I used the search function and have read for the past few days regarding the plug blowout problems with the 1997-2004ish 5.4L engines. Most of what I read gave very detailed instructions on what to do AFTER the plug blows out.

Is there anything that can be done beforehand that may a cheaper solution to make sure this doesn't happen? Would it be prudent to just pull the heads off and put inserts in each spark plug location...or is this overkill??? Or am I'm being paranoid?

I'm at 95,000 miles on my '97 and, quite frankly, I'd like to avoid any problems down the road.

 

Chang your pluges.The more often the better. Or just keep a check on them.
Re-torque every now and then.Like every 20 30000 miles.
The more you check or change the less chance of a problem!

 

Just make sure the plugs are properly tourged at install.

 

I agree, properly installed, you should not see any problem. Properly installed means cleaning out the plug well, PRIOR to removing the spark plug, with compressed air. Use a mirror to see down into the well to be sure it is clean. Then, use a bit of never sieze on the plug, make sure the plug is properly gapped, make sure you are threading it in properly, and finally, torwue it to specs.

 

Hi,
I'm a new Expedition owner, soon to be a two Expedition owner. I would only buy a 5.4, and have been doing alot of reaserch on this . I too have been thinking about getting another engine to do mods on, one being time serts in all eight holes. Just so I know, and I cant be the only one. What is the torque on the plugs? many have talked about it, and how the antiseize effects the torque. But what are the recomended numbers?
Please post.
Thanks

 

Ford's torque specs are for DRY threads,no antisieze.
Mr. Troyer probably has some good info on torque specs with antisieze.