changing plugs on an 03

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Old 07-22-2008, 08:15 AM
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changing plugs on an 03

I was wondering if there was any major issues with replacing plugs on an 03 5.4?
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 09:24 AM
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Set aside about 5 hours for your first time. The process is the same for all 97 to 03's. Do a search you will find all the information you need and an article that explains it all very well. My recomendations are that you do not use anti-seize and torque from 7-16 foot pounds (I used 14), use motorcraft plugs only and put lots of dielectric grease in the COP boots from top to bottom. Depending on your build date for your 03 you may or may not have the updated heads with more threads but unless you have the head off or a way to look down the spark plug tube you won't be able to tell. Good luck.
 

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Old 07-22-2008, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by grizzstang
Set aside about 5 hours for your first time. The process is the same for all 97 to 03's. Do a search you will find all the information you need and an article that explains it all very well. My recomendations are that you do not use anti-seize and torque from 7-16 foot pounds (I used 14), use motorcraft plugs only and put lots of dielectric grease in the COP boots from top to bottom. Depending on your build date for your 03 you may or may not have the updated heads with more threads but unless you have the head off or a way to look down the spark plug tube you won't be able to tell. Good luck.
5 hrs?!?!?!?! took me 3 in my dads 03 5.4 and 2 hrs in my 02 4.6
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 11:35 AM
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Yea I am pretty sure I could do it in 2 hours the next time but having not done it before on this type of motor and taking my time to make sure I did not screw anything up I spent 5 hours on it (including clean up). I have seen several other posts where other guys have been in that ballpark as well. I personally would rather not rush through a job I am doing for the first time. If the OP does it in less time, then good for him, but it never hurts to set aside more time than you may need for the job.
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by grizzstang
Set aside about 5 hours for your first time. The process is the same for all 97 to 03's. Do a search you will find all the information you need and an article that explains it all very well. My recomendations are that you do not use anti-seize and torque from 7-16 foot pounds (I used 14), use motorcraft plugs only and put lots of dielectric grease in the COP boots from top to bottom. Depending on your build date for your 03 you may or may not have the updated heads with more threads but unless you have the head off or a way to look down the spark plug tube you won't be able to tell. Good luck.


Yep took me very close to 5 hours .. what a ordeal that was..

morris
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by grizzstang
Yea I am pretty sure I could do it in 2 hours the next time but having not done it before on this type of motor and taking my time to make sure I did not screw anything up I spent 5 hours on it (including clean up). I have seen several other posts where other guys have been in that ballpark as well. I personally would rather not rush through a job I am doing for the first time. If the OP does it in less time, then good for him, but it never hurts to set aside more time than you may need for the job.
well ive changed enough spark plugs i know what im doin quick enough..u know lol
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 04:38 PM
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The moral of the story is; Slow and Steady WINS the race!

It may not take 5 hours, but, take your time and be patient.

It is not that bad of a job, be sure to use plenty of dielectric grease. I myself do not use a tourque wrench. (I have done enough I feel comfortable without it) Use your own judgement there.

It is also voluntary, but, you may want to consider getting a set of COP's from global, and, that way your only in there one time.

Good Luck!
 

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Old 07-22-2008, 06:26 PM
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for the first time it took me a little over 2 hrs. on my 03 supercrew
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 06:30 PM
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I have never done it but observed my mechanic. I suggest you use 1/4 inch drive rachet and extentions. They are easier to manuever into the tight cramped places you need to get to.
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ScrewedUPF150
I have never done it but observed my mechanic. I suggest you use 1/4 inch drive rachet and extentions. They are easier to manuever into the tight cramped places you need to get to.
what they make 1/4 spark plug sockets?!?!!
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 07:29 PM
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What are COP's from global?
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by skooba
What are COP's from global?
their a performance plug made by global automotive i hear their pretty good...i think im gonna try em.heard there better than motorcraft
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by skooba
What are COP's from global?
COP = Coil On Plug. Not a performance plug!
Global is an ebay store that sells the COPs for a good price.

Phil
 
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Old 07-22-2008, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by phil6608
COP = Coil On Plug. Not a performance plug!
Global is an ebay store that sells the COPs for a good price.

Phil
dam! i ment pack not plug! i was at work take it easy on me!! haha
 
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Old 08-04-2008, 12:27 AM
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anywhere i can get a good detailed guide on how to change my cops and plugs on a 01 5.4l
 



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