I just thought that I'd share that I did a plug swap on my 06 FX4 today (42,000 miles). I followed the TSB from Ford and had no problems at all, although I was still definitely nervous as I was doing it. Each plug that came out looked pretty good, but it still seems like the truck is running a little smoother than before I started. I had a slight hesitation off idle (taking off at red lights and such) that seems to be gone, so overall I'm very pleased. I just replaced them with the Motorcraft platinum plugs from Ford, and coated the seat of the plug with the anti-sieze, so hopefully that'll last another 50,000 until I change them again. I bought the truck from the original owner at 37,000 miles, and he told me that they had never been swapped out, so I thought I should go ahead and do it before the mileage got too high. Just wanted others to know on the board that all hope isn't lost, and the TSB definitely helps out.

 

Good news!

 

Should be some sort of celebration and fireworks for people who successfully do this on their own...

 

Good idea!





MGD v4.1

 

Glad everything went well for you. I will be changin mine out this summer. We got the same mileage.

 

where can i find a step by step to do this on a 2007 fx4, you tube video woukd be good.

 

Your lucky, good job. my truck has been at the dealer now for the past 3 days, every plug snapped... 110,000mi

 

Awesome job!

 

Thanks for the kind words guys. It was definitely nerve racking after reading all of the horror stories there are out there. I figure though, for every horror story there is, there's probably 100 people that did it or had it done without any trouble. I've always done most of my own work, but I wasn't completely sure on this. However, after talking with the dealer and having them tell me that they didn't guarantee against breaking any, and there still being extra charges if they did, then I thought that I'd might as well try it myself. I just wanted to share for anyone who might think about doing it on their own, and let them know that it's definitely possible.
wacki, not sure on any kind of video, it's not that bad as I didn't have to take anything else off of the truck other than the coil assemblies. The back 2 on the passenger side are definitely tricky to get to, but just take your time and be patient. It took me about 2 hours total to change the plugs, and then change the oil and install a new fuel filter.

 

I'm curious what gasoline brand you typical run in your truck?

 

Im thinking about doing this more and more each time someone has success. How much does it cost to do it yourself like all the plugs and tools required?

 

Who did the job?

 

Great to hear. Let us know any special tips or tricks you used. What penetrating oil did you use? How long did you let it sit, etc...

 

greencrew, I use Shell in it now, but I'm not sure what the previous owner ran in it. I've only owned it for the last 5,000 miles.
mhockey, I've got alot of tools that I've accumulated over the years of working on my own stuff, but it doesn't take alot of stuff for this. You need a 3/8 ratchet and various length extensions, 9/16 deep well socket for the plugs, and a 7mm socket and ratchet(preferably 1/4 inch drive) to remove the coil packs. I spent a little under $70 for the plugs. It seems like they were $8 each from O'Reilly auto parts.
random, I followed the Ford TSB quite closely, with the exception that I didn't buy the actual Ford brand carb cleaner. I did what they suggested by loosening the plugs no more than 1/4 turn each, put about a teaspoon full of carb cleaner in each hole where the plugs are, and let it sit. I ended up letting them sit for 15-20 minutes before I started removing the plugs. I pulled the coil packs when I first got back in from a drive, so the engine was probably 90-100 degrees when I started actually removing the plugs. I believe the TSB says to remove them with the engine at room temperature, but I figured that was close enough at that point. Other than that, no special tips, I just made sure to coat the seats and straps on the new plugs with the anti-sieze when I put them back in. I did go ahead and change the oil after doing this, just to make sure that the oil didn't get contaminated with the carb cleaner.

 

I haven't started pulling the plugs yet.
Had misfire on cyl number 5 changed the coil still misfire.

Started working at the plug so far it moved about 1/16th of an inch...
Have 66k on the truck...

What part number and brand plugs are you using?
Also what kind of carb clean? Some do work better then others.
And if what you used worked for this then that's what I'll use!

I was told that while they don't last as long that Champion plugs are better to replace the old ones because they are made out of differant material then the plats in the truck...

Thanks for the tool break down. that's just what I needed.

My truck is in one place right now and all my tools in another.