tahquo
New Member
2001 Expedition XLT, with 5.4L V8 Triton. Where are the sparkplugs and how do I change them?
Where are sparkplugs?
- Thread starter tahquo
- Start date
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Trainmaster
Old School Member
Research the problems with "Spark plugs blowing out". The heads only have a few aluminum threads and the plugs must be torqued properly to avoid their unwanted departure from the engine.
tahquo
New Member
Thanks, everyone. After viewing several YouTube videos on changing sparkplugs in this engine, I've learned about the NEW (to me) technology of having a single, independent coil for each sparkplug -- integral with each plug.
I was still in the dark ages of one coil for the entire engine, with individual high-tension leads distributed to each sparkplug. Now I'm educated!
I was still in the dark ages of one coil for the entire engine, with individual high-tension leads distributed to each sparkplug. Now I'm educated!
BigOleFordFan
Zoom Zoom goes da "Tang" !
Yep, edjumacashun makes for a wonderful life, hehehe
But if it makes you feel any better, the "modern" coil-on-plug system has been around for quite a while now (30+ years) and I know several people who have given me the "deer in the headlights" look when I've told them about it over the years....
Trainmaster
Old School Member
Please, PLEASE do research on this engine and its spark plug issues before you tackle the job. Since the rear plugs are very difficult to reach with limited tools, no less a torque wrench, I'd recommend a "torque limiting socket" which releases at the proper torque. I think I paid $25 for mine.
Also, when you order plugs for these "Coil-on-plug" motors, it's a good idea to order the rubber boots that connect each coil to the each plug. They deteriorate and can form carbon tracks resulting in misses. And blow off the top of the motor and blow out the spark plug holes before removing the plugs.
Also, when you order plugs for these "Coil-on-plug" motors, it's a good idea to order the rubber boots that connect each coil to the each plug. They deteriorate and can form carbon tracks resulting in misses. And blow off the top of the motor and blow out the spark plug holes before removing the plugs.
ZigZagFred
Well-Known Member
I've been an aircraft mechanic for most of my adult life, and have always done most of my own auto maintenance. I was caught off-guard when learned of the coil-on-plug concept. Live and learn. Don't feel bad if you didn't know about them. Neither did I. FYI - My neighbor was given a $500 estimate to replace the plugs on her Gen 1 Expy.
Now that you know. One tip for easier spark plug removal (even though it might be uncomfortable) is to run the engine up to operating temperature before removing the plugs because of the carbon build up on the SP threads that protrude into the combustion chambers. Another tip while u have the coils in hand is to slather them with dielectric grease liberally from the underside of the coil all the way down the long springy thing to the very end of the SP boot.
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If you are going to change the spark plugs, might as well replace the coil packs while you are there. 3 of my coil packs went bad before I reached 90k on the odometer. I was able to replace one of them myself, the #5 coil which is right up front. The two others required separate trips to a mechanic. So about 3 years ago I took it to a mechanic shop and had all 8 plugs and coils replaced. Don't remember exactly how much it cost, but it was in the neighborhood of $680.
JVinOlathe
Well-Known Member
In the late 1980s cars started switching from distributors to electronic ignition. I believe the 2002 Toyota Corolla was the last mao stream car to use a distributor. When your car starts quickly in the Winter, and you don't have to mess with the choke, you can thank electronic ignition for this.
As far as the plugs on a first generation Expedition, it is a mixed bag. The ones in the front are readily accessible and easy to change; 5 minutes or less per plug. However, the back ones are very difficult to get and you need a few extensions connected together, there is also one on the driver side that requires a very short socket or else you have to lift the fuel rail to get to it.
A difficult but doable job for a beginner, provided you get the right tools. Not too bad of a job for a mid-level DIYer.
As others have noted. You have to be very careful torquing the plugs. Later models (2001???) have the 2 piece plugs that breaks, and then you are looking at $200 per plug to extract it and rethread it with an insert.
As far as the plugs on a first generation Expedition, it is a mixed bag. The ones in the front are readily accessible and easy to change; 5 minutes or less per plug. However, the back ones are very difficult to get and you need a few extensions connected together, there is also one on the driver side that requires a very short socket or else you have to lift the fuel rail to get to it.
A difficult but doable job for a beginner, provided you get the right tools. Not too bad of a job for a mid-level DIYer.
As others have noted. You have to be very careful torquing the plugs. Later models (2001???) have the 2 piece plugs that breaks, and then you are looking at $200 per plug to extract it and rethread it with an insert.
