spark plug shooters

[jax4bangin]

the 4.6 and 5.4 have had problems blowing plugs out of the heads.. did ford ever make changes to the heads to prevent this??

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

In 2004 they completely redesigned the 5.4 cylinder heads to make them have 3 valves, the 3V 4.6 in the Explorer and Mustang and now F-150 are also immune to it. The late 03's were supposed to have more threads to hold the plugs in but they are hard to differentiate.

It is unheard of in the Romeo built 4.6's and 5.4's. The Windsor built 4.6's and 5.4's are more common about it with the V-10's being by far and away the worst at it.

My brother has a 1997 F-150 with a Romeo 4.6, never had a blow out.

I have a 2002 F-150 with a Windsor 5.4 and have knocking wood never had a problem with it.

 

[Loud Ranger]

never had a problem with either of my 4.6s. user error is a big cause of it. when you change the plugs make sure there cold and dont use antisieze which acts as a lube and makes it easy to overtighten and strip out, if you change em cold and dry youll be fine

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

never had a problem with either of my 4.6s. user error is a big cause of it. when you change the plugs make sure there cold and dont use antisieze which acts as a lube and makes it easy to overtighten and strip out, if you change em cold and dry youll be fine

Torque is also very important, too loose and the work the threads until the plugs come out... too tight and the threads strip out and they work them until they pop out.

 

[low_five]

I had a blowout on my 01 lightning. thank god it was under warranty

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

In 2004 they completely redesigned the 5.4 cylinder heads to make them have 3 valves

ya, now your lucky if you can get the spark plugs out when you want to...the 3 valve is a shit design.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

ya, now your lucky if you can get the spark plugs out when you want to...the 3 valve is a shit design.

Well most of the plug will come out for sure, but maybe not all of it. Now they have a new plug that is all one peice without the crimped on neck that gets stuck in the head. Following the TSB when changing plugs greatly reduces the risk if it still has the old style plug in it (likely).

Changing them sooner than recomended to the new style is a good idea too, it is carbon buildup that wedges the thing in there.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Well most of the plug will come out for sure, but maybe not all of it.

you guys must have some kind of miracle gas there. its been my experience that they break off more often than not.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

you guys must have some kind of miracle gas there. its been my experience that they break off more often than not.

My brother hasn't broken one yet, and he works at a Ford dealership.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i worked at the local dealership for over a year...all the other techs and myself were breaking them left and right.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

i worked at the local dealership for over a year...all the other techs and myself were breaking them left and right.

Dunno what the diff is, I asked him when I found out about it and he said it isn't a big deal.

A lot of guys run 10% ethonal around here, maybe it doesn't leave as much carbon as straight gas? E85 is available too but I don't think many run it.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

could be. ethanol isnt very big in this area...but im not sure what grades have what content 'round here.

we had to pull the head off one after the customer tried to change his own plugs and drove a chunk of porcelain into the chamber while trying to remove the snapped-off plug. those 3 valve valve stems are tiny.

but yeah, everyone in the shop became best friends with the 5.4 spark plug extraction kit.

 

[jax4bangin]

crazzyy.. so the 4.6 2 valve is still a plugg popper?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

there is no 2 valve anymore.

 

[Bent Bolt]

i worked at the local dealership for over a year...all the other techs and myself were breaking them left and right.

Aero-Kroil does wonders. Let it soak for as long as possible.