay for anything they break.

HypnoticPigeon

I apologize for being nooberriffic on this one, but why wouldn't ford just start installing 1 piece plugs? I understand they wouldn't want to reacall this one and replace 8 billion spark plugs, but if it just takes check marking a different box on the order sheet???

I have not attempted to change my plugs yet, but if I do I will do it while me and the truck are still young.

MHC-F150

From my understanding, Ford started using the 1 plug design on late 2007 models. Not sure of the exact build dates. Anything older has the 2 piece design, while all from that date on have the 1 piece design. So no 08+ models should be impacted. Well, unless you install the 2 piece design yourself.

HypnoticPigeon

Thanks, I was starting to get lost with the whole plug thing. I got a 07 but haven't looked at the mfg date yet.