07+ V8 OWNERS, PLEASE READ!

[Dingo]

Okay, I've done all the research, so let me share...



The spark plugs that come in your trucks are complete crap. They're a horrible design. Due to the design, they have a tendency to break, leaving part of the plug in the head. I HIGHLY recommend having them changed immediately. I also suggest that you NOT do them yourself. Do NOT use the Motorcraft replacements, or the Autolite replacements. The Autolites ARE the Motorcraft plugs, but rebranded. Currently, the only 1-piece design plugs on the market are the Brisk Racing plugs, and the Champions. I switched mine today with the Champion #7989 plugs. I'll share some pics of what can happen:



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/Plugs/small%20100_9981.JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/Plugs/small%20100_9986.JPG">



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/Plugs/index.jpg">



There are actual companies that have been founded to repair the damage from these plugs. Worst case scenario, it'll be around $5000 to repair, and Ford will NOT cover it, as the plugs are designed to last 100k miles and your warranty is for far less.



If you're hellbent on doing it yourself, (WHICH I AGAIN DO NOT RECOMMEND,) At the bottom of this post is a TSB from Ford. Read it carefully, as it must be followed exactly for best results. If you have a shop do the change, please print the TSB and take it with you to the repair facility.



Here's what the one-piece design Champion plug looks like:



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/Plugs/Champion1.jpg">



Now, for any of you that have doubts, here's something to ponder. I pretty much have a reputation for being almost OCD about maintenance. I only run 93 octane fuel. I use extremely high-end full synthetic oil. I Seafoam my engine every 2 weeks, and I drive it around 200 miles a week. I changed the plugs today, with the EXACT right tools in my shop under controlled conditions. Although I didn't break any, I could feel them resisting and wanting to break. Here's what mine looked like after 20k miles:



<img src="http://www.mysporttrac.com/~library/22354/Plugs/P1030074%20(Small).JPG">



On the end of the plugs, you can see what's left of the carbon deposits that even mine had. These same carbon deposits are what stick the end of the plug in the head and cause the inferior designed plugs to break.



If anyone has any questions, let me know and I'll do my best to answer them. Below is the TSB.

 

[gary s]

thanks for the info, but that is not the only "crap" ford is putting in the trac.

what a surprise, cheap out

 

[Bill Barber]

I see 8 unbroken Plugs andy, assume the ones you removed from your engine correct

No issues? lets not start a panic situation, because it is not a drama Queen issue.

have had extensive talks with Roush about the plugs.Is not a PANIC issue

Like I said I think you are doing the right thing, will do the same at 80K miles (maybe)

 

[MikeSondra Grossen]

Would that be covered our extended powertrain warranty? Appreciate the post Dingo~

 

[Bill Barber]

Not on a bet

 

[Dingo]

Bill, it's not a panic, but if not done early, it can be a real problem later. And no, I didn't break any.



SVT, I'm not sure. You'll have to check with the warranty carrier. Usually, plugs and coils aren't covered.

 

[MikeSondra Grossen]

Ok thanks, we'll check into our Ford Warranty with this TSB. At almost 40k, we would rather be safe than sorry later!

 

[2]

Same problem as the 04-07 F150 5.4L V8 is having. . .

 

[Bill Barber]

Diff problem Olaf, the tritons are blowing plugs out of the Alum heads, because they only have 5 threads.

 

[Dingo]

Right. And the Expedition and Mustang. In the TSB, all the vehicles are listed, but basically anything with a 4.6, 5.4, or 6.8L 3-valve engine.

 

[2]

No Bill, the pre 04 was blowing out the plugs, the 04 through 07 are having them break off just like in these pics.



Here are two pics of two different 04 5.4 L on F150online.com that had their plugs changed using the TSB.



41,000 miles



[Broken External Image]:



71,000 miles



[Broken External Image]:

 

[Bill Barber]

is tons of info about the triton problem, that is still an issue thru the 08 models, blown out plugs.

triton problem is not an issue with any trac owner, lets see how this new plug issue shakes out, may be a major thing, may be nothing.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Hey, those engineers that designed those plugs are underpaid non-union employees.



The blame clearly lies with the Union workers. They are lazy and over paid. They are the ones to blame for this.





Tom

 

[Bill Barber]

one more thing to say, the plug problem is real as i have always said

Ford made this issue a TSB, maybe it should be a re-call.

The problem has really not surfaced yet as most people have not reached the miliage to get into the plugs with 3 valve engines.

Andy is right, get them out, but we should all hammer on ford and our dealers to have it done under warranty.

If you don't you will get screwed like the early gen 1 owners ate it with the timeing chain issues.

My cars warranty was trashed a week after I bought it, but those still under warranty should start hammeing your dealers big time.

Demand that the plugs be changed ASAP.

Tom, put the cooking wine away, get some sleep.

 

[jason vocaty]

Is this a problem with the 03 v/6 engine ? I think someone started a panic situation! have almost 80,000 now im worried dealer probably to busy on monday now what do i do?:wacko:

 

[Bill Barber]

Not a Problem for you. only 3 valve V8s

 

[jason vocaty]

thanks bill

 

[Adam H]

Very interested in doing this, but how could I approach my dealer with this issue?

 

[Bill Barber]

You will end up having to pay the dealer to get it done, buy your own plugs,take it in.

 

[Todd Z]

Just went out to my ST to make sure....



Yup Still have the 4.0 V6.....



No need to change my plugs....



HAHAHAHAH



Todd Z