Good News! The second spark plug change was MUCH easier then the first.

I replaced the original spark plugs at 40K. I didn't break a plug during that first change, but the plugs were really screeching and moaning on the way out. Along with being pretty hard to turn out. I followed the TSBs removal instructions.

I was really hoping the second set would come out easier, since I put the nickel anti-seize on the ground electrode shield of the replacement set, as recommended by the TSB.

I followed the TSB when removing the second set except, I used Aero-Kroil instead of the carborator cleaner.

I loosened the plugs 1/8th to 1/4th a turn, then let the plugs soak for 1 hour before I started wrenching them out. I'm very happy to report that the second set came out with no drama at all. I didn't get any squeeking and moaning as the plugs were being removed. They came out fine.

I could have waited longer to replace these plugs but I wanted to replace at the same interval as the originals (40K miles) in order to be able to really see if the anti-seize made a difference.

In conclusion, the anti-seize will make your future plug changes much easier.

Here are some pictures of the second set of plugs that were just removed. There is some carbon build up, especially around the upper ground electrode shield.

 

That is great news! Thanks for making this report!

 

Good post! Did you check the gap of the plugs you took out? Looks pretty large.

 

Yes, the gaps were a bit large, but not terrible. spec is 0.040 to 0.050, the gaps were anywhere from 0.050 to 0.055 inches.

 

Good news...

 

Bravo! Jolly good job chap!.......

 

This is good news to hear that the anti-seize will help alleviate the problem.

Too bad I'm still on the original plugs....

 

That is good news!
I bought my 04 screw used with 99000 on the clock before I found out about this problem it now has 102000 and the owners guide says it's time to change
them.
I am very worried about this.

JNTIBS- how meny miles on your 04?

 

There's still a pretty good chance you'll get them out without breaking any. There's a few here with over 100K that have done it. If you tackle it yourself then budget the better part of a weekend to do it. The most important part is to go slow and give lots of time for the penetrating oil (or whatever you use) to soak in and work it's way down around the ground sleeve.

 

Yeah, excessive amounts of penetrating oil will be necessary for a 100K 04.

 

I have all the tools and do most repairs on my trucks / cars.
BUT this one as I said I'm worried about. Any one in or near Rhode Island have a recomendation for a dealer who is experienced with this?
How about costs?
I'm thinking it might be best to have a dealer do it this time considering the mileage and then I would change them every 20-30K or so.
Thanks

 

thats awesome! now where the heck do i find nickel anti-seize ?? i went to one store, but they want $35 for a can.. i dont need whole can :-) !


Thanks!
YOMAN!

 

Your best bet in RI, is TASCA FORD! They have an excellent Service Dept!........

 

70,000

 

I changed my plugs at 30,000, used nickel anti-seize and I'm thinking about letting mine go to 80,000 before the next change. This is based on reports like this one and someone else on this forum that also had good results with the anti-seize. Looks like the close tolerance of the plug hole is being filled up by the A.S. instead of carbon deposits and allowing the plug to be extracted much easier.