Since I knew I needed new spark plugs (100K and a really bad misfire at 1200 to 1800 RPM) I read every thread I could find and watched a lot of youtube videos on successful plug swaps. Best advice I found was to run at least 2 bottles of Techron before attempting the plug change. I ran 2 bottles and 25 gallons of gas, put about 330 miles on the truck. It actually did help with the misfire but it was still there. Picked up 8 new Motorcraft SP 515 spark plugs and new plug boots this morning, took my sister to work and waited for my buddy to open his shop. He had the right spark plug socket and the Lisle tool in case one broke. After talking crap a bit we settled on a price. $70 and a helping hand. I couldn't beat that anywhere. We even used some of my HF tools. He's a little guy with small hands so it was a lot easier for him to get to the plugs. He didn't remove the air filter box or the computer. Just dove right in. I mentioned using the 3/8 impact but he just laughed. All he said was "I got this". No carb cleaner, no PB blaster or anything. He told me: "the secret is to do it by feel, trust me" To be honest I was skeptical, but if he broke one he had the tool so on with it.

The first one came out without a problem.


You can see where the Techron didn't reach the carbon all the way up, its still dark black. Here is a new redesigned plug next to the original, notice how bad the electrode wore out.



The next 2 he loosened a 1/4 turn then tightened it back up. Loosened it again and just kept going. They both came out screeching the whole way out. The last one on the passengers side was a lot harder, I thought for sure it would break. He took his time, worked it back and forth then he said: "Oh crap!... just kidding", and took out the last plug. I damn near pooped myself. That plug alone was worth the $70 I payed him.

Half way there.



The first 3 plugs on the driver side were pretty much the same as the 3 others, a little back and forth and they came out screeching. The last one was a bit harder but he took it out. No breaks.




All the new plugs got nickel anti seize and new boots. Drove it to the bank, got his cash and drove back. Truck was a whole other animal! More power and smoother acceleration. It was like driving a new truck home. No hesitation or misfire whatsoever.

 

Awesome! AMazing how they degrade over time and you just get used to it I have 38k on my second set (Changed at 56k)

 

Good job. That is always a relief to get it done.

 

Yeah, I do believe the Techron played a big part in it.

 

Good job! How many miles?

 

100K and I had a really bad misfire at 1200 to 1800 RPM.

 

Getting ready to do this myself, 05 with 98K on it. Didn't think about the Techron though. I read a coupe of posts on this, in one the guy ran the truck to get it warm (not hot) then pulled one side of plugs and put new ones in, then ran the truck again to warm it back up, then pulled the other side, he reported no breakage.

Also have read other post that recommends PB blaster on it for a couple of days.

I think I will go with the triple threat, Techron, PB blaster and keeping the engine warm, who knows? My luck all 8 will break....

 

You owe your buddy a case of his favorite beer also! Good job!

 

Congrats.... you saved a ton of money !
About how much do you think you spent on the entire job ? (With the treatment ) did you put new fuel filters in? Glade it worked out for you

 

What is the best plug to run in my 04 F-150 5.4 3V?? I just bought this truck and it has 210K on it. What are the issues with the plugs on these trucks? All help appreciated! Mine has a slight miss at idle but runs strong above idle so I was thinking plugs? (No check engine light) Thanks, Kenny.

 

Motorcraft SP515. As to issues, use the search button, select Advanced Search and enter spark plug. You will get lots to read.

Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup

 

$190 including the 2 bottles of Techron. No fuel filter.

 

That's awesome! I am getting close to the mileage when I will need to do mine. Not looking forward to it.

I am planning on doing the Techron, PB-blaster, and warm engine thing as well... Plus do the fuel filter, and service the K&N at the same time... Good thing this isn't my daily driver, or I would have to rush it... What can I say, I work slow, but I get things done...

 

Do it when you are also due for an oil change, and change it when you are done.

 

Thanks for the reminder... I need to see if I can find any coupons / sale prices on Mobil1. The Royal Purple was nice, but they were just getting too expensive for my budget...