What a PITA! 34k miles on my 17 EL. I'm running a 5* performance/tow tune (87 octane), so decided to change out my plugs for a good baseline since I just bought the truck certified pre owned last month. I watched the YouTube videos to make sure there weren't any gotchas, seemed pretty straightforward.
I've done 3 spark plug changes on the 5.4 and one on the 5.0 in the F150, and this ecoboost puts them all to shame. Getting the cops to release their death grip on the spark plugs without breaking them nearly took herculean strength and cussing like a sailor. Even with a short prybar (drum brake adjustment tool), it was not easy and I'm no small fry. I did the drivers side first, then moved to the passenger side. The two rear cops on the passenger side came out without the boots! How in the world do you get them out of the spark plug hole without damaging them? I ended up snapping the coil packs back on and putting it back together in disgust. I'll have to order new boots before I attempt those two plugs since I'm sure I'll destroy them getting them out.
I did this on a completely cold motor BTW, and not my first rodeo working on cars or changing spark plugs. The 5.4 is a pain but more a challenge to reach them but at least they all came apart easily. The cops on the ecoboost were designed by Satan himself. The 5.0 plugs can be changed in your sleep with one hand behind your back.
I've done 3 spark plug changes on the 5.4 and one on the 5.0 in the F150, and this ecoboost puts them all to shame. Getting the cops to release their death grip on the spark plugs without breaking them nearly took herculean strength and cussing like a sailor. Even with a short prybar (drum brake adjustment tool), it was not easy and I'm no small fry. I did the drivers side first, then moved to the passenger side. The two rear cops on the passenger side came out without the boots! How in the world do you get them out of the spark plug hole without damaging them? I ended up snapping the coil packs back on and putting it back together in disgust. I'll have to order new boots before I attempt those two plugs since I'm sure I'll destroy them getting them out.
I did this on a completely cold motor BTW, and not my first rodeo working on cars or changing spark plugs. The 5.4 is a pain but more a challenge to reach them but at least they all came apart easily. The cops on the ecoboost were designed by Satan himself. The 5.0 plugs can be changed in your sleep with one hand behind your back.