Dreaded 5.4 plug change
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Dreaded 5.4 plug change
Just sharing this for my fellow bump owners who also own the 5.4 3 valve. Last week I finally jumped into the dreaded spark plug change in my 04 with 105000 on it, but before I did it I obtained the Lisle tool for extracting the broken plugs and the proper 9/16 socket. A few weeks prior to starting this chore, I put a half a tank of gas in the truck and a can of seafoam, when it got down to a 1/8th of a tank, I would bring it back to a half a tank and add another can of seafoam, I did this for 4 times, then I loosened them for a 1/4 turn, put a little PB blaster in the hole and let it set for 3 hours. They came out like a charm, all 8, no breaks, and clean as new thanks to the seafoam. Too bad these new and improved trucks can't be as simple as our old bumps, I love working on our old 68 240.
Robert & Linda
2011 F-150 Supercab
2017 Ford Edge
1969 Mustang Fastback
1968 F-100
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 8%20f-100/
2011 F-150 Supercab
2017 Ford Edge
1969 Mustang Fastback
1968 F-100
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 8%20f-100/
- adrianspeeder
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
Yup, the triton motors are for sure great to whoop up on big blocks of just 20 years ago, but workin' em is a pain. My 4.6L has a blown head gasket for the last three years, and I've never even pushed to start the project.
Adrianspeeder
Adrianspeeder
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'02 F-250 Vin Diesel 7.3L PSD 4R100 4x4 XLT, Crew Cab,
'97 F-150 Dad’s last truck 4.6L M5OD 4x4 XLT, EX Cab,
'79 F-150 Homebrew Dually 351M C6 4x2 Lariat, Reg Cab,
'71 F-100 Bump 302 4x2 3/tree Stepside Custom, Reg Cab,
'66 F-250 Slick 352FE 4x2 3/tree Custom Cab, Reg Cab,
Broncos: '94 Grandpa’s mint daily driver XLT 302 E4OD,
'92 Momma’s daily driver XLT 302 M5OD, '88 OJ XLT 351 C6, '84 Mint! Lariat 351HO C6,
USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman
- cowbay
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
Wow good idea. I just picked up a bi/fuel 5.4 and my shop mechanic and I have been dreading the spark plug change. what makes me laugh my shop will tear into anything on the drop of a hat. I think my guys would rather do an oil cooler on a 6.0 vs a plug change on the 5.4. As of right now we are ignoring it. But great pointer I am going to try that. It makes sense what you did and it should work. As an added measure I think I will go to church and light a candle before the removal
"If it can't be fixed with a hammer, then it is an electrical problem"
69 Ford F100 Ranger 390 3spd with overdrive
63 Chevy Impala 327 with 4spd. In the family since brand new. Over 280,00 miles
69 Ford F100 Ranger 390 3spd with overdrive
63 Chevy Impala 327 with 4spd. In the family since brand new. Over 280,00 miles
- Wes
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
Do the plug change on a warm engine, 1/8 to 1/4 turn and some penetrate oil, back and forth, no problems. Have done 3 in last few weeks no broken plugs.
But you have to wonder why anyone would design plugs in 3 pieces, the metal part.
So much fun
But you have to wonder why anyone would design plugs in 3 pieces, the metal part.
So much fun
Wes
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67 F250 High boy
69 Bronco
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http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... ?cat=10402
67 F250 High boy
69 Bronco
If you can't see fit to stand behind Our Troops...Please stand in front of them

- 68Slug
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
I heard of a Ford tech in my area that pulls them in hot, preps for exactly half an hour (pulls coils, etc) and hits every one with a 3/8 impact, apparently never breaking any
We just have the removal tool, if they break they break, I like the tool once you get fast with it.
We just have the removal tool, if they break they break, I like the tool once you get fast with it.
Craig
ASE Master Certified
1968 F-100 Ranger - Work In Progress
2002 F-250 Diesel - The Keeper
ASE Master Certified
1968 F-100 Ranger - Work In Progress
2002 F-250 Diesel - The Keeper
- 69timemachine
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
My '06 Mustang GT had 40,000 miles on it when I decided to go ahead and change them to 1-piece Brisk plugs. I ran a tank of SeaFoam through it, broke the plugs loose 1/8 to 1/4 turn and soaked them with cleaner, only to still have three of them break! The Lisle tool I bought is a lifesaver! I removed all three plug shells with it in about an hour! 

Jason
"Where there's a wheel, there's a way!"
'69 F100 SWB in Lunar Green with built 351C & TKO-600 5-speed, 4.56 gears, and Eaton TrueTrac Posi.
Future plans: Maybe one day, fresh paint, though I've been told by some, "Don't touch it! It's done!"
'06 Mustang GT 5-speed
Sold: '77 F100, '72 Gran Torino, '76 El Camino with 454 & TH400
"Where there's a wheel, there's a way!"
'69 F100 SWB in Lunar Green with built 351C & TKO-600 5-speed, 4.56 gears, and Eaton TrueTrac Posi.
Future plans: Maybe one day, fresh paint, though I've been told by some, "Don't touch it! It's done!"
'06 Mustang GT 5-speed
Sold: '77 F100, '72 Gran Torino, '76 El Camino with 454 & TH400
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Re: Dreaded 5.4 plug change
That is why I decided to run the volume of seafoam through mine, 4 half tanks with 1 can seafoam each, I have seen them use it at work, but only a can or two before changing the plugs breaking one or two when doing so. I decided to err on the side of caution and did more. seemed to work well on mine. But like I said, I only wish the engine in my 04 was as easy to work on as my 68 240.
Robert & Linda
2011 F-150 Supercab
2017 Ford Edge
1969 Mustang Fastback
1968 F-100
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 8%20f-100/
2011 F-150 Supercab
2017 Ford Edge
1969 Mustang Fastback
1968 F-100
http://s297.photobucket.com/albums/mm21 ... 8%20f-100/