Should I attempt to change spark plugs myself?

Phil1098 · Jun 22, 2017

LordBritish said:
Do I need to change the engine oil after completing this?

Some say the carb cleaner (deep creep in my case) will mess up your engine oil.

Don't fill the plug hole with the stuff, just keep it below the hex. You don't need to change the oil if you just put that much in.

LordBritish · Jun 23, 2017

I intend to put some dielectric grease on the inside of the tip of the boot where it touches the plugs.

Does that sound like a good plan?

AndrewNagle · Jun 23, 2017

LordBritish said:
I intend to put some dielectric grease on the inside of the tip of the boot where it touches the plugs.

Does that sound like a good plan?

I did the same, as well as the previous mentioned anti-seize

travelers · Jun 23, 2017

LordBritish said:
I intend to put some dielectric grease on the inside of the tip of the boot where it touches the plugs.

Does that sound like a good plan?

Yes

Iceman62 · Jun 25, 2017

ghunt81 said:
For whatever reason Ford spec'ed a 2 piece "long reach" plug for the early 4.6 3V. So, it has a long nose that goes down through an opening in the head into the combustion chamber. Problem is that carbon builds up around the plug nose in this opening and causes the plug to be difficult to turn.

And this is where the 2 piece construction comes into play- the plugs tend to break off rather than just coming out, because the plug "nose" and the hex are two separate pieces.

I think if they'd just used a 1-piece plug from the factory, it probably wouldn't even have been an issue.

Ah...makes sense now and my older bro (auto mech/diesel shop svs mgr) filled me in too. My other 'stangs were outside this era ('69, '70 & '81 model yrs). Good to know & thanks for the info.

LordBritish · Jun 27, 2017

Ok, I've encountered my first problem.

The socket I have is not deep enough for the spark plug.

What socket should I get ?

Anyone have any recommendation?

Will any 9/16 deep well socket do or is there a specific one I need?
Do I also need a thin wall socket as well or is deep well enough?

Phil1098 · Jun 27, 2017

LordBritish said:
Ok, I've encountered my first problem.

The socket I have is not deep enough for the spark plug.

What socket should I get ?

Anyone have any recommendation?

Will any 9/16 deep well socket do or is there a specific one I need?
Do I also need a thin wall socket as well or is deep well enough?

I use a 9/16 spark plug socket. They tend to be a thin wall (which is good because it barely fits). You can get one at any auto parts store.

bujeezus · Jun 28, 2017

Be sure it's a "spark plug" socket that has the rubber grommet at the top to hold the spark plug or it'll be a bitch trying to start the new ones.

LordBritish · Jul 6, 2017

I did it !!!! :headbang:

All came out w/o breaking and new plugs are in !!!!

Thanks for the help guys !!!

Phil1098 · Jul 6, 2017

Good job, now you can sleep.

Wes06 · Jul 6, 2017

Woo
I'm just gonna break the plugs free on both my vehicles once a year.
Inspect and be sure everything's cool and reinstall
Should keep carbon from building up and breaking plugs

travelers · Jul 6, 2017

Good job and wow then did need changing.....

LordBritish · Jul 6, 2017

travelers said:
Good job and wow then did need changing.....

Yea, the electrode is almost gone !!
What happens when it's all the way down ?

ghunt81 · Jul 6, 2017

bujeezus said:
Be sure it's a "spark plug" socket that has the rubber grommet at the top to hold the spark plug or it'll be a bitch trying to start the new ones.

Little trick I learned years ago that's great for starting plugs especially ones like these, is to cut a short piece of 3/8" ID fuel line. Push one end of it onto a long 3/8" ratchet extension until it's snug on there, then put the terminal end of the plug just far enough into the tubing that it grabs it.

With that, you can put the plug down into the well, get the threads started and turn it in until it's starting to get snug (obviously the hose will not grab for it to get much tighter), then you just pull the hose off and snug it down with a ratchet.

06 T-RED S/C GT · Jul 7, 2017

LordBritish said:
I did it !!!!

All came out w/o breaking and new plugs are in !!!!

Thanks for the help guys !!!

Congrats and job well done :waytogo:

Should I attempt to change spark plugs myself?

Phil1098

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