...and much less expensive to change the plugs at 30, 60, 90k then to fix the head or buy a new truck

 

The concern is this: If Ford knows the plugs are potential problem in these motors and have even designed a TSB for removal and a "Tool" to extract the fragments if/when they break, WHY doesn't Ford pass along to the dealerships who then can pass along to us to change at an earlier interval. Ford went to the extremes to make this dang motor and cigar plugs. At least they can do is have some engineers come up with a fix within a year or so that can correct this sticking. Do they not run any kind of tests on these motors before they start mass producing them? Also it's getting close to 2008. They've had 4 years to think this over. I don't have a problem bringing it in to have the plugs changed early(at my expense) if it will save me a head in the long run. You'd think the stealerships would love to have earlier plug changes so they can make some money. I can't picture Ford sitting on this potential problem(if it is indeed one) for years with no "real" attempt besides a tool to pluck out the fragments to fix the problem.

 

^^^ X2^^^

Given we are 'stuck' (lol) with this situation, on these particular engines, and whether or not one believes in a 100K plug or not, this is the best option with the least likelihood of problems down the road.

Classic "Preventative Maintenance"

Stock up on hi-temp nickel antisieze. And while you are at it, emery cloth.

Cheers
Bubba

 

So what if they snap off at 30 or even 60. I'm out the 2 grand or so to get it fixed, I won't recover THAT cost when I eventually sell the truck, which I will eventually sell or use as a trade-in anyway, regardless of plug issues. Some of us don't keep these things till the wheels fall off. sounds like a lose, lose proposition to me to chance it until ford acknowledges the problem. What Ford needs to do is recall all these trucks in now while most of us still have lower miles and the least chance of breaking them off. Not wait till most of us are at the recommended 100,000 mile change. The majority of owners will never see the message boards such as this, and will never know there was an issue at all, and will follow the recommended change intervals.

 

Anyone need a Ford Rotunda 5.4L F-150 3 valve Spark Plug Removal Tool? Here's an auction for one on eBay. Ford Rotunda Spark Plug Removal Tool 5.4L F-150 3 valve

 

Hi Bird;

See, that's the thing - if they are removed real early (say 30K or sooner), using the removal procedure in the TSB, and prepped as per the TSB, then subsequent removals will be very low risk. The longer they stay in there, the more likley a problem will occur.

There is actually one school of thought & advice that advocates removal of any modular motor plug upon purchase of the new vehicle to prep, reinstall & torque them correctly. This may sound extreme to some & for sure the majority won't know / do this. But for those who do, they can expend less energy fretting over their plugs, lol.

I agree 100% on the communication/awareness aspect of your post.

I also don't expect any manufacturer to run around waving the "We Effed Up" flag for something like this unless they are publicly litigated against.

Freeky - thanks for that link!

Cheers
Bubba

 

I understand what your saying. Although you might not expect them to admit it, waiting till it turns into a full blown catastrophy will IMO be much worse. If their smart (which I sometimes wonder about Ford these days) they will nip in the butt before it gets ugly. Having a service bulletin out on how to remove them safely does nothing to inform those unaware and waiting till 100k mi. for tune-ups. This could prove ugly with repect to REPEAT customers.

This thing may or may not turn into a nightmare for Ford down the road. I can almost see it now when all these 04's and 05's start nearing the magic "100,000" mi. mark, and start coming in for tune-ups with the plugs snapping !! What Ford does about it then and there will be the tell all whether the next term you hear is "Class Action". To expect the customer to foot the bill for snapped off plugs is preposterous.

 

They'll just use the flippin plug removal tool and it'll cost the customer an extra $25. Woop de frickin do! Much cheaper than changing these expensive-a$$ plugs every 30k!!

 

Yeah, that is if the removal tool works, which I'm sure it doesn't every time.

 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! The sky is falling!! The sky is falling!! Hurry, everyone run out and sell your ford trucks and Mustangs and Explorers with the 3V engines!! Do it now before it ruins your entire life and you refuse to ever buy a Ford again!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Holy _hi_ people!! Are you ready? Follow me...
1) Stretch out your arms in front of you
2) Wrap them around yourself
3) and GET A GRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Actually it would be cheaper to change them out ourselfs every 30k instead of lettling the dealer do it once at 100k. Seems like most dealers are charging minimum of around $350 and up to do a simple plug change. I can change mine almost 4 times for that price. Not sure yet what route I'm going to take and really not that worried about it either. I'll probably just change them early just for the fact if the plug breaks it can be removed but will there be small pieces of metal and porcelain left in the cylinder and cause damage???? I do not know and I would hate to find out on a truck I'm planning on keeping 10 years or so.

 

I would really like to see someone with say 30k"ish" take and document the plug extraction. Pictures of each plug with instructions on how to get to and extract each plug. I've looked at mine and there's crap everywhere in the way. Getting the COP off will be a miracle for me, much more any sticking and resistant plugs. Knuckle busters, I'm sure. I'v read that plug # 4 or #8(whichever one is back left) can't be removed unless the computer is removed. I'd better plan on doing it on a day my neighbors are out of town(might get ugly, tools might fly, blashphemy many present itself) . If anyone has done this, please post somewhere on here for us backyard mechanics.

 

Who said anything about selling the truck? Just change the plugs at 30-50k. Quit overreacting.

 

I'm not over-reacting. My statement was made in jest due to the way some are (I feel) over-reacting about the plugs being a really huge deal. I'm not saying don't change your plugs at 30-50k...everyone can do what he/she wants. I am just saying that I don't feel it is something that we all need to be worried about. Now, if I was buying an '04+ with the 5.4 with 90k miles, I would probably ask the dealership (or individual) to change the plugs first to be sure. But it's not something I will worry about with my truck.

I have heard of issues with the 2V 5.4 blowing plugs. Did I have a 2V 5.4? Yep. Did it blow plugs? Nope, not in 136k miles, and I changed them at 99k. Was I just lucky? Don't think so as I know of no-one personally that it happened to and I don't think it was/is a tremendous problem given the total number of 2V 5.4's produced. I feel the same will happen with the 3V 5.4 and the broken plugs. It will happen to a few people, it will (and has) show up on the forums, and people will blow it out of proportion. At least there is a tool to fix the broken plug. If the tool doesn't work, well, it's just your (very) unlucky day and I hope Ford will stand behind it.

 

That's true - we usually only hear about the cases where something went bad.