Originally Posted by RacingJake

OK guys, I've read 10, 11, and 14 foot pounds for sparkplugs, which one is it for a 02 5.4 motor. Don't tell me to check the book cause I don't have one that's what you guys are for

Originally Posted by Superchips_Distributor

Personally, I think it's a good idea for everyone that buys one of these trucks (or any other FoMoCo vehicle with a modular engine) to right away, remove the spark plugs, check them, and apply some anti-seize to the threads, and then properly reinstall them so that you don't have these kinds of problems later on.

I just feel that it's always a good idea to pull the plugs on any Ford modular engine very soon after buying the vehicle (especially these 3-valve motors), put a dab of anti-seize on the threads, and then *properly* re-install the plugs with the correct amount of torque/tightness. And since you can't reasonably get a torque wrench on every one, the way we do it is to take the spark plug socket & extension and tighten the spark plug as tight as we can get it BY HAND - WITHOUT the ratchet - and then connect the ratchet and give it 1/8th additional turn. That does the trick for these aluminum cylinder head modular motors, and won't over-tighten them.

Remember, from the factory these spark plugs are generally installed by robots, and in a lot of cases do get over-tightened - which is precisely why the half-thread cylinder heads are more prone to spit out spark plugs, though the 2003 & up full-thread heads have done it once in a while, too. They are over-tightened, either from the factory or form someone replacing them later on (happens more in Lightnings that get lots of mods simply because they tend to get more spark plug changes), and then over time, with enough thermal expansion & contraction cycles from heating & cooling, the threads distort, then the plug loosens up, and then it spits the plug out. I think we'll see a LOT less of that on 3-valve motors, of course, this happens mostly in 2002 & earlier modular motors with the half-thread (4 threads instead of 8) plug bore design.

... put a dab of anti-seize on the threads (because you have aluminum cylinder heads), and then reinstall them as I described above, and you should be OK.

Originally Posted by Faster150

snug it then 1/4 turn... DONT use anti seize or the plug will blow out. its like greasing a bolt... yeh it goes in eas but it also comes out easy on its own eventually.. and with plugs once its loose it will fire out of there... u dont need anti seize... if ur plugs are corroding u need to change them anyways.

Originally Posted by Quintin

I don't use anti seize, and I "torque" 'em by running the plug down 'till it bottoms out, and going another 1/8 turn or so.

I changed the plugs in my '97 5.4 liter and used anti seize and the same torque method as I described above. 40Kish miles later, #3 popped out. I stopped using anti seize on all of them I do at work, no problems thus far with hundreds of plugs installed. YMMV.

Originally Posted by MGDfan

Hi Quintin.

I knew that Ford recommends no anti-sieze on the 5.4 3V reinstalls, but on the previous years I was told it was needed.

I did that (anti-sieze) on my previous truck, and never had a problem.

This whole anti-sieze issue is confusing, as the procedure is designed to prevent seizure between two dissimilar metals. Some spark plug manufacturers even specify it's use for their plugs ( e.g. Denso).

What's the story from Ford on this? I'd like to know their rationale.

Thanks

Cheers
Bubba

Originally Posted by Quintin

I think Ford's official stance is no on anti seize, but I can't find any official documentation about it. On the 3V, they do recommend a dab of anti seize on the threads and on the insert portion of the plug that goes into the cylinder head.

Originally Posted by Quintin

I don't use anti seize, and I "torque" 'em by running the plug down 'till it bottoms out, and going another 1/8 turn or so.

I changed the plugs in my '97 5.4 liter and used anti seize and the same torque method as I described above. 40Kish miles later, #3 popped out. I stopped using anti seize on all of them I do at work, no problems thus far with hundreds of plugs installed. YMMV.

Originally Posted by MGDfan

As usual, peabrain, you are full of chit.

If one were to choose between Mike Troyer's advice and yours, it would simply be NO contest. Having said that, if anyone persists in following your 'advice', they're peckered.

A waste of this planet's air, electrons, and your daddy's tuition money.

Good grief.

Originally Posted by Patman03SprCrw

and quintin knows his stuff. He actually works on these trucks, not a tuner like Mike, but a (i believe) master certified technician at a ford dealship.
-Patrick