Hi all-

I just took in my 2005 F150 for scheduled 60,000 mile service at my Ford dealership. The service advisor indicated that, though a change of spark plugs and tune up is not on the factory recommended maintenance schedule until 100,000 miles, 'they' are finding that the long-interval spark plugs are in some cases sticking to the heads, and that the dealership recommends a spark plug replacement and tune up at 60,000 miles, rather than the factory recommended 100,000. Has anyone else heard of this, or is the dealership just trolling for extra work that's not necessary?

 

The 5.4l 3v engines are having a problem with carbon binding to the electrode shield. This is causing sparkplug failure wnen removal is attempted on high milage engines.Ford has a TSB out on the PROPER procedure for plug removal and how to remove failed plugs without pulling the heads.
Get the service manager to commit in writing that the dealership is responsible for repairs if a plug fails during the removal process.
THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM!

 

He is EXACTLY right. I don't know that the dealer will commit to it being their problem if a plug does stick, but it is a known problem. IF this happens Ford themselves might do something to help you out.

 

Thanks very much to the both of you. I will be sure to bring this up in detail at the dealer when I replace the plugs, at the recommended interval. I much appreciate the quick reply and recommendations.

 

Does anyone know if this spark plug condition is with the 4.6 engines also?

 

Not that I know of. The new 5.4s have that new 9/16 plug that is like 6 inches long.

 

Only the 3V engines have this problem.

 

When you had mentioned about getting the dealer to put in writing about them taking responsiblity about the work, and plugs, should the 4.6L guys need to do the same? Reason I'm asking is bc mine @ 64k miles,and I had planned on doing them @ 75K miles.

 

they already said that its a 3V only problem and not one found in the 2v 4.6L engines. Wait till 75k.

 

My brother has a 06 FX4 with 126Kmi and I have 2010 with 75kmi..

his 06 was "CPO"...but on Myford.com its not showing any service done on it...

oh yeah..we broke #5 off in the head tomorrow gonna go to NAPA and get the electrode removal tool ser 4663..im gonna slap some faces of engineers and fords legal office because they wont own up to an ongoing problem