okay, so i just bought some new plugs for my 04 fx4 5.4l and am about to change them, but i was reading a couple of the threads about all them breaking and having to pay ford a fortune just to replace some plugs. ive replaced plugs plenty of times and just wanted a couple tips on how to avoid and prevent (if i can) my plugs breaking when i replace them.

thanks!

 

Search 04-08 plugs...bunch of stuff on this.

 

Yeah, there certainly is no shortage of info out there about this. Confusing and opinionated to say the least. Find a good penetrating lubricant to sit on plugs and run engine till hot, cool, hot, cool a couple, few times seems to be a big help. Running a couple of tanks of Seafoam before change seems to be another popular tip. Having a broken plug kit on hand is a must! Without it you will be helpless if even one plug breaks. Lisle 65600 is best from all posts and reviews I've seen and I've put hours into this preparing to pull my own, I've never changed a plug in my life but can't foot the $1000+ shop estimate. When pulling plug get it lose and stop, gently re-tighten and let lube set in, in and out slowly, patience is the #1 tip I've learned. Don't get too confident if you get a couple out with no trouble, take it slow and easy.

We need some of these Ford owners to help each other out here with these Lisle kits. They are $55 - $80 depending on deal you can find. Fighting over them on eBay is getting frustrating. Most of us only need to use the kit once and might not even need it, only want it on hand just in case. Maybe we can get some kind of trade going. Isn't the whole point of this to try and save a few bucks by doing it ourselves?