Longevity of 4.6 - 61,000 miles - pull plugs now, or wait?

WVOHVANCFL

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I am not a seasoned reader here, so this may have been discussed previously.
Recently bought a bone stock 2006 GT convertible with 61,000 miles. It is very nice, and unadulterated.
But now I read about the plugs getting stuck, and so it concerns me. Do I address the potential problem now, or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach?
There are no symptoms whatsoever - car runs like new.
Thanks for opinions
Rich

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06 T-RED S/C GT

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Unless you know for certain the previous owner changed the plugs? I would change them now just to be on the safe side, rather than risk any potential separating thanks to Ford's poor design of the 2005-early 2008 two-piece spark plugs. Also make certain to follow the recommended Ford TSB extraction procedure as well.

TSB link is provided below.



https://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_08-7-6.pdf
 
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Sammy70

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Do I address the potential problem now, or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach?

Unless you're going to be putting lots of miles on I'd just leave them.

As a 25+ year tech I've changed countless numbers of these plugs, and extracted countless broken ones too. It doesn't matter much if you do them now or a few years/miles from now - they'll come out just fine. If one/two break in the process so be it, it's really not the huge deal that it gets made out to be. The plugs are super accessible in these cars compared to the trucks, which is the key if/when a broken one needs extracted. Easy peasy as they say :)
 

tjm73

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I'm in the change them now camp. If you get someone that is good and has experience with these they can probably get them out without breaking them. I'd start asking around and find someone that can do sooner rather than later. But I would plan for this job rather than have it thrust upon me for some reason.
 

Mach2burnout

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I agree with Sammy70. I haven’t heard of these plugs failing much, other than in the removal process. They should last 100k miles with no issue as efficient as these engines are.
I changed mine at 30k with the hopes that they would be new enough that they wouldn’t break. Wrong! So break em now or break em later. Purchase or otherwise source the use of a Lisle tool to remove the broken ones and have it on hand when you attempt the change. You’ll break less if you have it.


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Aerofinz

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What are your intents for the car? Is it a "forever" car or is it more likely you may move on before it gets close to 100K? Forever, I'd add it to my maintenance list to consider in the next year or so when you have some "down time". If possible it never reaches close to 100K in your hands, just drive it.

I've never once ever heard of someone questioning the purchase of a GT based on whether or not the plugs have been replaced, nor have I ever seen a single for sale listing promoting the car by stating "problem plugs replaced". Unlike say a used CZ6 which is a selling point if the heads have been done.
 

Oliver Vigil

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Ford recommends changing plugs at 100,000 miles. If it were me, I would leave them and replace at 75,000. However, taking them out to get a good idea of engine health isn't a bad idea due to you recently purchasing the vehicle. Also, letting the motor get warm before removing the sparks makes removing them so much easier.
 

Aerofinz

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I've seen this mentioned in ads.

I haven't seen one but guessing it's pretty rare. To clarify, I'm referring to a listing specifically stating plugs replaced early due to preventative maintenance, NOT due to performance upgrades. Admittedly, though, not sure the last time I thoroughly read a complete listing for a high mileage stock car.

FWIW, I am not an expert, professional, tech, mechanic, engineer, dealership employee or any other related field of expertise, so really, I'd say take my opinion with a grain of salt! Heck, I'm not even a veteran on this forum! I defer to someone(s) more technically experienced.
 
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07 Boss

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I pull my plugs about twice a year. I don't necessarily change them but you should get into the habit of pulling them, inspecting them and giving them a quick clean. I know it's not necessary and it is very old school but it would prevent a lot of issues that people run into.
 

06 T-RED S/C GT

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Unless you're going to be putting lots of miles on I'd just leave them.

As a 25+ year tech I've changed countless numbers of these plugs, and extracted countless broken ones too. It doesn't matter much if you do them now or a few years/miles from now - they'll come out just fine. If one/two break in the process so be it, it's really not the huge deal that it gets made out to be. The plugs are super accessible in these cars compared to the trucks, which is the key if/when a broken one needs extracted. Easy peasy as they say :)

As a 25+ year tech, perhaps for you the extraction process is not the huge deal it gets made out to be and is easy peasy, however, for someone who has little to no experience nor familiar with the potential for these plugs breaking during the extraction process, it can in fact be a very huge deal as made out to be. Prior to extracting my plugs for the very first time, I was very concerned and also had doubts about the lisle extraction tool, meaning what could happen in the event if the lisle tool weren't able to somehow extract the broken section of the spark plug? this would then mean the only other option left would be having to remove the cylinder head in order to extract the broken spark plug.

Needless to say, I considered myself as very fortunate that none of my plugs broke when the originals were extracted over 6 years ago despite having less than 20k miles on them.

Thanks to following the recommended Ford TSB extraction procedure, I was fully convinced this was the reason that none of my spark plugs had broken.

Since then, I've always applied high-temp nickel anti-seize to the ground electrode shield section of the spark plugs and continue to follow the Ford recommended TSB extraction procedure. I also change my plugs between every 3-5 years due to running FI.

