I am considering purchasing a new 2010 F150 STX 4wd with the 4.6 3V engine.

I've read that there are some issues with the spark plugs seizing up to the point that they break off in the heads. Snap On (among others) makes a special tool just for extracting plugs out of Ford V8's. If this doesn't work, then the head has to be removed. My understanding is that this problem occurs because Ford did not apply anti-seize to the plugs at the factory as you would normally do on aluminum heads.

A 2nd spark plug issue involves the plugs actually blowing out of the heads and destroying the threads in the process. This due to the thread depth not being deep enough.

I have read that Ford will not cover either of these issues under warranty as they say it's a "maintenance issue"....even if the plugs are changed out at the Ford dealer.

Does anyone have any experience with these problems ? It's my understanding that these issues apply to the trucks and cars with the 4.6, 5.4 and V-10 engines.

Also, does anyone know if Ford has made any changes to the 2010 models to correct these problems ?

The last Ford I owned was a 1995 F150 with the 300 6 cyl and it was great. I've been driving a Tacomas since then but would like to go with an F150 but this spark plug problem is worrisome.

 

Well the plugs not coming out are in the 5.4 motors from carbon build up.I think the older 4.6 did not have enough threads in the heads and if the plugs worked loose then it would come out.I think they redesigned the heads but not sure what year they did that in.

 

That sounds promising. I'd sure like to go with an F150 this time if the 4.6 3V heads have indeed been redesigned. Thanks for in info.

 

the 4.6 does not really have any spark plug issues at all that's the 5.4, its really a great motor.

oh and good luck getting that smell off

 

I changed the plugs in my '07 5.4 3v (55K miles) a few weeks ago w/o any problems, but I took my time (7 hours) and followed the TSB. I installed new plugs with the recommended anti-seize so there shouldnt be any issues at the next plug change.

 

The blowout issues were in the 2v engines, and the heads were redesigned in 2003. The sticking and breaking issues were in the 3v engines, and the heads were redesigned in 2008.

So - the 2004 and later 2v's and the 2009 and later 3v's have no issues. This applies to the 4.6, 5.4, and the 6.8 V10.

 

The 4.6 3v does, which is what the OP is referring to with this thread.

 

Stealth....are you saying there should not be any spark plug issues with the 2010 4.6 3V ? Just want to make sure I understand.

Thanks to all for your comments and info !

 

Well considering the current spark plug tsb (up to my 2008) contains the 4.6 3v and 5.4 3v engines both, I don't know. http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/jm...sb08-07-06.pdf

The 2010 4.6 3v engine may be different, but I have not heard a definite answer about a head redesign one way or another.

 

I noticed the TSB just mentioned up to 2008 as well when I read it earlier and I wondered if that was because the problem was fixed after 2008 or because 2008 was when the TSB was published. I'm hoping the problem has been fixed on the 2010's as glc and others have posted.

I'd sure like to replace the Tacoma with a bright red STX F150 !

 

3v heads were redesighned half way through 2008, late 2008-present f150s have no spark plug breaking issues. they now take a more traditional style plug.

 

here is a pic of a new style 3v plug vs. the old style 3v plug

 

That's great news. The F150 was my 1st choice to replace the Tacoma but the spark plug deal scared me off. I've even considered a Chevy.
Many Thanks to those who posted. I'm back looking at the F150 again ! I'll be at my Ford dealer Saturday !

 

Thanks Paralyzer. I remember seeing that image now. :o

 

Quick question, so I get this straight because well, I don't know. - When did the 4six 3 valve make it into these trucks ?