The 4.6 does not use the redesigned spark plug which has this problem. The 4.6 in the F150 uses conventional plugs.

 

Hi.

What freaks me out is the TSB's recommendation to apply nickel-based anti-sieze on the ground shield/shroud (the part that is binding in the bore), and NOT to apply any anti-sieze to the threads !!!

This goes against Mike Troyer's advice - always use anti-sieze on a plug that's going into an alloy head.

Quintin, JP, & others - any comment?

Thanks

Grog

 

Anyone?

 

I have read accounts on several truck sites that have gone both ways. Some dealers have covered the problem while others stuck the customer for the full bill. I guess it depends on the dealer.

 

My god, look at those plugs! There's what, two inches of metal between the jamnut seal and the electrode? And this is an area that is flush with what, the head? The plug is iron and the head aluminum, so the rates of thermal expansion are different. And it is subject to full combustion pressure, heat and gases. But Ford engineers didn't think that there might be a wee bit of a problem with siezing? Excuse the french, but they are out of their F'in minds.

 

Thanks
Just wanted to be sure. That's a relief

 

wow..i'm glad i'm reading this. i was about to wait a little longer to change my plugs as i bought my truck used with 40k on it. 1. i didnt know it was that complicated to change. 2. i didnt know there was that much trouble behind the old plugs.

just wanted to thank all who post comments about this... another reason why i'm glad i got onto this website.


either way...i think i'll still give it a whirl. i'll just try what was recommended...change when the engine is warm. penetrating oil....and just see what happens. maybe with any luck..i won't be one of those unfortunate ones.

 

I wish I learned about this tool earlier. Instead, after my plug blew I bought and modified the Time-Sert kit to repair my '99 Expedition and others.

 

so what do u guys think of a quote of 265.00 to change the plugs @ the dealership....imo i think this is insane they said 3hrs by the book for labor..what do u think?

 

To do realize that you are in the '04+ forum, right ?

Wrong tool for your truck MY.

 

I had my plugs changed at 27,000 miles. I took my scab to the dealer because of a knock. I had bought plugs (was gonna change 'em myself) and they were on the passenger seat. The service rep came out to the waiting room and told me that the knock was taken care of. They changed the plugs! The rep then told me that the plugs I bought were the wrong type, as were the original plugs! I've heard something about the thermal capabilities of the original plugs that cause them to deteriorate. Is this why we have the plug fiasco on the '04s?

By the way, it didn't cost me anything.

 

Hi guys , where can I buy the special tools needed to remove sparks plugs that have already been broken in the heads ? I am in Australia and Ford Australia continually deny the existance of this problem and of special tools .

Any help would be greatly appreciated .

 

Hi. This was a couple posts down ...

 

Awesome mate , I didnt see that there , I will be watching and hopefully it wont get too high , I dont know what they are worth new (link says over $500 ).

Thanks heaps .

 

Does anybody here have the TSB? Could you post or link it please? I want to get mine done at 50K, and want something to take into my dealer to make sure they know, I am aware of the TSB, and if they break my plugs and refuse to fix it, I'll sue.

I don't see the problem so much as the plugs breaking. Improper service frequently breaks important things. But the dealership service departments refusing to back up their work, and Ford refusing to back up their customers is a HUGE problem.

I think Ford would be doing far better in the market if they didn't try to sweep so many problems under the rug...

Like the Cruise control switch problem.
And the MANY problems with the Focus.
And the spitting plugs on the 4.6 and 5.4 2v.
And the spark plugs breaking on the 5.4 3v...

Jeeze people. Fix the problems, fix the design, move on. How hard is that?