I had a shop replace my plugs at 120,000 miles. Just barely missing a day after I picked it up. A few days later the check engine light and number 3 cylinder started throwing codes. Took it back and they replaced #3 coil pack. Threw same codes after a few days. Pulled #3 cylinder coil pack and plug myself. The plug ceramic was cracked, split, and a sliver was missing. Picked up a bore scope and the ceramic is broken up into chards on top of the cylinder. I can see the white specks all around. I have already tried the vacuum and small hose. Smallest hose barely gets by the threads and no way I can move it around to suck up all the chards. Anyone have tricks? Don't comment if you don't have any experience. 2008 F150 5.4L 3V

 

So I spoke to my mechanic brother. No special tools exist. Said the ceramic on the plug is softer than the cylinder metal so hope for the best. Checked all the plugs, found another cracked, also replaced. All the flats on the plugs were deformed so the mechanic over torqued them. Started and let idle for about 20 minutes. Took it for a good run down the road. No missing, no codes, no check engine light, and sounds smooth. Got lucky.

 

Proper torque is 25 ft/lb. If they are the early 2008 plug design, apply antiseize to the ground barrel under the threads.