2012 - Safe to change plugs myself without breaking any plugs

MtnBiker · Oct 25, 2016

My truck is almost due for new plugs, but I have heard/read about the plugs breaking. Is this only with the older 5.4's. My truck was manufactured in Sept 2011 and I am hesitant as I don't want to break one taking them out. I also don't like the fact of paying the stealership so much money just to change out eight plugs.

Just wanted to hear from anyone else that has a newer 3rd gen that has done the work.

Thanks!

Rob

docraymund · Oct 25, 2016

You can safely remove them yourself without breaking. Just take your time and use proper tools and clean the area first with compressed air. Good luck!

rwmorrisonjr · Oct 25, 2016

docraymund said:
You can safely remove them yourself without breaking. Just take your time and use proper tools and clean the area first with compressed air. Good luck!

What he said. I just did mine last Friday at 97,500 and they were a breeze. Just go slowly and be patient, especially with initially loosening them and then re-torquing the new plugs. I went 10 ft/lbs (120 in/lbs) and they're in perfectly. No anti-seize either as I used OEM plugs. Make sure they're gapped properly (0.056-0.056").

cellman · Oct 26, 2016

Not the best video but it will give you the basics needed:

MtnBiker · Oct 26, 2016

Great! Thanks for the replies. I will look at doing this next week. Should I go with the OEM plugs only. I don't think I will let them go as long without changing them the next time.

cellman · Oct 26, 2016

I used Champion 9406 Iridium on the last two times I have done plugs on a 3v. Most will suggest using the OEM Ford SP509's but they are twice the price. The NGK 372 Iridium is also a compatible plug, NGK makes good plugs. http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2010,expedition,5.4l+v8,3015229,ignition,spark+plug,7212

ManUpOrShutUp · Oct 26, 2016

Proper gap is: 0.039–0.043 inch (1.05 +/–0.05mm)

FisherPete · Oct 28, 2016

As suggested above, removing isn't the real issue. It's replacing the plugs and properly torquing them. If you get the torque wrong, the sound of a canon firing under the hood will alert you to the problem.

Jeff Nelson · Nov 1, 2016

docraymund said:
You can safely remove them yourself without breaking. Just take your time and use proper tools and clean the area first with compressed air. Good luck!

Does the same advise apply to my 2001 Expedition with original plugs?

ColoExpdn · Nov 1, 2016

cellman said:
I used Champion 9406 Iridium on the last two times I have done plugs on a 3v. Most will suggest using the OEM Ford SP509's but they are twice the price. The NGK 372 Iridium is also a compatible plug, NGK makes good plugs. http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2010,expedition,5.4l+v8,3015229,ignition,spark+plug,7212

I had my local independent shop do mine as I didn't want to risk breaking one off. They installed the NGK 372 plugs that Cellman recommended. They are working great so far (only replaced them a few weeks ago). This is a good shop that I have used for many years and they only use very good parts. A little more expensive than other shops, but it is always done right. ~$530 to get the plugs replaced (including new plug boots).

2012 - Safe to change plugs myself without breaking any plugs

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