Can't rech Cylinder #4 spark plug on 1998 expedition 5.4l

[albany9044]

Hey i have a 1998 ford expedition with a 5.4l engine and i am trying to change the #4 spark plug because i got a code that says cylinder #4 misfire. However I just cant seem to be able to reach it no matter what i do.... How am i supposed to do this? Ive been searching for the last 2 days and i cant find a single video on it, all i can find is ones for the 2nd gen expedition, which differs slightly, and f150's.... please help!

 

[bedrck46]

what you need to do is to pull the heater hoses out of the way use a bungee or rope etc. I loosened the fuel rail to give myself more room. Just have to be careful of the O-rings. Use short extensions and tape them together and try to come in from the firewall side to place the spark plug socket and extensions in place also use swivels to help

 

[srs7324]

bedrck46 is dead on.

That is the exact way I was able to reach and change the #4 plug.
Just take your time and make sure you tape your extensions and socket swivels so they do not pop off when you start to pull the plug out of the cylinder head.

 

[BAD RONALD]

Problems accessing #4?

Never heard of that before.

 

[toms89]

Problems accessing #4?

Never heard of that before.

LOL......

Hard to believe..

 

[toms89]

I do #4 by feel now with the correct assortment of extensions and universal joint. Gave on seeing what I was doing long ago. Locking type extensions come in real handy.

I also found it impossible to torque that plug with a torque wrench. Using universal will alter torque readings so pointless. I torque it by feel but then I have 10 thread heads and have been doing it a long time.

 

[bedrck46]

YOU ever get the impression that you have eyes in your fingers??

 

[albany9044]

ok thanks guys i will have to go out and try again tomorrow by going through the firewall. Will report back to let you guys know the results

 

[bedrck46]

You don't go thru the firewall What I mean is to angle the extension from the firewall towards the plug well That is the purpose of using short extensions

 

[BAD RONALD]

You don't go thru the firewall What I mean is to angle the extension from the firewall towards the plug well That is the purpose of using short extensions

Rats!

I was really looking forward to his report on how he went through the firewall.

 

[bedrck46]

hopefully he checks the forum before he starts this today

 

[stamp11127]

Isn't that the purpose of the flame torch (wrench)?

"F this, I'll cut that sob out of the way...."

 

[toms89]

I doubt he really meant he was going through the firewall but that he was going to use your suggestion.

But it would be interesting to see... Could be a new mod for the expy.

The bedrck mod! LOL

 

[toms89]

These are the type extensions I like to use. There are other manufacturers of similar type that lock onto the socket. Its a PITA when the extensions pull out in situations liking changing the #4 spark plug and can be a biotch. These are great for avoiding that....

Craftsman 3 pc. Quick Release Extension Bar Set, 3/8 in. Dr. - Tools - Ratchets & Sockets - Socket Accessories

They are advertised as quick release which they do when the button is depressed. But that's not why I have them. the socket is locked on unless the button is depressed.

 

[BAD RONALD]

I swear this tool was designed specifically for Expy plug changes:

Gear Wrench 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket 80546: Upgrade with the best Socket - Spark Plug at Advance Auto Parts

Best money you can spend to do the job.

 

[bedrck46]

I can see where that would make it easier to get the spark plug socket into the well but once in the well it wouldn't move but a small angle.

 

[tonydiv]

I hope that while you're back there, you replace the coil. (since it's probably the cause of your problem in the first place)

 

[superexpy]

I do #4 by feel now with the correct assortment of extensions and universal joint. Gave on seeing what I was doing long ago. Locking type extensions come in real handy.

I also found it impossible to torque that plug with a torque wrench. Using universal will alter torque readings so pointless. I torque it by feel but then I have 10 thread heads and have been doing it a long time.

Exactly what I do!

 

[bedrck46]

Never had a problem get #4 torqued
Just used enough short extensions so the top of the extension didn't stick up to high and had a ratchet torque wrench, micrometer style.

Although I will admit It can be a Pain in the a$$ and I wasn't lucky or the first try was more like trial and error until I found the right combination to use

 

[BAD RONALD]

I can see where that would make it easier to get the spark plug socket into the well but once in the well it wouldn't move but a small angle.

It moves LIKE IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO EXPY PLUG CHANGES.

No, really, just like it was designed to do Expy plug changes. I swear.

This guy is callin' me a liar.