Absolute Spark Plug Answer...please!!!

[Pansuco]

Afternoon,

I've been researching the two-piece Ford spark plugs that come in the Expedition. As I am having some misfire issues, I am replacing the coils and while i'm in there, I figured i'd replace the plugs as well...problem is I can't find any definitive answer to when Ford stopped putting the two-piece plugs in the Expedition. I am ordering parts now and need to decide if I need to purchase the broken plug puller as well. So can anyone tell me for sure when the crappy plugs stopped being used?

I have an 08 XLT.

Many thanks for any help!

rob

 

[sjwelds]

Surely, if you've been researching, you've seen this information:

Black spark plug boots = old style plugs

Brown spark plug boots = new style plugs

A quick visual check and you should have the answer.

 

[Pansuco]

I did see the different style boots, but I didn't realize that it meant different plugs...so brown boots means my plugs aren't the the ones that will break when I try to pull them out?

That would be GREAT!!!

 

[sjwelds]

Another way is to find the engine build date. Believe it's a sticker towards the rear of the engine on the driver's side valve cover. Forget what the break is in the date tho, so somebody else will need to chime in on that.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

The information that I found says the 2-piece spark plugs were used in Triton V8 engines from 2004 - 2008 - Probably not what you wanted to hear.

 

[bobmbx]

I did see the different style boots, but I didn't realize that it meant different plugs...so brown boots means my plugs aren't the the ones that will break when I try to pull them out?

That would be GREAT!!!

No. All it means is that you have brown plug boots. Until you pull those plugs, you will have no idea whats down there.

 

[JExpedition07]

If you have the two piece plugs have your mechanic do it... not a fun job at all. It was some time in the 08 production year they switched them.

 

[sjwelds]

http://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/dont-try-to-replace-spark-plugs-2008-why-not.16675/

Might help.

@bobmbx was pretty sure the brown boots meant new style plugs. Unless, of course, someone has been in and changed the plugs already. Though I also thought the old and new style weren't interchangeable...

 

[gixer2000]

There was a design change mid 08 and the boot color was used to identify newer vs old model. Of you have the brown then you should be good. However I'd still have the broken plug extractor in hand just in case

 

[bobmbx]

I would remove one plug as if it were a 2-piece. Slowly, with lots of your favorite rust buster. If it snaps, you're only down one cylinder until you make a decision to do it yourself or take it to a dealer. If you get it out, then you'll know the truth. The risk far outweighs any advantage (cost, time, etc.) by doing it yourself.

 

[Harley Owner]

My 04 eb has 1 piece plugs

 

[gixer2000]

My 04 eb has 1 piece plugs

Yeah I'm not sure if it was late 04 or actually started the 2 piece in 05

 

[jeff kushner]

Any chance they took that Engineer out and shot him for that wonderful idea of 2-pc plugs?

The funny thing is that Ford doesn't do ANYTHING unless it's CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP....and it has to be a proven tech.....because it prevents huge issues in the field....so how did that slip though??

jeff

 

[NASCAR Mike]

My 2008 Expedition was built October 2007 and it had the two piece plugs. I was able to get six of them out no problem. I changed mine at 50k miles. Unfortunately #3 and #6 broke off. I had the tool to remove them but I still couldn't get them out and I feared stripping the threads. I had it towed to the dealer and they charged me $100 per plug to extract them.

Make sure you put anti-seize on the new plugs so this doesn't happen again.

 

[Big Brian]

there is a production date cutoff as was stated. There is a sticker on one of the valve covers. I have an 08 with one piece plugs, I forget what the cutoff date was but mine as a later year build. Also the boot color is correct to tell

The info is out there it was not hard for me to locate at the time

 

[Big Brian]

I found it. http://www.phila.gov/fleet/Warranty Recalls/tsb08-07-06 FORD.pdf


Affected engine


build dates are as follows: 5.4L 3-V and 6.8L 3-V

before 10/9/07, 4.6L 3-V before 11/30/07.

 

[Adieu]

Any chance they took that Engineer out and shot him for that wonderful idea of 2-pc plugs?

The funny thing is that Ford doesn't do ANYTHING unless it's CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP....and it has to be a proven tech.....because it prevents huge issues in the field....so how did that slip though??

jeff

Yeah generally Ford doesnt slip up like that, at least not its Trucks division....

Having swapped and taken apart nearly everything in the interior and some other stuff as well, what always impresses me is the fasteners used.

Not a single busted screw/bolt and no ******* hidden-but-fragile fasteners.

Somebody did their frikkin homework.

 

[jk349]

I'm just a newbie to site, but can't you tell from the underhood decal which spark plugs are listed and then check to see if that was the two piece?

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

I'm just a newbie to site, but can't you tell from the underhood decal which spark plugs are listed and then check to see if that was the two piece?

Welcome to the site jk349.

 

[Big Brian]

I'm just a newbie to site, but can't you tell from the underhood decal which spark plugs are listed and then check to see if that was the two piece?

these is no such under hood decal for one...