Saturday i attempted to tune my truck up. I took the coil pack off and attempted to take the plug out and couldnt brake it loose. I reassembled it and it runs pretty rough and the service engine light is on. I called the Dealership and they said that it could cost up to 1500 dollars to repair...my truck is an 04 5.4 and im not sure if i should attempt to fix it myself or shell out the money. any ideas?

 

Do a search here for broken spark plugs. The 5.4s are notorious for breaking the plugs off when attempting to change them. They are a two piece design. The cost at $1500. is most likely if they have to remove the head to change the plug. There are special tools for removing these broken plugs and yer dealer should have them so I wouldn't expect a $1500.00 bill but they are covering themselves in the event they can't get it out. Considering the plugs are a major cluster to change, I'd have the dealer do it.

 

I went with an autolite plug i was worried that the motorcraft would cause the same problem in the future. do u think these would be a good plug to go with?

I thought of the extractor tool already and the dealer wants 150 per plug to take them out.(with the tool) Ive tryed to and purchased one with no luck.

 

I changed the plugs on my 06 5.4 with no problems.

make sure you change the plugs with the truck warm (Not Hot!!!) just warm.

Use the correct size spark plug socket, and go with easy and even pressure to get them to come loose.

IMO you should only use motorcraft plugs, however somepeople including myself have used autolites in the past and have had no problems.

Good Luck. Post back and let us know how it goes!

 

It would help if you gave specifics. What year and engine, if 5.4 3v, have you already broken plugs, are you following the TSB for removal?

 

He has an 04 3valve Blue

I didn't see it at first either...

Rumer has NGK making a 3v plug, have to wait and see.

 

Yep, it's there, I didn't see it, sorry.

 

Its a 3 valve 5.4 with 92000 miles and i havent broke any yet but didnt want to go any further until i talked to someone who my have had the same problem....what was the mileage on ur truck when u changed ur plugs

 

I had 50k when I changed mine

 

Repeat question - have you read the TSB? If not, don't EVEN attempt to remove the plugs yourself.

 

I took it to a ford mechanic that runs his own shop on the side. It runs great now and only cost 200 dollars...number 1 and 7 broke but he got them out

 

200 bucks for a change is a steal.