Time is coming to change my plugs...would like to do it myself so save some money. Will my 2006 4.6 have the same problems as the 5.4's have, or will I be ok?

 

No, you will not have the breakage problem, only the 5.4 3Vs. Your problem will just be getting to them. How many miles on it?

 

PUT MOTORCRAFT PLUGS IN... thats my only advice to you


good luck man

 

jay i've got around 74000 miles, but i've been having some issues as outlined in my other thread and it will need to be done eventually anyway. I am relieved that I won't have the breakage problem. My father has a 2006 expo w/ the 5.4, and had the dealer do his plugs...the bill wasn't pretty.

I had a shop teacher that told me to always use the same brand plugs as came in the motor stock...ALWAYS. Put delcos in my gms, and motorcraft/autolites in my fords. Never a problem.

 

It helps to cut a piece of rubber hose to slide snuggly over the top of the plug. Just helps you line them up easier, when screwing them in than with a socket.

Don't forget to gap them at 54. Some parts men will tell you it's not necessary, but it is in your best interest to do so.

 

that and dont forget to torque them dry(no antiseize) to 28-32 ftlbs.- prevents any blowouts.

 

cool thanks for all the tips. should i go ahead and do the coils too or is that not necessary yet?

 

Autolite is NOT made to Ford specification. Modulars are extremely picky about plugs. Motorcraft Denso and NGK are know to perform well. All others especially Bosch have been known to cause problems including Autolite.

 

Why no antiseize???

 

Read the last part of the post you quoted. There have been problems with blowouts. Anti-sieze is thought to contribute to that, plus it is not needed with the Motorcraft plugs. They do not sieze.

 

Thanks for the heads up, man. I'll keep away from the autolites.

 

You may use antiseize if you want in the 06's - they have the full 8 thread heads. It's the 4 thread heads prior to 2003 that have the blowout issues. However, the Motorcraft SP-series plugs do not need it, the threads are nickel plated. To be safe, I'd still torque them to 28 ft/lb instead of the factory spec 15.

I would not worry about the coils just yet - just clean the boots and use fresh dielectric grease. However, if you do get some rough running or missing, you may want to change them. It's hard to say how long they will actually last.