Spark plugs and compression.

[and0r]

Hello everybody,
is there a proper guide for changing the plugs and coils for these engines? Mine is the 5.4. I read bits of information over the internet here and there which doesn't seem consistent. There is also not much information on youtube about this particular job either. This is my first vehicle and will be my first job changing these plugs and coils, by the way.

I would like to remove as many components as I can to make the job easier, and I would also like to know any precautions I should take, I think I may have read something about plugs cracking for these 2v engines.
I do know I need to over-torque these plugs when replacing them to ensure they never back out. But I'm wondering if any of you master Ford techs can please provide a proper guide in tackling this job. I believe it can be much easier with the proper information, which really seems to be lacking across the internet.

There is no information regarding what components to remove in order to access the rear plugs better, only one source hardly mentions removing the fuel rail for better access to the front 2 plugs.

Another thing I simply cannot find is any information regarding a compression test on this engine. Will I even be able to access the rear sockets with a testing gauge? Is there any special procedure for this?

I kind of need this info as a crutch due to my inexperience.

 

[and0r]

To my understanding, I will be able to just remove anything as long as I'm careful, I know fuel lines need extra caution, and I know the AC system is pressurized. I would assume the aluminum tubing represents the high-pressure end of the AC system. Im hoping I dont accidentally open the low pressure end, mistaking it for a vacuum line or something, if the low pressure side is not distinguishable.

Really hoping somebody chimes in with a proper guide to all of this.

 

[docraymund]

There is a youtube vid on this matter. Search again. You do not need to remove the fuel rail. Just use extensions and swivel joints. Also read the F150 forums. They also have the same engine.

 

[and0r]

No, the youtube vids are not thorough. Believe me, I know whats out there. This particular job is not covered well. It would be nice if someone who knows what they're actually doing would make a guide for this.

 

[Bedrck47]

When I first read your post I said to myself AVOID THIS ONE.

Not sure where you are getting your information from but some of it is totally WRONG.

The first Gen expy's do not have a problem with plugs breaking. The problem they do have is that they have been known to blow out of the head.
This is caused from improperly torqueing the plugs and on the same note over torqueing the plugs can do more ham than good

There is a reason that Ford recommends certain torque specs and they should not be exceeded by very much And you stating that "I do know I need to over-torque these plugs when replacing them to ensure they never back out." shows your lack of experience.

Changing plugs on the 2000 5.4 is a rather simple but PITA procedure. Before starting that procedure I would suggest that you look at what is needed and proceed slowly. The first 3 plugs on each side are easy to get to. The fuel rail does not need to be removed but it may help to loosen the rail so it can be more flexible.

To use your statement about youtube "Believe me, I know whats out there"

Now believe me the information IS OUT THERE you just need to do a better search and I would suggest you do your searching on THIS FORUM rather than the other places you have been searching.

Again changing plugs may be a PITA but its a simple procedure. And also if you don't know the difference between vacuum lines and Air Conditioner lines I STRONGLY suggest that you let someone that knows the difference do the work I also suggest that you get a copy of the FORD SERVICE MANUAL on DVD available on e-bay and read the information on the procedure.

 

[Bedrck47]

BELIEVE ME THE INFORMATION IS OUT THERE

check the attached link

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...t.html&usg=AFQjCNGh4W3qkTBW4ylWM3bHHj82B9ldWg

AS I stated the problem with the 5.4 2V engine used in the 2000 expy isn't with plugs breaking its from them being under torqued and blowing out of the head.

The breaking of plugs was a problem with the 5.4 3V engine that was used in the 2nd gen Expys

 

[and0r]

When I first read your post I said to myself AVOID THIS ONE.

Not sure where you are getting your information from but some of it is totally WRONG.

The first Gen expy's do not have a problem with plugs breaking. The problem they do have is that they have been known to blow out of the head.
This is caused from improperly torqueing the plugs and on the same note over torqueing the plugs can do more ham than good

There is a reason that Ford recommends certain torque specs and they should not be exceeded by very much And you stating that "I do know I need to over-torque these plugs when replacing them to ensure they never back out." shows your lack of experience.

Changing plugs on the 2000 5.4 is a rather simple but PITA procedure. Before starting that procedure I would suggest that you look at what is needed and proceed slowly. The first 3 plugs on each side are easy to get to. The fuel rail does not need to be removed but it may help to loosen the rail so it can be more flexible.

To use your statement about youtube "Believe me, I know whats out there"

Now believe me the information IS OUT THERE you just need to do a better search and I would suggest you do your searching on THIS FORUM rather than the other places you have been searching.

Again changing plugs may be a PITA but its a simple procedure. And also if you don't know the difference between vacuum lines and Air Conditioner lines I STRONGLY suggest that you let someone that knows the difference do the work I also suggest that you get a copy of the FORD SERVICE MANUAL on DVD available on e-bay and read the information on the procedure.

Once again you musty really trust me when I tell you the information is not out there. The information is not proper.
And you can over-torque the plugs, you are actually supposed to do this to ensure they don't back out. This is actually proper information.
They are supposed to be over-torqued by about 5 ft.lbs. which isn't too much.

What about compression testing the rear cylinders?

 

[and0r]

BELIEVE ME THE INFORMATION IS OUT THERE

check the attached link

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiMptaN873UAhUJaT4KHdsxC70QFghEMAM&url=http://www.f150hub.com/maintenance/4.6-5.4-spark-plug-replacement.html&usg=AFQjCNGh4W3qkTBW4ylWM3bHHj82B9ldWg

AS I stated the problem with the 5.4 2V engine used in the 2000 expy isn't with plugs breaking its from them being under torqued and blowing out of the head.

