Svc Manager just called back. This is what he said. "I really did not know a lot about this so I talked to our two best engine guys. They are familar with the TSB and we have the tool to extract a plug should it break. My techs tell me they have serviced 3 of the engines in the last month and the plug changes went off without a problem - they have never broken a plug. They go slow and follow the steps of the TSB."

"If you want to schedule an appointment to have the plugs changed and something does happen and it takes us a little more time to pull the plug, I don't mind absorbing that cost. If we have to take the heads off, I'll work with you as well but we can't absorb that entire cost."

I usually have my plugs changed at 60K miles regardless of the the owners manual says, the service manager and technician - he put him on the phone -agreed that 60K is time for new plugs. I think I'm going to sit on the sideline a while and see what develops.

 

I see in the tsb where is says to install anti seize when new plugs are installed but I dont see anything about every 30,000 miles.

Henry

 

Interesting the dealership is saying change the plugs at 60k miles.

 

First off, I want to say WELCOME HENRY! Glad to have you on here.

Secondly, I just finished reading the entire FORD FACTORY WARRANTY.

Your plugs, as stated by a few members, are only covered under the warranty, IF THEY FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY. Kinda like saying, "If it ain't broke, Don't fix it." I do agree that the issue of the plugs sticking in the head needs to be addressed. But, the way the warranty is worded Ford is covered unless the plugs FAIL. They are, IMHO, liable for the flaw in design. Along with Honeywell for producing this plug.

You can hopefully get around this problem by ordering a special design plug for your motor. Be cautious, that may and will void your warranty as well. Is states that if the NON FORD part is not APPROVED BY FORD OR THE EPA FOR ON ROAD USE, IT WILL VOID SAID WARRANTY.

I knew about this problem and yet it still didn't deter me from buying a new FORD. It is being built as we speak. To all of the new purchasers out there reading this, YOU KNOW THE PROBLEMS, IT IS UP TO YOU TO GET AHEAD OF THE PROBLEM. If this does include, anually antisiezing your plugs, SO BE IT! That is an insurance policy.

As for a plug lasting 100k miles, well, the most I have ever got out of a motorcraft plug was 60k. *(edited for a cry baby that takes everything to heart)*

Personally, I don't mind "HANGIN MORE PARTS ON" for peace of mind!

 

Stupid is as stupid does.

(since i KNOW you responded to a factual comment about two real world vehicles in that other thread I'll assume you aimed that at me)

frankly if I was buying a new fullsize truck, it'd be a GMC product straight up. Way better warranty. I believe you get way better value as well.

and yes, I still have my 98 F-150 and enjoy it.

 

The service manger I talked to a month or so ago said the following:

1. He recommended to change the plugs at no more than 50-60k miles due to the possibility of them breaking the longer you go.

2. In the case that any break one of two things will happen. If the truck is still in the 3yr/36month warranty I will not have to pay a penny more and dealer will settle any additional costs with Ford. If the truck is out of warranty the service manager said I will more than likely will have to pay some additional but not much and the amount would depend on milage.

3. They have had several come in for plug changes and so far they have not had a problem getting the plugs out with anything less than 60 to 70k miles.

4. He also mentioned that Ford is trying to improve their quailty and service image in the public eye in hopes of getting return business. He said that this is why he'll have no problems getting Ford to pick up the tab as long as it is in warranty and Ford picking up the majority of the tab if it is out of warranty.

I currently have 33k miles on the truck and will be getting the plugs changed out in the next month or 2 before my warranty runs out. I'm trying to put it off until the new champion plugs come out. But either way I think that I have a service manager that is on my side and go to bat for me if any due break. Unless he is just blowing smoke.

 

Considering what else we have seen, I think your dealer is being fair. It's not likely the heads will have to come off if they are competent, follow the TSB, and take care and time - if one should break anyway the extractor tool should take care of it.

You are serving yourself very well by openly and politely discussing this issue with them BEFORE you take it in.

 

Here is a little refresher for you to see if your facts are really as lined out as you think they are.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...=320925&page=3

Refer to post #41 and see if that indeed is my user name or not.

Thanks for the rude comment anyways. True integrity was not lost at all I fear.

 

I KNOW what I posted, duh.

I know what you said in this thread about me. You just reconfirmed it.

All I did in that thread, as I said, was that for plug maintenance, the toyota 4.7L engine in my 4-runner is FACTUALLY much easier than the 98, 4.6L F-150 I also own. You got a problem with that?


I stand by the forrest gump comment....

 

GLC- I agree with you and the svc mgr. He's in a tough spot and he openly admitted it if a plug should break, that's why he said he would pick up the time it takes to extract.

I feel a little better after speaking to him. I often wonder if the OP who had the dealer tell him to come take his truck or pay $3,500 to pull the heads - if that tech knew about the TSB and how to pull the plugs.

My truck has 48.5K on it and I'm closing in fast on my 60K limit on plugs. I'm going in at or before 60K and going to trust in the service manager. After all this is really all we can do - forge the relationship and express concerns before something happens. By opening a dialog I can determine if I have a reasonable service manager or if I need to look to another dealer for this service prior to taking in the truck.

 

 

I think this part is very important. If you are a regular customer (just like any other buisness) they are goin going to be more willing to work with you. If you are some shmuck that tried to change his own plugs then half way breaks one and tries to take it to ford and have them bite the bullit (like someone on this board suggested) then you are not going to get anywhere. Just my 2 cents.