2015 Expedition Limited spark plug change

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Fort C

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2015 Expedition Limited, Bronze Fire Metallic. 102,500 miles. In service date August, 2014. Owned since 2016. She’s a keeper :) Just had my oil changed at the dealership last week. Dealer recommended a several items as there ‘100,000 service’...include it a cabin filter change. As I haven’t found anyone that knows of a cabin filter, I’m working through the list myself. Both Diffs, and transfer case were changed at ~65K, transmission at about 80k. Replaced both diff. Fluids and transfer case last weekend. (Front diff fluid was the worst looking, BTW. Used a break vacuum pump to extract. Worked like a charm!). Then my throttle body was sticking throwing a P2112 code. Had to tackle that last week. Last 2 items on the list (other then the cabin filter change) are spark plugs and coolant flush/replace.

Regarding coolant flush/replace: Can’t remember the last time I had this done. Thought I’ld have a shop or the dealer knock this one out. Input?

Regarding plugs: Been doing some research and have a couple questions. What brand/heat range? What special spark plug socket seems to work best? Torque spec for the plugs and coil overs? Dielectric grease? Anti-seize?
 

ManUpOrShutUp

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Regarding coolant flush/replace: Can’t remember the last time I had this done. Thought I’ld have a shop or the dealer knock this one out. Input?

If you're just going to drain/fill, then it's relatively quick and easy to do on your own. If you're going to hose flush it, also easy (but not recommended). I flushed mine with distilled water the first time and it was a major PITA, so I said if I was doing again I would just pay a shop that had a vacuum filler. Instead, the second time around I just drained/filled.

What special spark plug socket seems to work best? Torque spec for the plugs and coil overs? Dielectric grease? Anti-seize?

For the socket, I have and would recommend an ABN Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket. I believe the torque spec is 11 lb-ft, but I've never torqued my plugs on any vehicle. I always put a little anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the boot.
 
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Fort C

Fort C

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If you're just going to drain/fill, then it's relatively quick and easy to do on your own. If you're going to hose flush it, also easy (but not recommended). I flushed mine with distilled water the first time and it was a major PITA, so I said if I was doing again I would just pay a shop that had a vacuum filler. Instead, the second time around I just drained/filled.



For the socket, I have and would recommend an ABN Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket. I believe the torque spec is 11 lb-ft, but I've never torqued my plugs on any vehicle. I always put a little anti-seize on the plug threads and dielectric grease on the boot.
For the plug socket, I think I prefer 8 point instead of 16 point. at 11 ft# it probably doesn’t need to have the 8pt strength. Do you recall which length is needed-4”, 6”, 11”? 5/8” or 14mm? The magnet wasn’t a problem? Sidewalls of the socket not too thick? Motorcraft or NGK iridium plugs?
 
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Fort C

Fort C

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ManUpOrShutUp

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Ford does not recommend anti seize lubricant for the spark plug threads on the Ecoboost engines.

Here is an interesting article about anti seize lubricant: http://www.jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/NGK_TB-0630111antisieze.pdf

Also - good posts: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/ecoboost-spark-plug-change.35960/

They advised against it for my 3rd gen also, but without it the plugs were a 3-beer job to remove. In any case, I don't have a recommendation for anyone else, but rather just sharing my approach.

For the plug socket, I think I prefer 8 point instead of 16 point. at 11 ft# it probably doesn’t need to have the 8pt strength. Do you recall which length is needed-4”, 6”, 11”? 5/8” or 14mm? The magnet wasn’t a problem? Sidewalls of the socket not too thick? Motorcraft or NGK iridium plugs?

Different gen here, so I was just recommending their socket. I have a 6-point, 6". It has thin sidewalls and I wouldn't be without the magnet. It makes removal and install a breeze. I tried several other sockets before that one and had trouble with the plugs not fitting fully inside the socket.
 

plumcolr

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My '17 got to 97k, then a slight misfire on hard acceleration. Pulled out, they looked almost new. Used a standard 5/8 (15mm) plug socket (it's a 6-point) with the rubber grabber inside.

Only problem was #3 cyl, the end boot on the coil wouldn't come off the plug. Finally managed to grab it with needlenose pliers. There was just enough slack in the leads to the coils so I did not need to disconnect them, just carefully lift off the plug and out of the well.

Also used nickel-based antisieze, which is recommended for the earlier 5.4. Found out after that Ford does not recommend antisieze on the ecoboost.

Other than that, silicon dielectric grease is your friend.
 

Trainmaster

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I don't have an Ecoboost but I've always changed the boots with the plugs. Cheap insurance against carbon track shorting.
 
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