Doesn't the gap look to be way too big what it should be?? When I replaced my plugs they looked 'in tact' but the gap was over twice the specified range. I'd say it's a good thing you did em now, despite tearing up a couple

 

From his "tip" shot, there seems to be some erosion on the GND electrode.

Trent, is it possible for you to get a side shot of the electrodes like this?




If you can, we can compare your plugs to new ones.

 

Yeah I can Bob, I'll grab it a little later.

 

Crazy they broke. All that rust is horrible. Water in fuel?

 

No idea, I fill up with pretty much all BP gas, not cheap gas or anything. Not sure what would cause that

 

mine were kinda rusty aswell

 

Water vapor is a by-product of combustion. I assume the water vapor gets between the GND shield and head, and the GND shield rusts. Putting the nickel anti-seize on the GND shield should help.

 

Check this out! Tis is a different approach to removing the 5.4L plugs!

You crack them loose, put the coils back, and rev the daylights out of the engine!

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/goss/3002.shtml

 

Hmm, I would love to hear some real-world results of trying that.

 

Me too! I wonder who we could send it to at Ford?