"Don't try to replace spark plugs!" 2008 Why not?

[jacks3am]

I didnt read a thing in this thread but I believe in 2008 they changed the ****** design of the 2 piece plugs that break so often so I say go for it? its going to have to happen sometime, but remember, a good quality tool will help you immensley getting them out!

 

[jasonlmarsh]

Yeah, the two back plugs on each side were a pain. I ended up using a couple of long extensions. It didn't really work that well. All I was able to do was crack the plug loose with the impact, and than removed it by hand with the extension on it. The others I zipped completely out with the impact.

It was also hard to torque the back ones to spec when re-installed.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Eh, I'm gonna be just a few miles from you in a few weeks, I'll just bring her by and let you swap them for me

 

[01yellerCobra]

I didnt read a thing in this thread but I believe in 2008 they changed the ****** design of the 2 piece plugs that break so often so I say go for it? its going to have to happen sometime, but remember, a good quality tool will help you immensley getting them out!

The plugs were changed in late 08. I have an early 08.

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[districk81]

i have a2000 EB and i'm going to try and change the plugs myself. i'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Sterling Archer]

With the hundreds and hundreds of thousands of trucks out there since 2004, it's amazing Ford was never really called to the carpet over this.

You're telling me! I took mine to my shop to have it done because I heard the horror stories. They are honest as the day is long and have ALWAYS done right by me...

Long story short, SEVEN of the eight broke. They had to buy the special tool to get the broke ones out as they never needed one before. Total cost with parts/labor at $75 per hour...$750.

I damn near had a phucking stroke....

I want a new Expy when this one is put to pasture but NOT if they still use this plug system...

 

[Bosco123]

Ok, so Im late too the dance. Changing your spark plugs on the 3rd Gens is easy. Changed mine and replaced them woth Champion double plats. I too was worried about the two piece design seems though that ford fixed that flaw by making a single piece Motorcraft plug. If you need any guidance let me know, took about an hr to replace mine(all 8 and gapped and torqued)

 

[1mpg]

I'm trying to educate myself on these 3rd gens since I don't like anyone touching my cars except me or a friend of mines if needed. I'm in the process of picking up an 07 expedition so I take it that this year is indeed a 3rd gen right?

From the horror stories I've been reading and the stealers ****** you dry when changing out the plugs, did they improve the spark plugs or are they still ****** and weak? My previous expy was an 00 and I had one plug break which was a FPITA to remove but I still managed to change all plugs. Should I invest in that plug remover tool and is it easy to use as in videos?

 

[jjbusa]

I have a 4.6 04 do I have to worry about broken plugs? Bought mine used so i dont know if they were changed. I have about 107 k miles so I kinda want to change them

 

[FordandPolaris]

I think the broken spark plug issue really came to prominence when they moved to the 3v motors in 06. You should be fine.

 

[1mpg]

So JJbusa is good and I'm ******.... Oh we'll I need the truck so I have no choice but to deal with it. Getting ready to take her home in 20 minutes.

 

[Bosco123]

No need to worry.....

I currently own a 2007 Ford Expedition, there is a TSB Bulletin out for the 3rd generation expeditions in which the OEM Motorcraft plugs have been replaced with "1" piece design, also I own all the official Ford maintenance manuals for my 07 expy. I had the luxury of replacing my plugs at about 88k miles, it was a cinch took about 1 hr. NO NEED to purchase the lisle plug remover. Instead of using motorcrap parts I replaced the plugs with champion 7989 plugs, been running smooth ever since. Just hit 182k as of 06/10/13 with the champion plugs.

 

[Bosco123]

I'm told that the brown boot spark plugs do not have the extraction problem, or they have less of a problem than the spark plugs which have black boots.

Anyone have suggestions of a thin-viscosity carbon solvent I should first apply and let soak through the threads and around the sparkplug's external ground electrode tube?
I have PB blaster but it has no carbon solvent capabilities.
Thank you.[/QUOT

PB blaster is crap, use Kroil oil(amazon) best stuff hands down. Its not a difficult procedure. Open hood let eng cool to the touch (warm), remove Coil Overs(each has 1 retaining bolt.) Spray kroil in each plug let it sit for about 10 min, break torque allow to soak in threads for another 10 min. Then remove plugs one by one and replace with Champion 7989 plugs.

