Nothing like wallering out those threaded spark plug holes! I wonder how much galled up aluminum will come out with the plug on a fouled one.

 

I just dont see enough of this oil getting past the threads and shaft to make a difference. But I would expect this type of ghetto advice from Ford, this isnt a real solution to the problem though. Are they in the process of a resigned head or spark plug or just going to keep making defective products? I seriously doubt I will be buying a new Ford again, this one has been a complete dissappointment.

 

How many other SA people are on this forum? I just found it yesterday and already find it helpful.

 

Welcome to the best F150 site in the world. You need to go to the Regional Forums section and click on South to find the rest of the Texans.

 

I will probably keep mine in until 70K miles. Take it into Ford and pay the $500 and have them do it. They breakem, hey fixem. Not really a bad price considering the plugs and socket is $100 or so by themselves. Plus the dealer will do the carbon cleaning.

Brian

 

Unfortunately I was unaware of this issue when I went in to have my plugs replaced at 90K miles on my 2004 fx4 at the dealer. The dealer broke all 8 plugs, and then informed me that they have not been able to change plugs on a single 2004 or 2005 in this mileage range without them breaking. Funny they didn't mention that before they broke mine off.

So the dealer says it is Ford's problem and they will not pay to replace the head. The dealers Ford rep said it was the dealer's problem, and they don't cover maintenance parts. Bottom line I was told I can pay $3700 to fix it, or pay $400 for work already done and have a tow truck pick up my vehicle. If I want the repair paid for I can "get a lawyer and meet them in court".

Obviously I have no good options. Fighting in court would cost more than the repair, and they know it. I can assure you that once this is repaired I will be selling this truck and not buying Ford again. I understand that this defect could happen to any brand, but the way Ford and the dealer has treated me is horrible. I went in for an oil change, got talked into changing the plugs, and then will end up paying almost $4000 I don't have for the trouble.

I'm not sure what Ford and their dealers plan to do about this in the future. They sold alot of F150s in 2004 and 2005 and in a few years most of those will be coming in for plug changes. Do they just plan to pretend this problem doesn't exist and screw every customer?

 

Ouch. Sorry. Nothing like spending $25-30k on a vehicle not knowing about a $2-4k "hidden-adjustment" you have waiting for you. Mr. Piazza was a smart bastard for selling this turd to me. I thought he dropped the price cause he liked me, not because he felt bad.

 

I would give them what they ask for...a lawsuit....don't let them bully you into them not covering it. If I take a vehicle in for service and they put a scratch across my hood, guess who is gonna pay for it? It sure won't be me. I would call them on their bullying tactics, contact the owner of the dealership and then send a certified letter to Ford customer relations, Ford CEO, and any other top official in the company. I would make sure that I included documentation that the dealer refused to fix what they tore up. People like this need to be put in prison or shot. This is nothin but theft in my book. Personally I think they should be took out back an shot. But I am always a little harse in my thinking.

Try taking the dealer to small claims court. This is for law suits under 5K and I think the cost is minimal on your part. You could also try and contact your local news and radio stations. I am sure this is a topic they would like to run. Having bad publicity such as this broadcast to thousands (or millions depending on where you live) would definitely hit them in the back pocket much more than the 3700 they are trying to get from you. Fight fire with fire.

 

Do the 2006 also have the same problem?

 

Dealer breaks all 8 plugs while working on a truck with a known issue and you don't think you can win in court. Tell you what........sell me your truck and I'll sue the dealer!! All you have to do is file the papers and they'll settle so fast it will make your head spin.

 

Especially if they didn't follow Ford's TSB on how to remove them without breaking them.

You don't need to pull the heads either......Ford has a tool to remove the broken plugs.

Sounds like this dealer needs to get up to speed on current events.

 

I think the pulling of the heads is a result of them breaking off the porcelain insulator inside the shield. Ford has no procedure for getting the stuck insulator out if it breaks inside the shield and the removal tool only work for removing the metal shield.

however, having just experienced this exact issue myself. My solution was to chisel out the insulator with a long center punch while using a vacuum with a small piece of hose to catch the porcelain chips. It is tedious and time consuming but a whole lot easier and cheaper than pulling the heads and you only have to chisel out just enough to get four or five turns with the tap.

 

You know, I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed, but you'd think after breaking the first one, maybe the second one, they'd know to stop, back up and punt - advise you before trying to remove any other plugs that more may break upon removal. At least that's what I'd do.

I think they screwed up after the first one broke. They should have stopped right there and got in contact with you before continuing.

 

Here is the last page of the 04-06 5.4 3V TSB 06-5-9. It clearly states that you are covered under the standard warranty so get those 04-06 turds into the dealer asap for a plug change or you will be SOL just like ff150fx4drvr.
Sorry man, I feel your pain, I got hosed with the infamous 97-03 plug blowout at 70,000 mi after a dealer changed and stripped my plugs.

 

Search the forum for the TSB on 5.4l 3V engine plug changes. You must
have a warm engine;use a thread lubricant;and put anti-sieze compound on the electrode shield. The TSB covers this in detail.