I recently bought my truck and the guy I bought it from only had it for 9 months. I can't find the original owner, so I am wondering, how do I know if the plugs have been changed? The truck had 211,000 kilometers (127k miles) and it seems to run good, however there seems to be kind of a slight knocking? sound when it idles.....any thoughts how I might figure this out? Don't really want to spend 1000.00 to do something that could have already been done.

It;s the 5.4l 2003 screw

Thanks

 

Where do you get $1000 for a plug change? I could do plugs coils o2 sensors pvc and all myself for under $350. A plug change should be able to be done at most dealers for under $500. What do you mean knocking? Do you really mean a ticking sound? injectors tick and thats normal. Knocking might be a sign of a major problem. If you want it to run excellent for a long time you should assume no maintenance has been done and do ALL the 100k stuff..

 

I would assume and hope the plugs have been changed at least once, 150k km's is about the max for plugs so..... Myself, I'd change them, and give the coils a good consideration too because they probably haven't been changed. Change the plugs and load up the coil boots with silicone dielectric compound grease, get both at the dealer, especially the plugs. It's a bit of work to do them but by no means impossible. I'm actually going to do the second plug change soon before the emmissions test and I'm at 228k km's. I know the knocking sound, it should come and go, haven't been able to pinpoint it but it seems harmless so I don't worry.

 

I wouldnt buy the plugs at the dealer. I checked the local dealer last time I bought Motorcraft plugs and they wanted around $14 a piece for them. I found them at Rock Auto for about $4. coils you want to get on e-bay. Global or Uneek. Search dg508 they are $80 a SET. The whole deal coils and plugs can be had for $150. Then spend an afternoon installing them.

 

on these engines though the heads have to be taken apart or something correct? Just isn't as easy as 1,2,3......are there any posts or how to's on doing this?

 

The only thing you need to do that will make it easier is lift the fuel rails. Once you do that, you unplug and unbolt the cops, lift them out, and change the plugs. You may be thinking of the 04-07 5.4 3 valve engines, where the plugs can stick and break.

 

What the hell kinda plug they selling? I bought mine the other day here in Canada at $4 and change, Motorcraft Platinum. You're 100% right on the coils, ebay from these guys is the best, I will be buying some soon enough to be ready for the next time.

 

The 3V plugs are 14 bucks at the dealer.

 

I just asked for plugs for my 97 van. Maybe the dealer in your area is honest. Mine isnt. There service departments been ok though.