Changing Spark Plugs
#121
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Georgia on my mind...
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Originally Posted by cscoios
Nice write-up, Quintin.
Was there any noticeable difference in performance when you drove it home with the new plugs? You mentioned no abnormal wear or fouling, so didn't know if there would be any difference.
Was there any noticeable difference in performance when you drove it home with the new plugs? You mentioned no abnormal wear or fouling, so didn't know if there would be any difference.
As far as any performance difference, nah, not really. I did a power balance test on it before and after just to see, I didn't notice any appreciable differences. I didn't have any running problems before either, so who knows. I filled up this evening on the way home, so if anything, I plan on trying to monitor fuel economy carefully for the next week or two to see if I gained anything there.
ETA - Regarding mileage and difficulty of removal, just from what I experienced today, I don't think I'd let plugs go past 60K tops. You might not like what you're in for with a high mileage plug change. I'm gonna check mine periodically since I added the anti seize to the insert and threaded portion, to see if it helps any.
Last edited by Quintin; 10-21-2005 at 07:10 PM.
#122
#123
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I don't know. I plan on pulling a couple again after a couple more services, maybe around 35-40K miles to inspect. The dielectric grease was still slick though when I pulled 1 and 6.
ETA again: I almost forgot, I did the change while there was still a little heat in the engine. I dunno the exact number, but the heater and radiators hoses were still warm to the touch. I figured the heat might make things come apart a little easier, and there's enough thread and it's not a small pitch so I figured the chances of pulling the threads out the head while changing plugs while the engine was still semi warm was minimal.
ETA again: I almost forgot, I did the change while there was still a little heat in the engine. I dunno the exact number, but the heater and radiators hoses were still warm to the touch. I figured the heat might make things come apart a little easier, and there's enough thread and it's not a small pitch so I figured the chances of pulling the threads out the head while changing plugs while the engine was still semi warm was minimal.
#125
It's too bad the F150online forum doesn't have a "Member of the Month" award. If it did, I'd nominate Quintin for this month's award.. Great write up on the spark plugs. The award doesn't have to be money or anything, thought prizes are nice, but simply recognition for a job well done. Say something like a special area for F150online Member of the Month on the main page. I think I'll forward my idea to the webmaster.
#126
Ordered a Ford F-150 Spark Plug Socket for $16.76 plus shipping. Looks like it will help make the job easier
http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com...qx/product.htm
http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com...qx/product.htm
#127
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Originally Posted by norman311
It's too bad the F150online forum doesn't have a "Member of the Month" award. If it did, I'd nominate Quintin for this month's award.. Great write up on the spark plugs. The award doesn't have to be money or anything, thought prizes are nice, but simply recognition for a job well done. Say something like a special area for F150online Member of the Month on the main page. I think I'll forward my idea to the webmaster.
Originally Posted by jpdadeo
Ordered a Ford F-150 Spark Plug Socket for $16.76 plus shipping. Looks like it will help make the job easier
#128
What’s Ford charge for plugs? I found these online for $8.32 a piece / is that a good price?
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/cata...=FR48-PZT2FEF4
I don’t know how long the plug socket is but it supposedly just for 04 and up F150 3-valve engines
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/cata...=FR48-PZT2FEF4
I don’t know how long the plug socket is but it supposedly just for 04 and up F150 3-valve engines
Last edited by jpdadeo; 10-21-2005 at 10:08 PM.
#130
My local dealership Parts Manager told me he could sell them to me for $9.00 each. Online they are $7.53 here: TSEtruckstuff.com
Last edited by kd4crs; 10-21-2005 at 10:25 PM.
#132
#133
Originally Posted by HCFR-Halligan
So what will fords response be at 100000 miles when we start taking these in for spark plug changes? Will they change the plugs like normal and if they break something they are responsible correct?
I hate to think this would happen and Ford would give me the shaft, but by the time I get 100K on my truck it’s will be another six years, 2011 and by then who knows what the circumstances surrounding this potential problem will be.
Those plugs Quintin took pics of were rusty around the sleeve insert big time and that’s with only 28K so theoretically if they progressively got worse over the course of another 72K they will probably be rusted in tight and break trying to take them out.
I’m going to play it safe and get another set of plugs, change them myself, clean up the ones in there now and save them for a possible reinstall in about 25 to 30K miles from now.
#135
I doubt it because quality fuel already has extensive additives to make it burn clean. I haven’t pulled my plugs yet and probably won’t get to it for another couple of weeks but when I do, I’ll post pics. I’ve used only named brand gas since I’ve had the truck, which include Citgo, (my personal favorite) Shell, Sunoco and Chevron. At first I used 87-octane but now with custom tuning, it’s only 93-octane and Citgo is the primary brand (my guess is 85% Citgo)