I am in the process of changing a bad head gasket on my 97 4.6 windsor. I couldn't help but notice that the head only has about 6 threads to hold the spark plug in an aluminum head. This is certainly very light. No wonder the plugs have problems. Always use some anti-seize on the plugs and start by hand without a rachet to make sure they never cross thread. I would change the plugs often to insure that they don't seize to the heads. I sure hope later versions of the 4.6 heads are better.

 

I know, hey, I gottuh question 4 yuh - Ahh, I'll just PM yuh ..

 

I'll fan the flames. Richard D, do any bold letters above stick out to you???

That to me is grounds for bashin. Some of us wouldn't even concider the leap to the dark side.

Whomever decided that a spark plug should run 100k miles was on crack. Any maint. concious person would know that. My four six spits the #1 plug out EVERY 60K miles. Not before that. I put a new set of plugs and wires on it and go another 60K.

So, flame away.........

 

I stand corrected. I looked at that post three times and for the life of me did not see that. Maybe it was the way it was abbreviated. It is also very evident that the guy is struggling with that as he barely typed it out.

No flames needed. And bashing people doesnt help. All it may do is turn a once Ford person to say screw Ford and those of you that like Fords your A-Holes. I do not like seeing that done as it does not help the members. In my book there is no such thing as a dumb question no matter how many times it has been asked or answered. We were all newbs and all asked questions at some point which is how we all came to learn.

And although i myself happen to own a Chevy Monte Carlo I certainly would never ever consider buying one of there trucks. My Monte Carlo was given to me by my grandfather so it has sentimental value to me.

I was raised in a Chevy family and one of my grandfathers worked his whole life as a GM body and fender man so GM runs strong in my family. So needless to say when i made the choice to go Ford a few eyebrows were raised. One of my uncles finally learned about 15 years ago and also starting buying Ford Trucks and vehicles.

Like i said no matter what the issue ford has had or will have I will always buy ford.

 

The smiley "Correspondence Filter" results -

 

Actually, the use of antiseize on the plugs in these short thread heads is NOT recommended. They will just loosen and blow out easier.

For the record, my factory plugs made it to 82k just fine - and that's miles, not kms. Factory recommendation is a plug change every 100k *miles* when you use the recommended OEM Motorcraft platinums.

 

They'll have to tear the ignition key out of my cold dead hands to get it. I bleed Ford blue. The 2 things I got from GM was a paycheck to pay for my Fords and the lasting memory of working there(every time I use a back and shoulder muscle. Don't want a Ford buy a Dodge or a Toyota.

 

My plugs in the Expy are coming up to the 80K mark. They haven't been changed since new. But I probably will get them done this spring. ( taking it to Ford to save myself the bleeding knuckles ).

I kinda find it ironic that when it comes to the "which oil should I use" threads some will live and die by what Ford recommends.

To the OP, sorry to hear about your troubles. Both of my 5.4's so far have been good. ( except for leaky headgasket on the truck ). It only seems people who seem to see this as a small problem have never had it happen to them, or have the time and mechanical apptitude to fix it themselves. IMHO

 

Well, I can agree with you about owning a Chevy. If you are to talk about pre 1985 builds, I am with you 100%. I am not including cars, because, quite frankly they had a great selection of cars to choose from.(and trucks, pre 85)

I believe everyone should own a chevy or a dodge. You have to have the junk to appreciate a owning a FORD . I take it this is why your uncle has converted into a Ford owner for the past 15 years.

I too am a person who bleeds blue. I have a saying on my truck, "FORD is Eatin' Dodges and s---tn' Chevy's and the Yotas are the farts in between!"

 

I am at 118K miles on my stock plugs. Just haven't had time or favorable weather to change them. I do plan to do it this spring. Engine is running great so I am not in a big hurry. I figure I will get some COPs from Gloabal and do them at the same time. I have had the truck since March of 01 and never had any engine troubles.
All makes have their share of issues but I would gladly buy another Ford based on my experiences in the past and with my current truck.
The plugs breaking off problem on the newer 3v motors is the fault of a bad plug design not head. A one piece plug solves that problem.

 

I thought it said to change the plugs @ 60-65,000 in Fords 98 service manual. I just looked at it , - Says 100,000 miles / Change Spark Plugs.

GLC was right damnit. My bad. :o

Norm , hows the mileage? BTW - One guy just reported getting two bad coils from Global. They still have a great record over all.

I dunno, when I pulled my first set of plugs @ 56,000 miles - The electrode was wore and gap had increased. The color was good and it wasn't running bad. I think I'll stick with 50 - 60k on the change-out.

 

I still get about 17 mpg highway. My commute is mostly highway so the truck rarely works very hard.

 

Are those the coils you picked up off of ebay? Reason being I'm thinking I should replace all 8 and start fresh once I get the plugs changed. I was going to search this, but seeing we are on the topic.

 

That's all I get in this one. I'm driving that same model right now. 2001 2wd 5four w/43,000 miles, completly stock. Nice driving truck.

 

Yea , heres the link -

http://search.stores.ebay.com/GLOBAL...271212QQsofpZ0