Ok, so I've read several posts about the plugs in the 5.4 L 3V engine and I'm wondering if I should just go ahead as swap them out now (at 18k) rather than wait till I have 100,000 miles.

I guess the question is are they less likely to break while they are still newer? Does the problem occur in all year models or is it just the 04's?

Possibly relavent info: I have an 05 with the 5.4

 

I have an 04 5.4 with 90,000 miles and I think I am in need of new plugs. I am wondering if the removal problem has been solved. Hopefully you will get some feedback as I need HELP!

 

Try using the search feature to pull up one of many posts discussing this.

There are threads here, the '04 section & the Chips section. Lots of 'em LOL!

The problem is not 'solved' - as in the root cause still exists even in '07 trucks - but there is a TSB & methodology to remove the plugs with minimal risk IF it's followed precisely.

With 90,000 they are overdue to come out.

Doing it yourself, or taking it in? If the latter, find a dealer who will give you assurance in writing that if they pecker one or more upon removal they will absorb any costs.

 

I hope everyone on here who are near 100k on their 5.4 3v will chime in when they have their plugs changed. I'm still debating waiting as "recommended" by the lovely Ford Stealerships. I guarantee you this, I'm not letting the Ford Stealership change them out unless I get a written guarantee they will compensate for any damages. If they refuse, it's going to get real nasty there and Ford will hear from me in no light term. I hope others will do the same......

 

Tough call, I myself changed mine at roughly 90 000 miles and no problem. I use to wash the engine, so a bit of water had rusted some, but really not bad. This is an 2000 engine mind you. I would have the stealership do it, pay them and I'll bet alot but if it breaks, their fault. I dunno if I'd talk to them first making them aware you are aware there might be a problem and thus pawning the burden on them knowingly. But maybe call and ask maybe annonomously just to see the exact protocol. If you're screwed either way, do them yourself and save a few bucks on labor if nothing else. Good luck in either case.

 

I have 47,000 on mine, planning on going to 80,000 or 90,000 and letting the dealer do it. The service manager at my dealer recommended that I not do the plugs at 30,000 when I asked, said if they broke it, they would fix it.

 

Have you priced the 3V plugs yet and the labor too.....................

At only 18K that's the least thing I'd worry about You got at least 8 more years to go and by then you may be ready for a new truck anyways. If it ain't broke don't fix it

 

Holy Crap what a headache - Whats goin on , why don't you guys change the plugs yourselves @ around 60,000 (that's recommended) ???

Whats with all the milage variations (18,000 - 90,000 ) Plugs don't start to go south until about 60k.

So far an 04 and an 05 has changed there plugs here , in the drive at the time - I had the shop tied up

But yeah , no problems - you need that 9/16 F150 socket tho , Carquest carries them .

Those trucks were done before I seen the TSB - both motors were cold - still , no problems, but get that socket for sure

 

Hell - I'm takin' my truck to you. Just keep away with that spray bottle LOL!

Worth the drive just for the entertainment

Cheers
bubba

 

For the 3v, Ford recommends 100,000 on the plugs but many are concerned about them not coming out without breaking off in the head, due to the buildup on the extention. Do a search on the subject, many horror stories where dealer charged $1200 to remove a head. As an attempted solution, some change them early.

 

An early removal (soon after buying the vehicle) to apply the TSB-specified anti-sieze to the sleeve only & reinstall is a good idea in general, just for peace of mind and less chance of breakage whenever they are actually changed.

This is also advice I've seen for the 2V (the three threaded heads) - in those engines, to apply anti-size to the threads & retorque properly, since the factory robots tended to install them too tightly.

For the former - to keep them from breaking. For the latter, to keep them from spitting out ;-))

 

Dadgummit! We agree on something else! Ruined my day.

 

This better not become a habit.

 

Ford also says - burning a court of oil within 900 miles is normal

There isn't a set of plugs made that I would let go that far (100,000 miles )


I couldn't do that to my truck...