 

[jimb726]

The Motorcraft TSB suggest cracking the plug loose, no more, and adding a capful or two of Motorcraft carb cleaner, let it sit for an hour or so and work the plug out, if you get a lot of resistance run it in and out as you remove it. More often then not you will have no issues, the tool is nice to have just in case and since it isnt one that Autozone loans, you may be SOL if you need it on a Saturday.

 

[CJ0920]

I currently own a 2007 Ford Expedition, there is a TSB Bulletin out for the 3rd generation expeditions in which the OEM Motorcraft plugs have been replaced with "1" piece design, also I own all the official Ford maintenance manuals for my 07 expy. I had the luxury of replacing my plugs at about 88k miles, it was a cinch took about 1 hr. NO NEED to purchase the lisle plug remover. Instead of using motorcrap parts I replaced the plugs with champion 7989 plugs, been running smooth ever since. Just hit 182k as of 06/10/13 with the champion plugs.

Bosco, what other maintenance you've done in between 100k to now? I'm at 123k on my '07. Not sure if plugs were done or not yet either...

 

[3xp3d1t1on]

Got advice that your engine should be hot before attempting this.
I'm not going to even risk it and going to pony up for the
stealership* to do it for me.


* Urban Dictionary: stealership

 

[andrew_s]

I drove to the dealership in my 2008 then drove home and within 30-45 minutes of being home my plugs were all replaced. Granted I have brown boot coils, but still easy change and boy were those motorcraft plugs expensive! But hey if yall want to spend tons of moneyat the dealership then by all means.

 

[1mpg]

Has anyone tried to run seafoam on our engines to get rid if the carbon build up? I've used seafoam on my Mazda and I want to say it worked great and restored some if not all power.

 

[01yellerCobra]

Has anyone tried to run seafoam on our engines to get rid if the carbon build up? I've used seafoam on my Mazda and I want to say it worked great and restored some if not all power.

I used it in our 06 Mustang before changing the plugs. The plugs felt the same coming out as the plugs in the Expy without the Seafoam treatment.

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[Lc'S'08]

'08 expedition spark plugs

I've read the issues with trying to change out the spark plugs and will admit it does seem a little daunting. However I have changed some in an econoline van with the same 5.4 engine and those are a pain just because if the cramped space. My expedition got to 90k so I decided it was time to change the plugs. Dealership wants nearly $20 a plug. Local auto parts sells same motorcraft plugs for half the price. Kind of a no brainer on that.
I decided to start ok the passenger side just because that was looking a little more open and a little easier with big hands to get around. The boot came off and out easily. I will admit that when you drop that socket down the hole with some extensions it's like going in the abyss. The first turn was tight and instantly noticed and could feel what was like grinding as I tries to turn and loosen the plug out. I stopped (worried it may seize up and actually snap) so I put some PB blaster in the whole, waited a minute and it turned fairly smooth and came out no problem. The rest came out pretty easily and with no issues except some gunk around the base of the boots.
Has anybody been concerned about the conditions of their plugs when pulled out? Have they looked pretty evenly worn,burned, etc across all 8? The reason is, the very last plug on the passenger side showed significant wear Compared to the rest. No other issues with motor running but I did do a 350mile drive after changing the plugs and mileage was terrible for the first 300miles or so. Used to get19-20mpg cruising on freeway and on the same route I was getting 13-15 cruising the freeway where as before I got 19-20mpg.
Has that happened to anybody?
Could have been the gas maybe? I did get some Safeway Gas which is usually fine but maybe I went just after their tanks were filled.
Any thoughts? Thanks for any input

All in all, changing the spark plugs in these expeditions is not all that bad or difficult for anybody that can turn a wrench and plug wire harness back on. The dealerships and most shops will charge Atleast $300-600 just to change those plugs out. About an hour an half and some patience will save you a ton of money.

 

[Edmaude]

Just changed the plugs on my 2008 with engine build date of 12/07. I have the newer style plugs and brown boots on my engine as well and it was a breeze.

Now I have a brand new lisle tool that needs a good home. If anyone needs one for the earlier build engines please let me know and I will sell it for 60 bucks shipped.

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