TexasMustang

So - after talking to several shops and being shocked at what they would charge for plugs I decided to DIY it. I ordered the sp515, the lisle tool, and a new set of oem motorcraft coils (found a great price for plugs and coils on Amazon).

The truck has 150k on it. The original owner gave me all the maintenance receipts. One of them is for "spark plug service" at 80k miles. I would hope that means new plugs, but the charge was only $80 - so I'm guessing not.

This evening I removed all the coils and put a little ATF/Acetone mix in the holes. I let it sit for 1/2 hour and then tried to do 1/8 turn. They would not budge - with more force then I want to use they 'popped' and then turned easy for the 1/8 turn. I have now gone back and forth over that 1/8 turn a few times tighten and loosen and they turn easy.

I'm going to let it sit over night and then put the old coils back on to warm the engine up before removing the plugs tomorrow.

Or did I already break them? 5 of the 8 'popped' like this. The other 3 turned a little easier but stayed tight.

pbeabout

I think you should be fine. While you should proceed slowly like the procedure says, I think as long as you don't mean "used a breaker bar" you are probably fine. The ones that turn easy will probably come right out. That is how most of my recent plug change went. The ones that turn hard still may be the holes with the most carbon buildup. Good luck.

Rick's 06

I hope I'm wrong, but I think you're going to need your Lisle tool. Looks like you're prepared. Good luck and let us know what you find. This bunch has helped folks through every possible spark plug failure mode possible.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

well.. if they tighten back up, they shoud be fine

TexasMustang

I'm 8 for 8 getting them out! Didn't break any of them!

After letting it soak with the acetone/atf mix overnight I put the coils back on and let it idle in the driveway for about 45 minutes so it was good and hot. I used the cordless impact on the front ones and they came right out.

I couldn't get the angle to use the impact on the rear ones so I used the ratchet - still came right out.


Only one hiccup - he knuckle I was using with the impact caught a wire for the fuel injection and ripped it out of the plug.... Luckily AutoZone has a new plug in stock so that is going to be an easy fix.

I've stopped to eat lunch and run to store for plug so it isn't back together yet. I'll update again but it should be smooth from here.


The plugs I took out are identical to the sp515's I'm about to put in, so that means it has been done before? The originals were a different part number?

Rick's 06

That's great news. Congratulations, you just saved a bunch of money by doing it yourself.

sledhead2112

Ok here is my question. After seeing all these threads about breaking spark plugs. I dont have any performance problems but i am reaching 85k. My sticker on the head is 5/21/08. Does this mean i have the redesigned heads and should not have any problems breaking plugs? Was going to do it at home but a little paranoid now.

650NutKase

Yes, that's a new head design. Standard spark plug change