So, I've narrowed my misfire to being on #3. I pull off the Coil-Over-Plug (a dumb idea), put the 5/8 plug socket and extension down in there.... And I can't get the socket deep enough to go around the nut-part. To make sure I'm not overly stupid, I pull out #1- works just fine, goes down deep enough, you can feel the "pop" where the boot on the socket goes over the plug, and gets around the "nut" of the plug, and booya- plug's out. For some odd reason, with #3 the socket cant get deep enough. I've heard alot about dirt getting stuck down inside them, and this is my theory as to why it's stopping, probably dirt. I don't have an air compressor, and the shop-vac did nothing... Ideas?

Oh, and... As a lot of you probably know (not sure how this is on the 5.4, I've got a 4.6...), I cannot physically see into #3 because Ford mad the holes flat out GOOFY.

 

Make certain that part of the "boot" isn't still on the plug.
See if you can get a light and mirror there to see down the hole.
Get a small tool, like a dentist pick or similar. Poke down the hole and see what is going on.
To bad about no air. You could also try the compressed air in the rattle type cans they sell for computers. OR find someone with an air tank for airing up tires and use that to blow out the hole.

Good luck.

 

It is actually not recommended to replace a vertical plug until you have used compressed air to clean out the plug chamber. Any dirt or debris will fall directly into the engine. Think of what a grain of sand will do. Just one grain.

If no air is available, dental pic or the like and a shop vac.

 

Just did a tune-up on my recently purchased '97 w/4.6L. Found a small bolt, M5 X 3/4" long RIGHT NEXT TO #6 SPARK PLUG HOLE. Frigg around in there with a small telescopic magnet, who knows what you'll find. Pretty f'n lucky you didn't get the plug out yet, 'cause guaranteed whatever's in there will make the big drop onto the piston.

 

Had the same problem recently, only with my 97 4.6l. Had a miss on #7, and could not get the plug socket over the plug hex. Long story short: a tiny piece of gravel was wedged between the head wall and the plug hex land, and air wouldn't blow it out. Finally, I lined up the plug socket and tapped the end of the 12" extension with a hammer. That broke the piece of gravel and allowed the plug socket to seat over the plug.. Then blew out the plug well and pulled it.

I curse Ford every time I pull these plugs.