what if we all go over to the national highway safety site and file a complaint.........

 

Not so fast. If that 2003 was built in 2002 BEFORE the upgraded heads were produced then it's the same old song and dance.
What's the build date on that engine?

I think FORD should warranty the plug launch problem to 100K
That's my opinion.

 

but since only 5000 lightnings are made a year, and the 03's are unaffected, i think they should do this. they could get away with just doing lightnings saying that the increased pressure neccesatates added threads, that way they wouldnt have to do the regular f-150's, navigators, etc. and they could do it on a voluntary basis. say 5k lightnings made a year, 4 bad years, 20k vehicles tops

That will never happen. Talk about a lawsuit waiting to happen. Think how the above scenario plays out:

Ford admits they have a problem with the heads, but will only replace them on a select few (Lightnings), and let the rest (majority) of the 5.4's to deal with it on their own.

It's nice of you to think about the rest of the Ford community that has experienced this problem. It's sad to see so many of these 5.4's have problems with plugs. It just doesn't seem to be any real common denominator to it also, which makes it even more frustrating.

 

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

anyone who has had this happen, or knows someone, go file a complaint here. If there are enough complaints, it will be investigated. This is where the ball got rolling as far as the intercooler problem on the 99-00's . Spread the word. It's worth a shot. Even if ford agrees to warrenty the issue for an extended period of time or something. This hasn't happened to me and I hope it doesn't, but having to check your plugs on a monthly basis is rediculous.

 

thanks, and I bet you would be the first one to object if only the Navi's got replacement heads? "oh wait I can't accept those new heads unless you replace all the lightning and regular F-150 heads first" right? please, get over it

 

are u saying that the 03s have better heads and are less likely to have this problem? if so should i get an 03 over an earlier model???

 

please, get over it

Geez, chill. Who gave you a wedgie to make you so irritable? Not to flame you, but your idea wasn't very well thought out and even less likely to happen. I would have never suggested that only Navis get replacement heads. Let's not make this into a big deal, ok. There are way more problems to deal with than arguing over who Ford should provide replacement heads to. Good luck to you in the future.

 

I'm just PO, i can barely afford my truck, I always wanted one ever since i saw my first one. I don't need to think about poping plugs everytime I go to get milk in the truck, or worse yet what if someone else is driving my truck when it happens. I bought the truck to be a fast nice RELIABLE ride. which it would be if not for for the plugs. about my "recall" idea, I honestly dont think that could ever possible happen, i was just thinking out loud, I even said in my later post that i was just dreaming about having a virtually problem free truck. it seems that the plug thing is getting worse and worse i just keep hearing about more every week and its freaking me out, modded or not. I am now afraid to go on long rides with my truck. sorry if i offended you by saying that only the lightnings should be recalled, i just hear about more lightnings than Navi's blowing plugs. this is supposed to one of fords flagship vehicles and it almost is. we all have our bad days

 

No problem wkuper11. We all have our moments. The blowing out plugs isn't a pleasant experience, but don't let it keep you from enjoying your truck. The percentages are still way in your favor that you won't have this problem. Good advice would be to occassionally check the tightness of the plugs and you reduce your risk even further. Have a good one.

 

Damn...

Theres not much I can say to console you.

Just be glad you are not looking at an 8-9 grand engine repair job.

Ford should fix it...but that's how I think...

In the real world things are greyer and Ford blue is phase shifting......I am sad..truely.


Best wishes, I care guarntee you Absolutley, positively definately,
Most assurredly and with out a doubt most likely have possible warranty cover.

 

Guess what..recently...Ford has raised the longevity and or duration for remanufactured parts to 3600/36 months. It was 24000/24 months. Could it be Ford has more faith in recent quality than near , recent quality.

If you have the first ..you may be the last..

In line.

 

isn't the navi head a 4v set up??? And they are blowing plugs??? If these dohc head are similar to the cobra's, have their been any cobra issues

 

Tallimeca,

The Navigators have the regular heads on 98' and early 99' model 5.4's. They changed over in mid 99' to the 4v head and upped the horsepower to 300hp. I don't know if the design is any different, but haven't really heard any documented stories of Navigators spitting out plugs (knock on wood).