Hello all,
Been reading a ton of info on plugs ( the dead horse ). Just trying to digest everything I've been reading and trying to get a warm & fuzzy feeling.

Got an 03 F150 Heritage, 5.4 w/ 84K on it. In the last 6 months I have removed all coils and "snugged" the plugs (after reading horror stories on "blowouts") using a stubby 3/8 drive (keeping the torque to a minimum). Some posts say don't change them until 100K. Other posts suggest every 65K but is that for the 3V engines? It runs great but I'm one for keeping a vehicle maintained so was considering changing the plugs.

With that said;
A: Should I change them?
If so,
B: Motorcraft? NGK? (suggested #)
C: Anti-sieze on the shaft, not the threads?

Thanks to all for the mounds of info on here and any replys!!!!

 

They fixed the blow out issue in the 03 heads I thought. Motorcraft NGK and I think Densco are ok. No antiseize on those years. I would change them if it were me. I'd go ahead and do all the 100k stuff,,,

 

I have an 03 with the 4six but had my plugs changed at 90,000km (~55,000 miles) anyways. I did it not only for the fear of having one loosen up and blow out, but also because the performance gains and smoothness of operation is highly improved with the job done.

At this point, I would change them AND your COPs and you will notice a difference. Plus the peace of mind that your ignition system is good to go till you double your current mileage is worth it. I plan on doing plugs and COPs on my truck at least twice in its life.

Use the Motorcraft Platinum plugs, end of story. They're pretty cheap (less than $4 Canadian per plug at the dealer) and these engines love them. Don't use anti-seize, I think that's only for the 3 valves with the breaking issue. Use dielectric grease inside the COP boots, search dielectric grease for a great thread about it.

 

Exactly!

 

Thanks! You guys rock!!! Plugs & COPS are on the way. After reading all the posts about the "Uneek" COPS I went that route along with the Motorcraft SP479s. Thanks again!!

 

I was searching for a motor with the updated heads. the updated heads went into production november 12/02. I was searching for a later model 03 and the newest one i could find the engine was assembled on April 1st 2003 and it did not have the updated heads. 5.4 litre anyway

 

No kidding! Then it has to be the lates - From BD 06/2003. I hope someone, one of these days will post a casting # for reference.

 

TA DA

2L3Z-6049-BA and 2L3Z-6049-DA

 

Geeezz, I've been looking for that again with no luck. Glad you have those numbers tho, that's great!

So the BA is what you have and the DA is the revision for the 03 ?

 

Drivers side and passengers side. The older ones aren't any where near that. I had all the different ones from all the motors I was looking at and the build dates of the motor but I threw them out when I picked up my new one, probably should have kept it, o well.

 

Okay, I gotcha. Yea , there has to be a revision in 03 somewhere. ? Unless this entire 03 revision is some bull story. I know I've tried 3 or 4 times to find info.

 

Just goin by what I was told just last Friday while having my truck serviced by a dealer that I trust. Was told that the plug's should be changed every 60k vs the 100k in manual, Ford found out that the plugs just were not making it to the 100k mark so they knocked it back to 60k. Was also told that majority of the plug's that are blowing out are due to incorrect installation, mostly the plug's not being torqued down enough...was told 25ft/lb's minimum. Had mine done at Ford dealership at 100k(first time), plugs were absolutely nasty, that was bout 2 years and 45k mls ago, with no problems.

Hope this helps.