Good question. AND good point. I bought the Premium Care Package and I do know that wear and tear items are not covered and that would include spark plugs. However, I would tend to believe that head damage caused my an inexperienced tech would be covered. Now, proving that is another issue. Given the above statements, the truck is a Certified Pre-Owned Ford and therefore has undergone a 150+ point inspection...if they now tell me there is an issue (given I've not taken delivery) then, I'll tell them it was a pre-exsisting issue.

 

May want to have them check if any plug-related TSB's were applied - the WDS/IDS system will have that info - some 04's got upgraded plugs to cure a driveability issue (wrong heat-range installed at the factory) A valid way to get a plug change - some folks here did that. Just a thought.

 

Thanks MGDfan. What is this WDS/IDS system? The system the service managers use to find out which VIN number had a certain service? From what I can tell, the truck has a build date of early '04 model year.
I may have to drive to the dealer tomorrow to find the exact month and year.

 

WDS is Ford's global vehicle information system - whenever you go in for service or a warranty claim (or claim denial due to a mod), they enter that into the system. It's in there for good. It's been replaced by IDS ( see below link).

It will also have info on TSB's,pending recalls not fulfilled, PCM flash updates, etc.

Details: http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...s&menuIndex1=8

Good luck.

 

Thanks again MGDfan... Am I barking up the wrong tree by buying this 2004 F-150 FX4 5.4L with 49000 miles? A friend of mine just had both of his heads repaced on his 2003 F-250 5.4L 4X4 (bought new) because the engine shot out a spark plug. Should I be looking at a newer used model?

 

This really makes me appreciate my 1987 Mustang GT Convertible with its EEC IV computer system. Holy crap, what am I getting myself into. I'd rather buy a 1997 F-150 and swap in a Mustang motor.

 

Jeez, bud, that's a tough call. It's no secret that some /most of the initial 'year 1' issues were addressed in the newer models, but on the 5.4 3V, the plug issues remain.

If you like the truck, and it's been maintained properly, and you have confidence in the dealer/service department, and the price is right, you may be okay. There are no guarantees of course.

good luck.


MGD

 

All true points. That's why I haven't taken delivery yet. I want them to do all the 'normal' maintenance on the truck before I take it home....and that should include a plug change. They will have it in their record that THEY did the plug change and therefore performed the change given the correct procedure. I'm 34 years old and have been performing all my own maintenace since I was 15 years old....and doing it the right way....no cheap parts...do it right the first time and you won't have to go back and do it again. Whether it be transmission switches, clutches, rear ends, U-joints, belts, air conditioning, suspension lifts, starters, alternators, radio systems, alarm systems, or just making new a car that wasn't once.
Given this, my wife told me I should treat myself with one of my desires. So here I am.

 

Okay, now y'all got me scared! I am really sorry to hear about your situation madcat and all you other guys as well. What the heck is up with these spark plugs either breaking or not wanting to come out?! My babe is only 3 weeks old so when should I be getting my plugs changed would you guys suggest? At 35,000mi or what? Please fill a brother in!!

 

Good for you KJ, sounds like you deserve it!

 

Personally i dont think its a bad call to buy an 04. Mine had 62k when I bought it, and if I wasnt stupid I wouldnt requested the same thing. However my truck is also a certified truck with that 150+inspection BS. It dont mean jack, sorry to say.

As for getting it done before picking it up, thats a fair request the way I look at it. Good luck and hope it doesnt turnout like mine.
Maybe in 2 days Ill get my truck, a 4hr job turned into a week long misery. If not tomo, sat. for sure I hope. Even though I got tons going on, Id drop it all to get my truck back.

 

Do a search on the subject. There have been many reccomendations and many plans of action. It has been discussed for about 2 years now, so there is lots of info there.

 

dre,

You do have the same heads that use the plug design with the long ground shield that supports the ground strap within the combustion chamber. There is a very small space between the bore of the cylinder head and the ground strap of the plug. This space allows carbon deposits to accumulate which causes the ground shield to sieze in the bore. When an unsuspecting mechanic attempts to back out the plug, the ground shield separates from the remainder of the plug and remains in the bore. This requires either extraction with a special tool (Rotunda tap and extractor) or complete removal of the head(s) to remove the offending ground shield(s). Ford put out a TSB regarding the plug change and has a technical video showing how to change the plug and how to apply the Rotunda tool if the plug snaps off. A typical plug swap at the dealer is around $400 with no problems. If the dealer takes any shortcuts, the cost escalates rapidly and the owner is responsible for the charges regardless of who caused the breakage.

That said, Ford began applying a small smear of anti-sieze compound at plug installation at the factory. As I understand it, this practice began sometime in the 2006 model year. Theoretically, your truck should have the anti-sieze on the ground shield so extraction is less complicated.

If I were you, I would enjoy the truck and not lose sleep over the plugs. They are what they are. Sometime between 50K and 80K, obtain the TSB that I mentioned and do a careful plug change. I changed mine at 111,000 miles recently (2005 3V 5.4L). Followed most of the TSB to the letter and did not break any plugs. A couple of keys to success include working on a warm motor (I think many dealer service departments choose to skip this step) and using the approved solvent (Kroil or Deep Creep) to dissolve the carbon deposits on the slightly loosened (1/8 turn) plugs for the recommended time (another step that some service departments may skip) to maximize your success.

You have a great truck. Drive it. Enjoy it. Maintain it.

DMAC

P.S. If you have the 4.6L, this is a non-issue.

 

Take heart, Ford should be coming out with a redesigned head that uses conventional plugs.

JMC

 

Yep - you just need to buy a 4.6, or a 2009 to get one

Just replace yer plugs with Brisk and fergit about it


DMAC - dunno what the factory is doing - my 2006 Job 2 came out dry, almost new. I'm still looking for confirmation that this is indeed being applied now, but everyone here who's pulled them on recent trucks have found them to be dry.