Spark Plug Removal an Issue?

[01Expo.XLT]

I have a 2001 Exp with the 5.4 engine. I have heard about the horror stories with respect to spark plug removal on these engines.'

Does it apply to the 2001?

What is the best method to remove the spark plugs?

Thank You

 

[eddiemoney]

It absolutely applies to through the late 2000s...I want to think somewhere in 2008 it switched over to the newer single piece design.

If you are going to attempt to do it yourself do yourself a favor and the night before soak all the plugs in some penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar).

 

[splintrcel]

I just pulled cylinder 5 and 6's plugs with no problem at all with 108k on the odometer. I also live in Wisconsin so there is plenty of salt to go around. Maybe it was just me but i didnt have a problem. I heard the 2nd gens are a pain because the plugs like to break and fall into the engine head. I also have a 2001 expy 5.4 L by the way.

 

[tsgrpr97]

01 5.4 also... the only hard part about mine was getting to them. Contortionist poses. Lots of stretching and swear words. You're probably better off if ur double jointed too.

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk 2

 

[splintrcel]

i agree tsgrpr97, the back plugs looked like a pain in the ass big time. I will prob be laying over the engine lol. I am a small guy though so hopefully that helps. Having a buddy hand u stuff makes stuff go way faster too.

 

[tsgrpr97]

Definately go with platinum or iridium too cause then you won't have to change them again any time soon.

And thinking about it I do think I remember some folks on ford truck forums having the spark pplugs snapping off in the head on early 2000s 5.4s.

I was real careful about keeping the racthet lined up 90 degrees with the plug. I'm pretty sure these heads are aluminum so don't change them till its cool also. Use anti-sieze on the threads and a good amount of die electric grease on the boots. The 5.4 runs lean with lots of egr flow to keep mpg as high as possible misfire from weak spark is common so imo its important to take every step to make sure the spark is as strong and reliable as u can make it.

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk 2

 

[hovocop]

Sorry for the caps, but this is important......... Dont do it yourself...... And only use motorcraft plugs

 

[GAINMOB]

thats what i would suggest as well...if anything goes wrong i would die...but i hear E3 plugs are good to go

 

[toms89]

The plug removal issues as far as spark plugs breaking off in the cylinder head apply only to the later generation 3v motors. The 2v motors such as in the 2001 do not have this issue. But the 2v motors have plug blow out issues due to the lack of thread count on the heads.

 

[eddiemoney]

Plugs breaking off is a concern with any motor.....I still state that soaking them overnight in penetrant really helps....

While we are sharing war stories; 1991 Cadillac Deville tranverse V8..rear plugs against the firewall from the bottom...I needed like 25" of pivoting extensions

 

[tsgrpr97]

Lol we scrapped our 91 deville when we brought the expy home

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk 2

 

[eddiemoney]

Hahaha...mine was a couple car swaps prior to the expedition (170K miles when traded for $800)...I really miss that car...good room, good power...

 

[toms89]

Plugs breaking off is a concern with any motor.....I still state that soaking them overnight in penetrant really helps....

While we are sharing war stories; 1991 Cadillac Deville tranverse V8..rear plugs against the firewall from the bottom...I needed like 25" of pivoting extensions

While yes you can of course break any spark plug. It is not a common issue for the spark plugs to break off and get stuck in the cylinder head such as with the 3v motors. This is due to the design of the spark plug not improper technique of socket on the spark plug. Carbon buildup on the extended portion of these 3v sparkplugs will cause it to breakoff and remain in the head. Has nothing to do with the threads siezing up in the heads. If you research it you will understand why. Check out the photos of the sparkplugs in the photos in this link.

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-LIS65600-Broken-Remover-Engines/dp/B00267PZUK

 

[JPM2003EB]

Plugs

Hey there, I just did my 03's without any issues. I have the 2V 5.4 it uses the standard looking plug not the crazy long one. I think I read where Ford fixed the thread count issue by the time my 03 came out. I pulled them at 110000 and used the Autolite DP as replacements. No issues so far.

 

[01Expo.XLT]

Thank You to all who replied. You have all been helpful.

I will replace this weekend

Just one more question with respect to the torque amount when tightening the new spark plugs?

 

[Exia]

Just tighten till they are tight, works for me.
I would also suggest going a grade above stock as well, Which are +4s. better plug and you wont have to worry about them for awhile

 

[flyin]

Tom is 100% right the early 3v motors were the ones with plug removal problems. Personally I would suggest sticking with motorcraft plugs. They were designed to last 100k. Why chance anything else?

 

[tsgrpr97]

^^^ very true you'll never go wrong with OEM parts

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk 2

 

[Captain Morgan]

It is not a common issue for the spark plugs to break off and get stuck in the cylinder head such as with the 3v motors. This is due to the design of the spark plug not improper technique of socket on the spark plug.

^^^ very true you'll never go wrong with OEM parts

I've been biting my tongue on this contradiction all week. Sometimes, maybe even most of the time, it's better to go with OEM parts, except when it's so blatantly bad it calls for class action law suits.

Historically I've preferred NGKs with crush washers, but I'm looking at the Champion Iridium E9204 .

.

 

[tsgrpr97]

Yes you would want to steer clear of the original firestones and cruise control switches.

Sent from my LGL55C using Tapatalk 2