I agree with Sammy70. I haven’t heard of these plugs failing much, other than in the removal process. They should last 100k miles with no issue as efficient as these engines are.
I changed mine at 30k with the hopes that they would be new enough that they wouldn’t break. Wrong! So break em now or break em later. Purchase or otherwise source the use of a Lisle tool to remove the broken ones and have it on hand when you attempt the change. You’ll break less if you have it.


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If your plugs broke with just 30k miles on them? perhaps you didn't follow the recommended Ford TSB extraction procedure :shrug: There's also a spark plug extraction tool similar to the Lisle tool which is actually designed to prevent the early 3v spark plugs from separating during the extraction process. It's the OTC 6918 Ford 3v Engine Spark Plug Removal Tool.


Ford recommends changing plugs at 100,000 miles. If it were me, I would leave them and replace at 75,000. However, taking them out to get a good idea of engine health isn't a bad idea due to you recently purchasing the vehicle. Also, letting the motor get warm before removing the sparks makes removing them so much easier.

According to the Ford TSB extraction procedure, it is not recommended to extract the spark plugs on a warm or hot engine, but rather at room temperature!


CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PLUGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM OR HOT. THE ENGINE MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN PERFORMING SPARK PLUG SERVICE. REMOVING THE SPARK PLUGS FROM A WARM/HOT ENGINE INCREASES THE CHANCE THE THREADS COULD BE DAMAGED.
 
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LarryJM

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Looking for a Track Apps Cluster, I have seen a lot of newer Mustangs with 85000+ miles on them in junkyards. They look untouched performance wise. Front ends are usually bashed in. Airbags went off. They are also known to have sticky calipers. Not saying one was the result of the other but I do wonder. I would worry more about the brakes then plugs.
 

Jack F

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CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PLUGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM OR HOT. THE ENGINE MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN PERFORMING SPARK PLUG SERVICE

No, get the engine up to operating temp first. I typically get one or maybe two broken plugs, but if you have the ~$40 tool it's only an extra few minutes. Changed many 3v plugs in a fleet environment where time is of the essence.
 

WVOHVANCFL

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Thanks for the perspectives. I'm severely retired, and this is my DD (to Publix, golf, and happy hour!). I'll be driving it from Port Charlotte to the Keys for a week - hoping AAA will not be involved - it's trial by fire! I sold my 80,000 mile 2012 automatic V6 (310 HP) for this 60,000 mile GT 5-spd V8 (300 HP). I'm loving the 5 speed and the noise of the V8. Probably won't put 5000 miles per year on it.
 

06 T-RED S/C GT

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No, get the engine up to operating temp first. I typically get one or maybe two broken plugs, but if you have the ~$40 tool it's only an extra few minutes. Changed many 3v plugs in a fleet environment where time is of the essence.
None of mine broke by following the recommended Ford TSB extraction procedure which once again clearly states "the engine must be at room temperature"

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PLUGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM OR HOT. THE ENGINE MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN PERFORMING SPARK PLUG SERVICE. REMOVING THE SPARK PLUGS FROM A WARM/HOT ENGINE INCREASES THE CHANCE THE THREADS COULD BE DAMAGED.
 

Rich

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I changed a set on a 13 year old 3V with 22,000 miles on it and only had minor problems with cylinder #1. If you run a bottle of Redline SL-1 in the tank until empty, then hit em with some Seafoam Deep Creep for 30 mins and gently work them back and forth by hand, you should be fine. None of the ones I changed broke, but the barrels were carboned pretty bad which could indicate the owner uses cheap gas or their motor runs rich.
 

rocky61201

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285k miles on my 06GT. Changed plugs 3 or 4 times so far and I believe my 1st change was around 120k miles because I was "affraid" of breaking one. Never happened. Always at "room temperature". I sprayed of bit of PB blaster then wait a couple minutes and crack the plug free about an 1/8 of a turn. Then spray a bit of PB blaster again and wait a couple more minutes. Then slowly remove the plug. If I feel it getting tight I STOP! I spray a bit of more PB blaster and wait a few minutes then go at it again SLOWLY.
 

BAD3VLV

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I changed mine at 140,000 with the motor at operating temp and didn't have a single issue. I've also changed them several times since then because I have a boosted car and I remove them often to make sure everything is running ok. The key is to take your time and work them out slowly. Going half to full turn then back a 1/4 turn. Do this back and forth method and you won't break a single plug. Then make sure to put some high temp anti seize on the shaft portion above the threads, but don't get it on or near the end of the plug.
 

Deathstang II

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Believe before I became the owner, mine were changed at around 100k, they were a little stiff. I believe the key is, like BAD3VLV mentioned, take your time and work them slowly and probably won't have an issue. I ended up pulling them back out @130k just so I could put anti-seize on the threads. Scared the crap out of me to think an hour job could end up costing you a 2 day job.

Need to also note what kind of climate you're in, I'd imagine wet/snow climates contribute to them seizing up.
 

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