Gonna attempt to change the plugs in my '98 4.6L w/ 100,000m. Looks like a project, not too much room. I've read about plugs blowing out of the heads on these. Is it because the old plugs pull the threads out when they're removed? Also, whats the best way to go about changing them, remove whatever I can thats in the way?

Thanks

 

yep basically remove the things in the way and just take them out and put the new ones in

good luck

 

No, it's because the heads only have 4 threads and the factory torque spec is too light. Put the new plugs in dry and torque them to 28 ft/lb. Highly recommend you use OEM Motorcraft plugs.

 

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I also recommend that if you ever change the plug wires, go with the motorcraft OEM also.

 

Ok, thats done thank god! If anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of changing your own plugs, allow yourself some time because it's not a 10 minute job.

 

Wildcatttrax I have a 99 4.6 never changed my plugs, what exacly did you have to take apart? was there any surprises along the way? ive never done this and i would like to attempt it!

 

i fixed my misfire cylinder with a new coil and plug, the other 7 are going to wait till i get a better set of tools here in a couple weeks.

my biggest worry with changing the plug was crossthreading but just put it in at the same angle came out and your fine.

 

I changed mine today coils and plugs.... yeah that was a great time. I have six of them done but I got so frustrated on the driver side back two I just buttoned it back up and put it off for later. Does anybody have any tips for these two? I used countless extensions and swivels. I have a 2002 5.4 by the way.

 

for most of my engine work i sit on the fan shroud to get better access to the engine, so my head is pretty much above the throttle body, beat having to lean over the fenders. i find you can get your hands a lot farther back and get good angles.


it might be just because im still young and fairly flexible.

 

Basically I used a 3/8 drive ratchet with a variety of extensions (I ended going to Advance Auto at 8:30 pm for a couple things). I also have one of those ratchets with the thing on the end of the handle that you can spin so it turns the socket while you hold the tool in place. Also had a magnetic pick-up tool handy. I was changing extensions like a madman! The only stuff I had to unhook where some wiring connections (injectors, emissions junk, etc.). The worst plug was the right side rear because those are angled back and there are hoses back there

Another pain was getting the wire boots to come off the plugs. The right side wasn't too horrible believe it or not. The drivers side was worse for that deal since I couldn't get my hands down in there between the fuel rail and the wire harness thats mounted to the valve cover. I don't have a boot tool (didn't think of that, plus a got the wires off before I went to the parts store). I ended up taking a length of wire and "lassoing" the tops of the boots with one end and pulling on the other, actually worked pretty good.

Start to finish was about 4 hours (I know, you guys are glad I'm not working on your stuff

Well, good luck!!