Successfully completed a spark plug change, but it may not count. It's a 2007 5.4L but with only 30,000 miles. I wanted the plugs out and new ones in with anti-seeze before it got too bad. talking with the designated "plug guy" at the dealership when I bought the plugs, (I was directed to him when I bought the plugs to make sure I knew what I was getting into) he says that he tries to unofficially get everyone he can to come back after treating half a tank of gas with seafoam. He claims 100% success rate with seafoam and an overnight soak. I told him I had the seafoam in already. I also had bought the one-piece spark plug socket/extension so I didn't have to fish out a socket when I was pulling the plugs. $18 well spent. The process went like this:
I intended on cracking the plugs 1/4 turn for the soak process but when I went to do so, the plugs came right out. HOWEVER, I was using a torq wrench set at 30 ft/lbs and it took 7-8 cracks at it for the plug to turn at all. There was a loud crack when each one let go of it's initial grip and then was pretty much finger tight. I actually had the torq wrench set to 15ft/lbs for the rest of the removal once I had the 1/4 turn done to each plug. Each time the plug let go, the noise sounded like it had broken, very nerve racking!
The sleeves of the plugs have a fine coating of tan like what you would find on a normal ceramic insulator of a normal plug, no deposites. Have been running either BP or Shell gas 100% of the time though.

 

Congratulations! I do think running a fuel with a good detergent makes a difference. Mine came out at 65,500.

 

I wish I was that lucky. Might try the Seafoam.

 

This is great insight. Not only does it reduce the risk of broken plugs, but with the potential cost savings your use of Seafoam can be considered free.

 

i like the torque wrench idea, i think im going to use that...

 

Can't take credit for that one, the "plug guy" at the dealership recommended it. I like the service department at Beach Ford in Virginia Beach, lots of free advice on doing things.

 

Funny, I called Beach,Barton,Kimnach and Cavalier yesterday to get prices on plug change on my 04 with 97k. The service guy at Beach was a idiot. He obviously knew nothing about the plug issue. Was thinking about doing it myself but chickened out.

 

go in to Beach, talk to the dark haired service manager who's desk is just to the left of the reception desk. the guy he took me to is just inside the actual "doing the service part" to the left of where you go into that portion. Like most places who do business, they have more time for the guy on the foor vice the guy on the phone. they spent about 15 minutes talking plugs to me and they knew I wasn't even going to pay their place to do the work.