I actually used a long extension as a stethoscope, with the engine running I put one end on the coil and the other end in my ear and listen for compression seeping by. You will hear the difference in a cylinder with a loose plug. I've had 3 spark plug blowouts, 2 of them on the original heads, 1 on my re manufactured heads. The latest blow out I'm still very upset over, I torqued all the plugs to 28 ft/lbs and I only had 15k miles on them when it spit out. Needless to say, this truck is going bye bye and it'll be the last 5.4 2V I own. I'm switching to a Navigator with a 5.4 4V

 

I blew #2 as well. My 99 has just over 100,000 miles, so I don't feel so bad about it now. Probably due to too much abuse early in its life!

 

I blew #6 on my 03 5.4. Motor has 73,000 miles. Replaced all 8.

 

Hey guys, Mine blew out in the begging of 2010, Fixed it with a quick tap and Steel helicoil i got from napa. Anyways, I was wondering if there was any way to get to all 8 plugs without pulling the cab? And if i do pull the cab, How hard is it? I'd amagine there's alot of un-plugging and un-bolting, But i've been looking into a 3in cab lift for awhile now so maybe it would work out perfect. I just wanna know what im gunna be up against, And any trouble i may run into along the way. I have a 97 extended cab 4X4, Thanks guys!

 

I had my number 7 blow. This sure is a crappy situation.

 

My 04 had the worst one go... #4.

 

proof that regardless of how many threads are in the heads, improper torque will cause 'em to eject every time...

 

Cylinder 3 blew on my 5.4 a couple of weeks ago at 240K miles, ordered Time-sert kit today, that is my project for next w/e. Fortunately it's not my primary vehicle any more.