Just joined F-150 online. Just bought an '03 F-150 supercab with 143K miles. Need a tune up (check engine light is giving me a misfire in cylinder 8)I've read several threads on spark plug breakage. From what I read, some trucks/engines have this issue, some don't. Anybody know what the story is? I swapped an engine in my old '89 bronco so I'm not afraid to do the work myself, but with the new ignition systems in these trucks, is it worth taking to the dealer? Thanks.

 

First, welcome to the site. Secondly, the plug breakage involves the new two piece plug design in the 3v engines found in the 2004-2008 trucks. You have no worries about removing the plugs.

 

Thanks a lot! Is it a hard do it yourself project? Or is it worth the money at a shop? I've never messed with this new ignition system. Also, I read that most guys replace all 8 coils when they do plugs. Is that worth it while you're in there?

 

Yes it is most likely worth it to do it all at once...u gotta pull the coils anywayz...when i changed my plugs the first time i didn't know about this site or changing the coils, or at least change the ones that are the hardest to get to...some ppl buy them from globalautomotive on ebay, but he hasn't been responding to emails so idk what to think of the company

 

I need to replace the coil on cylinder #8 for sure. Any recommendations/warnings about trying to get it out?

 

I would do all 8 at one time if it were me, considering the age and miles. Be sure to use dielectric grease with the new ones.

 

Thanks for the heads up on the dielectric grease. Thought I needed to do that, glad you confirmed it. I would like to do all 8, but time and money are the current problem. Will hopefully do all of them soon.

 

I would only replace the one that's bad. You could possibly get another 10-30K miles on what you have by just replacing the bad part.

 

all 8 eight coil will cost ya spend the extra and go with accel super coils i got a 99 and had to take fuel rail off pass side and start spark plug with a short piece of hose and take that piece of rubber out of the spark plug socket

 

Some guys are getting all 8 off Ebay for about $100. Some are still buying the Global off Ebay, even though there was a little concern about their customer service if you got a bad one. You could get two sets and if one is bad, replace it with one from the second set and have spares. Lot cheaper than going with Motorcraft.

 

I replaced the plug and coil on cylinder 8, and it seems to be running better. Any idea how long (time/miles) it takes for the check engine light to go off? I know in my dad's truck it didn't go off right away when we replaced theh idle air control valve on his 5.4.

 

Disconnect the battery for a few and it should go away.

 

mine went off right away all the time, and i've had the CEL on 4 times in the last month for bad coils

 

FYI...I read some posts about Global Automotive when researching the plug and coil change. I placed the order just a few weeks ago on ebay and got a brand new set of 8 with lifetime warranty for $68 + $12 shipping. Changed all the coils and plugs and my 99 f150 5.4 is running like new (238,000 miles)

I changed all of mine because when I took out the one from the code (#8 misfire) I noticed the boot end was cracked. Checked the others and found a few others cracked so I did them all. Changing them takes a little time, several swivels and extensions and alot of patience...especially with #4, #7 and #8. Unlike what some postings tell you, you do not have to remove the fuel rails (opening a can of worms) to get the #7 coil off. You do however need the right swivel ratchet and some creativity.

Cant comment on Global Automotive customer service. This was my first time ordering. Shipped in about one week. Very satisfied with the product and service so far.

 

well i'll say their customer service is horrible....4 emails and not one back...great way to run a business..they may be cheap and you may get good coils but CS is not there IMO...anywayz y is it bad to pull the fuel rail?? i've done it everytime and no problems so far