Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: JoJoDapyro on September 03, 2015, 10:39:01 am

Title: Spark Plugs
Post by: JoJoDapyro on September 03, 2015, 10:39:01 am
So, I have a 2005 F150 with the 5.4l 3 valve. I have just over 100K miles on the beast. Fuel milage has recently become dang near unbearable. The plugs are a two piece abomination. Have any of you guys had the pleasure of changing them? Anyone have the broken plug removal tool you don't need anymore?
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: Pat B on September 03, 2015, 10:46:27 am
I've used an acetylene torch to heat up the block around the spark plugs on marine engines to remove the spark plug. 
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: JoJoDapyro on September 03, 2015, 11:16:56 am
I've used an acetylene torch to heat up the block around the spark plugs on marine engines to remove the spark plug.
Ford really dropped the ball on these. the heads are aluminum, the Plugs are some sort of alloy, thus you have corrosion of the plug that makes them stick to the head. The nut part of the plug then breaks off, leaving the ceramic part and a bit of metal stuck in the head. the tool is $100 to buy, and everyone locally seems to have them available to buy, but no one has them for rent. The plugs are supposedly good for 100K, so I may not use it again if I buy it. Also the plugs are between $10 and $15 each.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: Marks on September 03, 2015, 11:23:25 am
I've changed all of mine and coil packs and was lucky to not have any break off. I also don't like that they are skinny plugs instead of standard. You have to buy a new plug socket. Mine is an '04.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: le0n on September 03, 2015, 11:29:34 am
it's good practice to remove the plugs, inspect and re-seat with anti-seize every 50k miles.

the newer plugs these days will easily last to 100k+ miles, but good luck getting them out after they're seized.

there's a lady at my office that has had the original plugs in her nissan versa for 220k miles, hah hah.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: autologus on September 03, 2015, 11:41:15 am
I have over 145k miles on my VW Jetta Diesel and haven't had to change the plugs yet.  ;)

Grady
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: JoJoDapyro on September 03, 2015, 12:09:00 pm
I have over 145k miles on my VW Jetta Diesel and haven't had to change the plugs yet.  ;)

Grady
Lucky dog  ;D! I bet your fuel milage is about 4 times mine too!
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: Marks on September 03, 2015, 12:48:39 pm
I think the coil packs tend to go out before the plugs do on those Fords. They are around $50/per. I change both if either goes out.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: sleek on September 03, 2015, 01:01:41 pm
Good thing about ford, they circle the problem.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: JoJoDapyro on September 03, 2015, 01:02:54 pm
I think the coil packs tend to go out before the plugs do on those Fords. They are around $50/per. I change both if either goes out.
Well that is great! From a $200 job to a $400 job!  >:(

Everyone likes what they like Sleek! At least it isn't a Dodge.  >:D
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: sleek on September 03, 2015, 01:15:13 pm
Im in a dodge right now. Aint nothin can break on it I cant fix and do it cheap. Except the dash... darn pos.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: Marks on September 03, 2015, 03:52:25 pm
Not saying this about you because I don't know you but I think the percentage of dodge owners compensating for something with their trucks seems higher than with other makes. There is guy that has a kid at my sons daycare and he has an exhaust pipe that has to be 10"-12" in diameter on his Dodge. It looks ridiculous. Again, not saying that about you. There are good and ridiculous in every make and model.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: DC on September 03, 2015, 05:07:20 pm
We've got one of those here. All I can see is he's cut his ground clearance by 8".
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: JonW on September 03, 2015, 08:42:33 pm
It's kind of a pain Jojo but pulling the boot and shooting some PB blaster down in the plug hole can help.
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: sleek on September 03, 2015, 09:33:52 pm
PB blast is amazing. Kroil is also. If nothing else, tranny fluid is a great rust penentrator
Title: Re: Spark Plugs
Post by: bow101 on September 04, 2015, 11:06:21 pm
I know one guy went to the dealer and it cost about $1800 to change the plugs at times they have to remove the engine.  The plugs on my car were partially seized so I kept spraying them with penetrating fluid for about 4-5 days.  I had the Mechanic do it just incase I pulled some threads.  They came out like pulling sticks in mud.   :)