I took my truck to the dealer this morning to get the keyless entry code for it. While there, I asked the service guy about changing the spark plugs on the 5.4L. He said they have had one instance where they had to pull the head from a broken spark plug. He said Ford now recommends changing the plugs on the 5.4L at 60K miles due to the plug GND shield seizing to the head. Mine has 75K now, so I've over due!

Trent, did you get your truck back?

 

Not yet, calling the guy tomorrow. University Ford North quoted me $400 for the plugs and then extra for every one that breaks. The dealership in Raleigh quoted someone on F150Online less than that, he posted a thread about it over there.

 

What does the guy working on your truck charge for a plug change, if they haven't been messed with yet? If you google 5.4L spark plugs, there are tons of threads about the problem. I did see in one of them, that Ford went to a conventional plug in late '08 on the 5.4L, which eliminates the problem.

 

So for replacements, they're still installing the same plug design though, right?

 

Bet you'll be glad for it to be done. Sounds like a pain.

 

Yes, they way the heads are designed, you stuck with a plug with the long GND shield that extends into the combustion chamber. The only thing that might help is the anti-seize that is recommended on the GND shield when the plugs are replaced.

 

Anything that gets hot and cold should have anti-seize on it. The only time I had plugs break off was on a 84 Fiero. I was able to get the threaded part out with a EZout. Is this a option in this case? Might also want to spray some penetrating oil around the plugs before hand. Start a week before you try to remove them.

 

I changed mine at 70k, pull it in warm and hit them with the 3/8 impact, didn't break any.

 

Here is the TSB on the plugs.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/jm...sb08-07-06.pdf


I went to change mine, following the TSB, and thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones. Yeah right.....not. All 8 broke. I bought the removal tool(Lisle, it`s better than the Snap-on or the rest and costs less) but was soo pissed I justed towwed it up to Zimmernens in ST.Charles,IL. The mannager is a good friend. Still cost me $650 and I had already bought the plugs.

This was at 65K miles and there is a lawsuit pending.

 

Good lord, $650 to change plugs? Ouch. I'm a firm believer in the fact that even if they say good for 70k miles, it's not. I change my plugs once a year.