Should a fairly competent backyard mechanic attempt the dreaded spark plug removal?

[Trucker14]

Hey guys. I just posted in the introduction page about the new to me 06 Expedition limited I just bought. Absolutely beautiful condition inside and out. I just bought it yesterday. However, today upon heavy acceleration my check engine light starts flashing and during the 1 min or so of flashing, it ran slightly rough. Once it stopped flashing, it was all better. I'm aware flashing means a misfire. Had a Cadillac STS that did the EXACT same thing and I replaced the coil on cylinder 5 and it ran great after so I'm hoping all I need is a new coil pack. THAT, however should be covered under thr 4500 mile warranty I got when purchasing the truck yesterday. Even tho the part itself is less than the deductible, I may still have them fix it just to possibly weed out other issues having to do with it.

Here's where my real question comes to play. I'd like to go ahead and replace the plugs as well bc for one they could be contributing to the problem but also for future peace of mind with such a basic routine maintenance issue. However do you all think the spark plug replacement would be covered under the warranty knowing the potential hazards? Or should I attempt to do it myself to save money knowing they may not be covered under warranty? I've read all about the best methods for safely extracting these plugs by using plenty of penetrating oil or carb cleaner and while the engine is warm, slowly wiggling the plugs back and forth an 8th to a quarter turn using no more than 25 lbs of force.

It makes me nervous for how often it seems the originals break but I've replaced lifters and things of that nature on my jeep. Have removed the transmission as well. So I know how to use a wrench is what I'm trying to say I guess lol. So should I attempt it or just take it in and hope the warranty and the fact I JUST bought it keeps me from any big repair bills ? Lol.

Thanks in advance

 

[docraymund]

You should determine the cause of misfire first. Get codes read. Contact ypur dealer if the warranty also applies to spark plugs. Of course you can do it just take your time.

 

[Jb14]

Welcome. I agree with docraymund. If you do end up replacing the plugs yourself as stated take your time. You did not mention how many miles were on the engine but if over 100k the original 2 piece plugs should have been removed and one piece put in. With one piece plugs the job is not so bad. Remove entire air cleaner assembly and Box plus remove battery for the extra room. will take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Use anti seize (not to much) and dielectric on boots. Good luck

P.S. if two piece get the lisle tool (I think you can rent, never had to use)

 

[Trucker14]

Welcome. I agree with docraymund. If you do end up replacing the plugs yourself as stated take your time. You did not mention how many miles were on the engine but if over 100k the original 2 piece plugs should have been removed and one piece put in. With one piece plugs the job is not so bad. Remove entire air cleaner assembly and Box plus remove battery for the extra room. will take 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Use anti seize (not to much) and dielectric on boots. Good luck

P.S. if two piece get the lisle tool (I think you can rent, never had to use)

It's RIGHT at 100k miles actually. So it could be either way.

I read that there's a ford class action lawsuit where I have until February of 17 to have a dealer replace the plugs then I can get reimbursed anything over what would cost for a simple plug replacement? If that's the case I might just have a dealer do it so I can get reimbursed.

If I remove the coils, is there any tell tale signs that the current plugs are the original? Like color or other markings that the new one piece might not share?

 

[ExplorerTom]

Search YouTube for 3V spark plug replacement by a guy named FordTechMakuloco. He covers it and how to use the removal tool if they do break.

 

[Trucker14]

Search YouTube for 3V spark plug replacement by a guy named FordTechMakuloco. He covers it and how to use the removal tool if they do break.

Just watched his videos. Although time consuming, it looks fairly simple and straight forward even when you need to extract a broken plug. Seems they key if one breaks is blowing enough compressed air into the area as possible so you're sure you aren't going to drop any debris into the cylinder.

From what I gather, I'll probably go ahead and just fix the misfire issue for now (hoping it's only a bad COP or boot but if worse, at least it's under warranty) and as long as a spark plug isn't to blame for my current misfire, I'll wait until warmer months to set a day aside outdoors to plan on spending all day extracting those little buggers. I'll run a couple tanks of seafoam through and use the carb cleaner to spray and leave for an hr or so and hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

My biggest worry will simply be the rear most cylinders.

 

[Habbibie]

This is off topic but that's a sweet looking rig trucker!

Those wheels OEM by any chance?

 

[Trucker14]

This is off topic but that's a sweet looking rig trucker!

Those wheels OEM by any chance?

Thank you! Well they ARE OEM ford 20 inch wheels, but not from an expedition. They are from a 04 to 08 f150 King ranch.

 

[catmandu]

I am with you, bro! I have a new to me '06 that is anything but beautiful inside and out but only 75k miles and the price was right. Me, I have no power, and catalytic converter codes, so I will replace those first. But, I have done the plugs on my Uncle's '03. Only one broke, bought the extraction kit from NAPA, and getting the broken plug out was a piece of cake. Once I do the converters, I will attack the plugs on the '06.

 

[Habbibie]

Well thankfully all mine came out without breaking. They all were original with 122k on them at the time. So the possiblity of it being an easy job is still there.