The breaking of plugs was a problem with the 5.4 3V engine that was used in the 2nd gen Expys

yes, this is good.
and i have seen this page, but the images weren't loading on my last visit!!!
i should save these images in case they go down again.

typically if images are missing, especially on good auto info, i will try to dig them out on internet archive.org
but i couldn't tell any images were missing on this one. there were no image placeholders. it just seemed to be all text, which were describing all these tools and components without any accompanying imagery!

 

[and0r]

Has anyone ever ran a compression test on the rear cylinders?

 

[Bedrck47]

Do a search on youtube for the following

Important Tips When Replacing Spark Plugs on Ford 4.6L 5.4L 6.8L 2v Engines

FordTechMakuloco

Believe me the information is out there BUT ONLY IF YOU DO A PROPER SEARCH

 

[Bedrck47]

Your best bet for information is on this forum and also any video by FordTechMakuloco should be viewed as gospel

You coming on this forum saying information isn't out there is why I was going to avoid your problem,

In less than a half hour look at the information I was able to find for you.

Is out there BELIEVE ME

I spoke my mind and gave my opinion
Now I am out of here Without even a thank you

 

[and0r]

Do a search on youtube for the following

Important Tips When Replacing Spark Plugs on Ford 4.6L 5.4L 6.8L 2v Engines

FordTechMakuloco

Believe me the information is out there BUT ONLY IF YOU DO A PROPER SEARCH

yes dude, this guy kicks a lot of ass. i thoroughly trust when he recommends the plugs be over torqued in that same video you linked.
however, that video is also one of the very few, if not the only video where he does not thoroughly explain the job properly.
if you actually watch the video, you will see that he totally skips 90% of the job.

 

[Bedrck47]

How can you tell that he skips 90% of the job when you Came on here asking HOW TO DO THE JOB and you state that "I kind of need this info as a crutch due to my inexperience."

As I said I am out of here

 

[and0r]

How can you tell that he skips 90% of the job when you Came on here asking HOW TO DO THE JOB and you state that "I kind of need this info as a crutch due to my inexperience."

As I said I am out of here

he only shows the replacement of one coil, he does not cover any of the difficult cylinders, nobody does.
brainsmobile, who is another great youtuber, also has a video on the 2v triton tune up, in which he provides better advice for newcomers, but also fails to show any work being done on any of the difficult cylinders.

the rear cylinders need special instruction, and some other parts also need to be removed. the written guide with photos linked earlier in this thread is actually good, but there does need to be better support for this topic.

brainsmobile also mentions something about stripping the aluminum threading on the heads, that you can feel the aluminum being caught up or something. can somebody better clarify on this?

 

[Bedrck47]

His videos are the best and are intended to show the procedure It appears to me that is if you were to do one plug and coil that anyone with any common sense should be able to figure out how to do the rest That is also why I said to do the first 3 on each side first That way you will gain some experience But I am getting the impression that you are either looking for someone to do it for you or to hold your hand.

The rear cylinders DO NOT NEED SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS they just require a little more work to get at them and moving some hoses etc. out of the way and again common sense is the key word.

And YES the threads may strip if you OVER TORQUE the plugs

AGAIN As I said I am out of here

 

[and0r]

yes, i am looking for someone to hold my hand. i do rely on video for these things, i have very little experience

 

[Big Brian]

what Bedrock said. And PLEASE DONT DISCONNECT any AC lines!! or any other lines that you are not sure of. Take a pic and post it here and ask.

 

[Bedrck47]

With VERY LITTLE EXPERIENCE you should be happy that someone has tried to help you. If you can't understand a video then what makes you think you can understand verbal help.

BELIEVE ME the information is out there FIND IT AND USE IT don't expect others to hold your hand and do you really expect others to reply if that is what your looking for?

You have been lead to the water NOW drink

My last post in this thread I feel like I am beating my head against the wall

 

[and0r]

anyway, briansmobile actually has a followup video on the 2v tuneup, showcasing the difficult plugs.
a combination of the 3 youtube videos and the written guide are actually solid for tackling this job.

all links are consolidated here if anyone is interested:

written guide (start here):
http://www.f150hub.com/maintenance/4.6-5.4-spark-plug-replacement.html

briansmobile1 videos (best info for this job):

FordTechMakuloco's video (also contains additional information you should know):

 

[grantpa]

My dos centavos-for what it's worth. #7-drivers side COP 7mm bolt is hard to get to. You'll need an offset 7mm ratcheting boxend or a regular 7mm boxend. All the rest you should be able to use a socket. Once you've removed the COP's, BEFORE attempting to remove spark plugs-squirt a few drops of PB Blaster, WD-40 or, my fav Synthetic trans fluid mixed with acetone, into the base of EVERY plug. Let it soak for 5 minutes or so, then very carefully loosen plugs. IF they are really resistant-STOP!!! Squirt a few more drops of "go juice" and wait another few mins. Slowly loosen then tighten-maybe a 1/4 turn, then loosen again-and so forth. Gap your plugs to .054 (Motorcraft recommended), apply anti-sieze to the threads and torque to 22-25#'s/ft. I'd advise applying silicone-based di-electric grease to ANY electrical connectors to make it easier to remove those stubborn clips next time.