3-valve 5.4 plug change???

[natedawgg94]

Just curious to see if anyone on here has done a spark plug replacement on one of these beast... I am about to tackle mine in the truck was just looking for some local advice. I have read tons of stuff on different forums just thought i would ask around on here... thanks in advance....

[jonosranger]

From what i have heard run seafoam through it and let it set for an hour or so before removing plugs.

[93cobra1928]

Seafoam will help but be prepared to extract some broken plugs. Go ahead and buy the broke plug removal tool, especially if you have over 100k miles.

Do yourself a favor and pony up for the one piece plugs (champion) they are about $19 a piece.

[EZ SPEED]

Yeah broken plugs SUCK . I had it happen a couple of years ago when installing an Edelbrock Supercharger on a co-workers Stang :banghead:

[ncontt]

youtube search....look for the guy who does it with an impact wrench...no kidding..I'll see if I can find it, says that's how he does it ALL THE TIME and has never had one break...

[ncontt]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIQevez-DG0

don't mind the "herbert" voice...lol https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfQWfhRCOPF7fWRnY1XBcb5feHgFSbv UVNIMiCQjItgj1XtwK0

[ncontt]

dude shows you how to make this about a 15 min change start to finish...

[ncontt]

only takes him like 4 mins to take all of them OUT!!! He takes EVERY ONE OF THEM out with the impact wrench...and the truck has 120K on the odometer

[93cobra1928]

youtube search....look for the guy who does it with an impact wrench...no kidding..I'll see if I can find it, says that's how he does it ALL THE TIME and has never had one break...

I can't agree with this, my opinion is it's BS. The two piece design of the plugs plus carbon build up is what breaks them and it doesn't take much.

Like I said....my opinion

[ncontt]

you watch the video? I wouldn't have believed it either cause I've had friends with Harley trucks and those are a PITA to change plugs on...just watch the video, obviously this guys done a $H!T TON of these since he's most likely a FORD tech...but still.....those guys get book value for jobs, they are going to find the EASIEST way to do something...

[93cobra1928]

Video is impressive, I think the key is the induction service he does before removing the plugs. No way I would use an impact though, I would break all 8 :jester:

[banditmwp]

Makes sense. Impact guns use a hammer to repeatedly beat a fastener loose, vs prolonged high torque.

Also, he had one of the weaker guns on the market (IR) and he had the strength backed down to about 60% on it.

[ncontt]

he did say to get it up to operating temp though, I think that does have an effect though. I would have NEVER BELIEVED this unless seeing it, but like I said, those Ford techs (or any STEALERSHIP) techs are going to find the easiest way to do a job as they get book rate for that job (or what the dealer will pay them for it...my dad was a buick/GM tech for years before he had his own shop) but at any rate, it's still impressive!!!

[93cobra1928]

I did mine last year and had 4 break, which sucked donkey balls. The worst one was #4 :banghead:

[ncontt]

ya, the friends I had that had the supercharged harley trucks changed plugs and they said it sucked

[rtusnake]

Impact trick works on alot of stuff like that. I use an impact to take off the small bolts that hold the intercooler to the Easton's

[natedawgg94]

thanks for the good info... i have read that the champion plugs suck off the f150 forums and the new motorcraft plug is a lot better design and to use anti-sieze nickle on the shank to keep future carbon build down.... that is coming off the ford tsb so looks like thats what the ford techs are doin....

[natedawgg94]

any local guys have the removal tool or know if autozone or someone else rents it out? thanks

[qkjuicedpony]

I have the tools but Bremen ga isn't very local

[93cobra1928]

thanks for the good info... i have read that the champion plugs suck off the f150 forums and the new motorcraft plug is a lot better design and to use anti-sieze nickle on the shank to keep future carbon build down.... that is coming off the ford tsb so looks like thats what the ford techs are doin....

FWIW the new Motorcraft plug and the Autolite are still a 2 piece design. The difference is the ground strap connects on both sides and the "cutout" is larger. I still think you would be better off with a 1 piece plug. I have been running the Champion for a year now with no issues. I have however had to replace 2 coils. That is something else Ford could improve on.

[natedawgg94]

well i ran across a sweet deal today picked up the sp515 plugs, nickel anti-seize, and silicon grease for 70 bucks to my door...... just happen to catch guy on ebay that ordered the plugs and traded his truck in before these came in... i figure i will try it by the ford tsb and see how it goes everyone cross ur fingers for me.... lol

[EZ SPEED]

well i ran across a sweet deal today picked up the sp515 plugs, nickel anti-seize, and silicon grease for 70 bucks to my door...... just happen to catch guy on ebay that ordered the plugs and traded his truck in before these came in... i figure i will try it by the ford tsb and see how it goes everyone cross ur fingers for me.... lol

good luck to ya..and dont call me if one breaks..LMAO:jester:

[natedawgg94]

how bout i just drive over to ur house and you help LMAO!!! Since u have experience with a breakage LOL.....

[qkjuicedpony]

Just finished one of these about ten minutes ago. Got lucky and no broken plugs on this one......first one I've had in a while that didn't break.....yes I used my 3/8 drive mac impact on low setting and short bursts to remove them after it was at normal temps.....cross your fingers.

[natedawgg94]

did u spray them with anything first? or just jump right in at operating temp.???