4.6L modular engines: 2-valve and 3-valve spark plug problems?
11-22-2017, 09:54 AM
#1
4.6L modular engines: 2-valve and 3-valve spark plug problems?
I've gotten confused so I'm trying to understand both the "breaking plugs" issue and the "plugs come out" issue with some F150 truck engines. Mine is a 2003 4.6L but I don't know if it's a 2-valve or 3-valve engine:
Without taking it apart, how can I tell if my engine has 2-valves or 3-valves per cylinder?
In what model year did F150's start using 3-valve 4.6L engines? Did they always use 3-valve engines from then on?
Are all 2-valve engines prone to the "plugs come out" problem, and 3-valve engines prone to the "breaking plugs" problem?
Without taking it apart, how can I tell if my engine has 2-valves or 3-valves per cylinder?
In what model year did F150's start using 3-valve 4.6L engines? Did they always use 3-valve engines from then on?
Are all 2-valve engines prone to the "plugs come out" problem, and 3-valve engines prone to the "breaking plugs" problem?
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Chubhead (04-17-2020)
11-22-2017, 10:54 AM
#2
Senior Member
Yours is a 2V. Period. No 2003 came with a 3V. The 3V started in 2004, but ONLY the 5.4 was. The 4.6 did not become a 3V in the F150 until 2006, IIRC (someone correct me if that is wrong).
Yes, the 2V's are susceptible to blown out plugs - but way more common on the 5.4 - with that said, it is preventable by using the proper torque specs, and not using anti-seize, as anti-seize affects the torque value.
And yes, all of the 3V's are susceptible to broken plugs. The OEM plug design is the worst (2 piece design). The newer plugs are better, but can still break. I have a method that works fantastic to remove them, but it's still white knuckles through the whole process.
EDIT: The 3V was used until 2010, then it was replaced by the 5.0 - which is a 4V, and a much better motor. Or... there was also a 6.2 available around that time which is a 2V.
Yes, the 2V's are susceptible to blown out plugs - but way more common on the 5.4 - with that said, it is preventable by using the proper torque specs, and not using anti-seize, as anti-seize affects the torque value.
And yes, all of the 3V's are susceptible to broken plugs. The OEM plug design is the worst (2 piece design). The newer plugs are better, but can still break. I have a method that works fantastic to remove them, but it's still white knuckles through the whole process.
EDIT: The 3V was used until 2010, then it was replaced by the 5.0 - which is a 4V, and a much better motor. Or... there was also a 6.2 available around that time which is a 2V.
Last edited by white89gt; 11-22-2017 at 10:58 AM.
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Aragorn (11-22-2017)
11-22-2017, 12:06 PM
#3
Senior Member
Other 2v's ..... include thru 2009 E series vans, 2003-4 Expy's, and SD's thru 2004. The super late 03's in the Expy's and vans had the 8 thread heads, and all 04 are supposedly equipt with the new heads.
Last edited by akdoggie; 11-22-2017 at 12:10 PM.
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white89gt (11-22-2017)
11-22-2017, 12:07 PM
#4
Senior Member
11-22-2017, 12:48 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thank you Whitey. You started the ball, I added rubber bands to make it bigger.
That said, I forgot all about the F450's, which used the 2v until at least 2013 but I think it was to 2016 when they went to the newer body in 17. The E series continued the 2v past 2010 I just read. Hmm, there goes my info all to hell. lol.
That said, I forgot all about the F450's, which used the 2v until at least 2013 but I think it was to 2016 when they went to the newer body in 17. The E series continued the 2v past 2010 I just read. Hmm, there goes my info all to hell. lol.
11-22-2017, 05:07 PM
#6
Senior Member
Yours is a 2V. Period. No 2003 came with a 3V. The 3V started in 2004, but ONLY the 5.4 was. The 4.6 did not become a 3V in the F150 until 2006, IIRC (someone correct me if that is wrong).
Yes, the 2V's are susceptible to blown out plugs - but way more common on the 5.4 - with that said, it is preventable by using the proper torque specs, and not using anti-seize, as anti-seize affects the torque value.
And yes, all of the 3V's are susceptible to broken plugs. The OEM plug design is the worst (2 piece design). The newer plugs are better, but can still break. I have a method that works fantastic to remove them, but it's still white knuckles through the whole process.
EDIT: The 3V was used until 2010, then it was replaced by the 5.0 - which is a 4V, and a much better motor. Or... there was also a 6.2 available around that time which is a 2V.
Yes, the 2V's are susceptible to blown out plugs - but way more common on the 5.4 - with that said, it is preventable by using the proper torque specs, and not using anti-seize, as anti-seize affects the torque value.
And yes, all of the 3V's are susceptible to broken plugs. The OEM plug design is the worst (2 piece design). The newer plugs are better, but can still break. I have a method that works fantastic to remove them, but it's still white knuckles through the whole process.
EDIT: The 3V was used until 2010, then it was replaced by the 5.0 - which is a 4V, and a much better motor. Or... there was also a 6.2 available around that time which is a 2V.
In late 2008 ford changed the heads on the mustang 4.6 to get ride of the 2 pc plug. Don't know if that made it to the trucks or not.
Last edited by kd4gij; 11-22-2017 at 08:57 PM.
11-23-2017, 12:12 AM
#7
Looking for a Henway.
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Don't ever recall reading of the 4.6 3v motor having issues with plugs.
Last edited by blupupher; 11-24-2017 at 11:38 PM.
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01-04-2018, 05:48 PM
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97-2003 : Any truck/van (2 Valve - 4.6 and 5.4): The only concern is there are few spark plug threads in the aluminum head. Use a torque wrench and do not use anti-sieze. Check the plugs at least once a year. Both the 4.6 and the 5.4 engine can "blow" a plug if the torque spec is not followed or the threads are damaged. Not to worry - I have seen many 4.6 and 5.4 engines pushing 200k without blowing a single plug. I think it can happen to any engine, but seems more common on the 5.4 based on reported incidence. If you are doing head work - have a threaded insert installed to improve the reliability.
2004 and later - 5.4 (3 Valve) - This engine has the infamous 3 piece plug. Be gentle when removing the plug or it can snap in multiple pieces and leave the plug in the block. There is a removal kit if you break a plug. Change the plugs every 50K to be safe.
2004 and later - 5.4 (3 Valve) - This engine has the infamous 3 piece plug. Be gentle when removing the plug or it can snap in multiple pieces and leave the plug in the block. There is a removal kit if you break a plug. Change the plugs every 50K to be safe.