Should spark plugs be pulled?

[ClassJ]

Hi guys,

I have been reading a ton of horror stories about spark plugs snapping off in the head when being replaced. I also saw that Ford has a special procedure to remove them and tool to deal with the issue if one snaps.

So the question is. My 06 has 20K miles at this point and is running perfectly fine. Normally I would have no plans on touching my plugs at this point.

However someone told me that I should pull the plugs now, replace them, and use the never-seeze on the barrels.

So what has everyone with stock plugs been doing? Waiting till they need to be changed and praying? Or pull them while the car is still young and under warrentee?

 

[nmeofdst82]

a little PM can't hurt

Removing, checking and replacing them is retardedly easy with the 4.6s. I just did it twice in a few weeks and I bet the 2 times total took 30 min.

If it was me, I would take them out and see how there burning. Clean off whatever carbon buildup you have around the lower part. Get some anti-seize and put a light film on..except for the electrode loop at the end. Reinstall them.

An ounce of prevention...pound of cure. It can do nothing but help prevent a serious issue down the road.

 

[scramblr]

Pull 'em. The longer you wait the worse it can get.

 

[MLC40]

Do it, I store my car for the winter and pull the pulls out before starting each year for inspection and to spray a little oil in the cylinders. Make sure you don't put the anti seize on the threads, it could allow the plug to loosen up.

 

[thump_rrr]

Hi guys,

I have been reading a ton of horror stories about spark plugs snapping off in the head when being replaced. I also saw that Ford has a special procedure to remove them and tool to deal with the issue if one snaps.

So the question is. My 06 has 20K miles at this point and is running perfectly fine. Normally I would have no plans on touching my plugs at this point.

However someone told me that I should pull the plugs now, replace them, and use the never-seeze on the barrels.

So what has everyone with stock plugs been doing? Waiting till they need to be changed and praying? Or pull them while the car is still young and under warrentee?

No need to replace them.
I pull them and I spray a little brake kleen on a rag and wipe down any gunk on the shield. If there is anything still stuck on the shield I use 800 grit emery cloth to clean it up. I then wipe down the plug once again, check my gap, and recoat with nickel anti-seize from the tapered seat down to about 1/8" from the ground strap.
The whole process takes me about 20 minutes but it ensures that I won't be having bigger problems down the road.

If you encounter a plug that is stiff and doesn't want to turn spray a little penetrant in the hole and wait 5 min. Then work the plug back and forth adding penetrant as needed.

 

[JM2005GT]

I replaced my plugs today for the first time, have 50k miles on the car and 40k on the Saleen Blower. The plugs came out without issue. Yes they were the factory installed plugs.
After reading all I did on the forums I was careful and listened to the plugs..I had 2 that seemed a bit tough so I sprayed them and let them soak about 10 min. they came out just fine after that.

The original plugs looked great IMO. Very little carbon at all on them and the electrode looked good. I think the tune may have something to do with them being so clean. Thanx JDM!

No real point to this post I guess just letting guys know that not everyone will have issues with the plugs.

 

[Hardcore]

They are so extremely simple to do its crazy to not keep them antiseized every oil change.

 

[biznazion]

My car is only a weekend driver with 8K miles, but I'm coming up on three years and I think the plugs need to come out and be checked. Is there a special procedure for removal - or just if they break? What should I spray on them to help if they are tough? Can I get nickel based anti-seize anywhere or do I need to get this from Ford?

 

[nmeofdst82]

no special procedure

My car is only a weekend driver with 8K miles, but I'm coming up on three years and I think the plugs need to come out and be checked. Is there a special procedure for removal - or just if they break? What should I spray on them to help if they are tough? Can I get nickel based anti-seize anywhere or do I need to get this from Ford?

Basically...

Unclip the connectors from the COPs...I also disconnect a few of the fuel injectors just because on a few its a little easier to manuever the COPs out.

Remove the single small bolt holding down the COPs, gently pull straight up. This helps to not stretch out the OEM spring connector inside.

You do need a 9/16 spark plug socket...You probably will not have one of these and will need to get one from Autozone/Kragen/etc. They also carry the anti-seize, nickel or copper.

Remove the spark plugs (1 at a time or all of them, I do one at a time).
Apply the anti-seize (some do threads, HT0 box says not too..up to you) down the electrode shaft but not on the end where the ground strap is.

Put new plug in socket and hand screw the plug until snug to avoid cross threading.

Torque to 25ft lbs.

Reverse for to reinstall.

Torque COPs bolts to 44in lbs. If you overtighten these, they will most likely break the ear.

 

[dustindu4]

I have 58k on my car and I'm terrified to pull them now that I read all of this. I've never pulled the plugs once.

I know a Ford tech that does side work. I think I'll just have him change the plugs for me so I don't have to deal with it. That removal tool costs $130

 

[W1ldcat]

Permatex 77124 I think!

 

[SixtySix]

I have 58k on my car and I'm terrified to pull them now that I read all of this. I've never pulled the plugs once.

I would at least try first. If it seems like it's going to require to much torque to remove them, then back off and have your buddy do it.

 

[Rash]

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=39871&d=1203981120

 

[ClassJ]

I think TSB 08-1-9 covers the procedure on the 5.4. Should be the same on the 4.6. It involves penetrating oil or carb clean.

Essentially slightly warm engine, lube, turn, lube, wait, turn, pray

 

[hotairgypsy]

i installed HT0s last night and didn't have any issues getting them out. I used copper anti seize on the shafts and threads. People have been putting anti seize on the threads on the threads for years so i wasnt concerned with that part.

 

[dustindu4]

where do you buy Kroil? Is it a special order thing?

 

[Rash]

i installed HT0s last night and didn't have any issues getting them out. I used copper anti seize on the shafts and threads. People have been putting anti seize on the threads on the threads for years so i wasnt concerned with that part.

how many miles on it?

 

[Rash]

where do you buy Kroil? Is it a special order thing?

Amazon has it. Or get it direct at kanolabs.com. You won't find it off the shelf anywhere.

I'm just gonna use PB Blaster (wal-mart, autozone). Others have with no issues.

 

[ClassJ]

I spoke to the dealer yesterday to pick their brain on this.

They claim it was mostly an early 5.4 issue on the trucks and the 4.6 is not nearly as bad but they have seen them break as well.

Their position is that if they change the plugs and one breaks, the labor to fix it is my problem. Mainly because it is a service part, and the plugs do not need replacement per fords reccomendation until after the warrentee elapses. Their thoughts are that it is an "un-needed service at 20K miles"

My thoughts are that ford would be responsible and I would certainly fight that if push came to shove.

At this point I am planning to just yank the plugs soon following the procedure and see what happens. It is a car like any other and I will be damned if I am going to be afraid to take the plugs out of my own car to inspect them. Amazing how something so simple can be turned to a headache.

 

[freebass55]

Their position is that if they change the plugs and one breaks, the labor to fix it is my problem. Mainly because it is a service part, and the plugs do not need replacement per fords reccomendation until after the warrentee elapses. Their thoughts are that it is an "un-needed service at 20K miles"

That just doesn't sound right. If you are having them replace the plugs and they break one they should fix it. They are doing the work, they broke it, they should be responsible for it.