Spark Plug Issues

[2007Limited]

Wondering if anyone has had this issue with their Expy. I have an 07 Expedition Limited with 72,000 miles. Had my nephew change the plugs for me. He was able to replace all plugs except for cylinder #4. He tells me that the plug is loose and not biting any of the threads in the cylinder head, but will not come out of the sleeve.

I've been looking online, but have not seen anything documenting this happening.


Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

The plug is probably broken, which is a common problem within a certain production date range (ending sometime in 2007). If so, you would need the spark plug extractor tool.

 

[bloodhound]

No doubt, broken plug. Follow ManUp's link.

 

[2007Limited]

Is it common for the plugs to break and the plug itself stays intact? Three of the plugs broke and we used the lisel tool to remove them. Just #4 that doesn't want to play nice.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Typically, it's the lower electrode shell that breaks off these plugs. If it hasn't broken off, one option is to try and break it so you can use the Lisle tool to remove it. I have never personally had to go that route and take no responsibility if it goes awry, but others on various Ford forums have posted that they had success that way. Another possibility is that someone might have cross-threaded it, but if you're able to tighten it back down that's unlikely.

 

[2007Limited]

Typically, it's the lower electrode shell that breaks off these plugs. If it hasn't broken off, one option is to try and break it so you can use the Lisle tool to remove it. I have never personally had to go that route and take no responsibility if it goes awry, but others on various Ford forums have posted that they had success that way. Another possibility is that someone might have cross-threaded it, but if you're able to tighten it back down that's unlikely.

You nailed it! The plug broke, but the electrode was somewhat holding it together. It was a pain in the butt... but we got it done. Not a pretty sound when a few pieces of porcelain find their way into the cylinder. Hate doing a tune-up in this manner, but have to research and decide what coils I'm going to go with.

 

[1955moose]

Do your self a favor. Test your coils, replace only ones that fail test or threw a code . Spend the money and buy a Ford coil from dealer, if it doesn't come with new boot, I think it does . Buy boot Also. I know this sounds crazy but 80 percent of the aftermarket coils don't work. Their are tests online how to test your old ones with an ohm meter. The other brand that works about as good as oem Ford is Standard. Just hate to see you have the problems that a lot of our readers have. Theirs a reason why Ford coils are $80.00 each, they work!


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[2007Limited]

I definitely appreciate the heads up. Coming from a 95 F150 with a 302, these motors are a different beast to deal with.

 

[1955moose]

Totally different, I've had 5 302 Ford engines in last 30 years, 3 mustangs, 2 Lincoln's. Never had one stripped plug, not one broken plug, no miss fires, no spark plugs that wanted to fly! Not even one failing coil. I did replace the ignition module box on my 82. Not bad for 5 cars and 30 years. If I was smart, I'd find a low mile mustang or Lincoln and make it number 6!


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[Denethor]

Totally different, I've had 5 302 Ford engines in last 30 years, 3 mustangs, 2 Lincoln's. Never had one stripped plug, not one broken plug, no miss fires, no spark plugs that wanted to fly! Not even one failing coil. I did replace the ignition module box on my 82. Not bad for 5 cars and 30 years. If I was smart, I'd find a low mile mustang or Lincoln and make it number 6!


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I have a very nice 90 stang (fox body) 60K miles, always garaged, zero rust.
It has been stroked to 331 and has a supercharger though so it's putting 520+ HP
Probably not what your looking for, but if it is....