So glad I found this forum. I have a 2004 5.4 Triton and like a few others, I have the severe case of broken spark plug tips, including the ceramic, lodged in the head. I'm working on getting the ceramic tips out, and I'll post more on that if I do... but first I need to know how to open an exhaust valve by hand. I need to be able to pull air into the cylinder through the exhaust valve and out through the spark plug hole with a vacuum. If it's possible, I figure yall know how to do it. Thanks for any help.

 

You can either bump the motor with the starter or put a large ratchet on the front crank bolt and turn the motor over by hand until the cam opens the exhaust valve. Good luck.

Andy

 

Put a socket on the crank bolt w/ a breaker bar. It isn't that hard to turn. There is no sense in trying to "bump" a electronically controlled vehicle.

 

Thanks. A few more questions. Is there any way to visually know when the cam has opened the valve? After it's opened, if I force air into the exhaust, will it be expelled through the spark plug opening? Thanks.

 

You would have to take the valve cover off to see when the cam opens the exhaust valve for that cylinder to be sure.

Im not sure what your plans are but if you are planning on blowing air into the exhaust pipe,youre never going to have enough air pressure to blow anything out. Plus there will be valves on other cylinders that are open at the same time,which would only consume you air pressure. Using your method your best bet would be to remove the exhaust manifold from the head and blow air into the exhaust port on just that cylinder.

Also as and FYI Ford has a tool that they use for extracting broken plugs. However I cant remember if it is for the cermic part or the metal caseing. You can do a search on this forum for "sparkplugs" and Im sure you will find more info on that.

You may also want to ask some real Ford techs for their advice here.
http://www.flatratetech.com/forums/i...p?showforum=13

Andy