I've been away for a while, but was wondering, whats the latest on the spark plug issues with the 5.4 2004/08 ?? Do we still need to pay for Fords great design? I know someone who has an 06 and got a ck eng. light, come to find out his plugs were bad? with 50k miles, they wanted to charge 1500.00 to fix the problem, his response was no one mentioned the plug issue when he bought the truck, anyway he screamed enough to only pay for a plug change, I quess I'm just waiting for my turn, Thanks

 

Most dealers are charging about $400 to change the plugs and about $80 per stuck plug.

 

The sparkplug issue is not that big of an issue anymore. If the TSB is followed, you have a high success rate. If one breaks, there are now special removal tools. Most dealers are experienced in removing the plugs with none breaking. Had mine changed at 65,000 miles and I plan on going to about 90,000 on this set.

Use the Search button and do an advanced search on the subject. That should give you the lastest.

 

there is a newly designed spark plug that is now being used after the first change that should alleviate this problem....correct?

 

Not that I am aware of. Unless you are talking about the Champion, which has it's own problems. For the Motorcraft, you just use nickel anti-sieze on the shank and it will come out next time. There is a new plug for the redesigned heads, 08 and up.

 

so do the 2004-07 have the plug problem..and they got it worked out in 08-now?

 

I changed the plugs on my '07 w/58k miles, a week ago or so, and I didn't have any problems. I did follow the TSB using some solvents and then I used some Permatex nickel antiseize on new plugs.

I also ran two cans of BG 44k on a trip the weekend before I changed the plugs. I figured that the 44k might remove some carbon deposits on valves, pistons, and plugs and make it easier to remove them.

Truck sure runs better now. Much smoother and it doesnt ping at all.

I wrote up a reply on my plug removal ordeal (7 hours) in one of the other plug threads if you are looking for more info.

 

That is correct was changed in oct-07 if I remeber correctly

 

I was under the impression that Motorcraft came out with a newly designed plug after this issue. I could be wrong but thats what I thought. If not why haven't they?
Makes no sense not to IMO.

 

Smart! Yea, Fords recommending a MotorVac Service before hand as well. Alone it's well worth having done in any model, - before a plug change or not. It really cleans your engine up inside, does a nice job on the valves

Good thinking on the BG.

 

wth is a motorvac?!

 

It's like the BG service, heres mention of one in a TSB-

http://www.motorvac.com/pdfs/TechUpd...rkPlugsMTI.pdf