2003 plugs blowing out

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GMW468

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So then how about someone shed some realistic light on what truck experience plug blowouts?

I just traded in my 02 F-150 crew cab with 120k miles on an 05 Expedition with only 65k miles. As my kids have gotten older I felt that a large SUV suited me better than a crew cab pick up.

I was told that the 05's were a good year and that the 5.4 was a tried and true motor as long as the maintenance had been kept current. The dealer had ALL service records from new and it appears that the oil changes were done every 4000 miles along with new fuel injectors under warranty.

I have a good friend who has been a Ford tech for 30 years and he checked it out thoroughly for me and gave it a thumbs up.

Any feedback on what else I should know is appreciated.
 

Bedrck47

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The 05 expy has the 3V engine The plugs in those engines are prone to break when being removed. Ask your friend about them.

Also the 05 expy has what is called a Fuel Pump Drivers module also on the 06 expy's, These modules are located on the frame rail above the spare tire Drivers side. These modules are prone to corrosion and when they fail will leave you stranded and can be costly. Again ask your friend about this and ask if he checked it out.
 

GMW468

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He checked out the Fuel Pump drivers module. It's a Ford replacement with the spacers to keep it off the frame. No worries there.

He suggested doing the plugs at 75K miles and said he'd do the job so I'm not necessarily worried about that.
 
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larryjb

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So are most of you torquing the plugs to 20-25 ft lbs in the video?

I noticed that the tech uses antiseize on the threads. This goes against what I learned in the past. I learned that antiseize lubricates the threads so that when the plug is torqued they actually get overtorqued, compressing the threads in the head. However, it was also stressed to back out and retorque the plugs every year. I definitely agree with him that 13ft. lbs is too little, and that 20-25 is more appropriate.

Larry
 

Ed_Strong

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When I did mine I did them at 22 ft lbs and no antiseize...
 

Jb14

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First to answer the question: 1ST Gens had the plug blowing out of the block issue (plug threades to short) 2ND Gen (Starting 2003) had the two piece plug design that when changing the plug could break in the block.

I have a 2005 with 250K I just did another plug and and coil pack change. My first plugs change was the original OEM 2 Piece design (followed proper procedure to take out 2 piece plug no plugs broke)

Most likely the 2003 would have had the original OEM 2 piece plugs removed (unless the 03 has incredibly low miles)

Plug change be patient, Remove air cleaner box and computer and bracket on fire wall (I removed battery as well for room) Use anti-seize and torq 25lb
 

BerndM

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3 weeks ago I had my 2003 Eddie Bauer 5.4 repaired after it blew out the factory original ONE PIECE plug from the #3 cylinder at only 61xxx gentle miles!! :flame:
I also had them replace the other 7 plugs taking extra time to make sure those 7 holes felt good and not worn loose.
Everything else looked good so I'm back in business.
Fingers crossed for added security of course.
Since I haven't had any car payments in over 10 years, I guess $745 OTD was a bargain. The Ford dealer wanted a lot more.
I've been using a local family owned repair shop that does the local police cars and has been around for over 50 years.
Wish me luck!:D
 

Bartshouse

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I have a 2003 Expedition and have nearly every one of the plugs blow out at one time or another, I found that if I used the red temporary loctite I never had the prob;em again. My son also has a 2003 and his has never done it, I do not know if this is the difference but his was assembled in Canada and mine was assembled in Mexico, I don't have any proof as to the difference being where they are assembled. That is my work around and yes you can go back later and remove the plugs once you have used the Loctite.
 
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