Took the dealership route to have my plugs changed out in my 04' SCREW with 54k on it. All but two plugs came out clean. The two that didnt just left the sheilds behind and the dealership said that they were not suppose to charge any extra for the removal.
So for $340 bucks I had new plugs put in and a fuel filter change. She runs like a top now.
What are everyone elses experiences.

 

If you look at the first few pages of this Engines forum, you will find a lot of threads on the 5.4 3V spark plug issues.

 

From two Ford Pickup Websites I have read approx 400 posts regarding the changing of Plugs. I have the full Helms (approx 3½" thick) factory book, plus scads of TSB's and hard copy print outs of "how to" from pro mechanics and advanced home mechanics that recommend Electro grease, bying special tools, semi warming engine, and a few other added features just to change plugs. My overall estimation is that there are pro mechanics who have changed plugs numerous times and never had a broken plug. Then there are a wide middle group that have changed plugs on their 5.4 3v only once and either came out clean, or had a broken plug. Then there are those who got a broken plug the first time they tried to change their own plugs or had a Dealership do it.

In approx the 2004-2006 years Dealerships would not take responsibility for a broken plug, and charge the vehicle owner for changing heads, both heads to insure equal compression.

From all the above, plus having changed plugs like one changes socks on my Ford vehicles for 40 years with no problems and low cost plugs of Champion or AC make I am inclined to give GM, Dodge, or Nissan a good look when I trade up. It is damned foolishness to do a simple plug job that may turn into a partial disaster 50% of the time and a full disaster 10% of the time. What happened to a simple plug change?

I recently changed the fuel filer on my '04 rig. Cost: About $15.00 for the filter. I used to change plugs and filters on my rigs myself, total cost approx $28.00, depending where I purchased my parts. Now Dealers charge over $300.00 for a job that I used to enjoy.

 

It's funny that car companies call that "Progress".........

 

It sucks I know , but the other manufactures have their own set of problems. Plugs Too -

Dodge -

http://www.google.com/search?q=Dodge...e7&rlz=1I7GZAZ

Chevy -

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...gs&btnG=Search

Nissan

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...gs&btnG=Search


Before you come to a Ford site to beat up on the manufacturer and insinuate that another is better , you might want to investigate a little better.

Good Luck with your next ? vehicle.

 

jbrew
I realize there are Ford affectionados who wish to challenge me. However, besides the 40-year line of Fords I have owned, my immediate family have also owned Olds, Chevys, and Hyandais, and I built my own VW Dune Buggy. What the Ford engineers have done with a simply plug problem, and they make much more money than I, is turn a simple replacement procedure into a nightmare. Such a nightmare that it is high risk to the home mechanics who wish to replace what used to be a simple procedure at $1.25 per plug without the risk of a plug breaking. And the risk does exist. And the plugs now cost $8.50 each depending where one buys them. This is progress?

 

Motorcraft replacements plugs are $3.75 a piece. EDIT - That's a 2 valve plug (my bad)

Emissions haven't made it any easier to do a plug change with any make . Sure , it use to be allot easier.

I agree - Ford should fix the plug issue and they will.

When you weigh out what you get from Ford Truck overall compared to other makes with reliability, longevity to name a few - Ford Trucks are still out front as they always have been. Nothings changed there IMO.

If you want to switch , be my guest. You may regret your decision later on.

 

Wow, I wasnt trying to stir up trouble with this post. I am just happy that they are changed. The problem was with the plug design wasnt it? They have changed the plugs so they dont stick now, right?

 

That makes me feel alot better

Thnx