ford truck help needed
 

I am working on a 4.6 L v-8. does this unit take a special spark plug socket ? i am able to remove the 1st plug with no problem , the second cylinder does not allow the socket to slip over the plug. if there is a special tool required , any info would be appreciated , truck is a 2001. thank you jim

Re: ford truck help needed
 

Not a Ford Tech but on mine it took me about 2-3 hours( YES HOURS) to change out a set---First blow out the plug area to get all the dirt away from the heads/Maybe spray a little WD40 let soak to help loosen them up---you may have to move the fuel rails to the side for bettwer access to plugs---remove plugs and replace and tighten a little more than finger tight(about 15 pounds)--use a stubby socket wrench with a swivel head makes it a lot easier-------Ford's better idea---my experience on doing this---Comp 387

Re: ford truck help needed
 

I second that!! Did the same(hours included) on my 5.4. I used a thin wall socket to loosen and tighten but had to use a regular spark plug socket to remove and reinstall. I needed the rubber inside to hold the plug when taking it out and reinstalling them, but had to switch back to the thin wall socket to tighten.

From a Ford fan, that wasn't their best idea.

When I finished mine I thought I would do the wife's Jimmy with the V-6, should be a piece of cake. Wrong. Undo motor mount, jack up engine, change plug behind steering column. Wasn't GM's best idea either.

Re: ford truck help needed
 

Jim,
Before you get too far into this, make sure you are aware of the serious problems that these engines have with spark plug threads. If there is any serious resistance to removing the plug once you get the socket on it, I personally would stop and leave it alone if it is running ok. I have fixed several in the vehicle for customers and its about a $400 job for the first plug. Read these items first :
http://www.google.com/search?q=ford+...e=utf8&oe=utf8

Dont mean to get you too concerned, but also dont want you stuck without a truck because all the threads came out with the plug :(

Re: ford truck help needed
 

thank you guys, the help is certainly appreciated. jim

Re: ford truck help needed
 

Jim, billk is right. We had this happen on one of our work vans about a month a go.Be carefull.
How have you been? Still live in Florida? I don't get down there much, since my grandkids moved back
to Illinois. Take care
Mike

Re: ford truck help needed
 

hi mike
how have you been ? i still live in fla actually i'm 3 miles from main entrance of disney. hope to see you some next year. i'm building a gt stocker . tell dave hello for me. jim

Re: ford truck help needed
 

Jim

Dont forget to put anti seize on the plug threads before reinstalling.

John.


Havin fun 1/4 mile at a time...

Re: ford truck help needed
 

john, i lost your #. also need your shop address, i'll stop in and see you this week , jim

Re: ford truck help needed
 

Most likely dirt and crud built up around the plug. use a long scribe to break up the crud and blow it out real good with air. use anti seize and don't over tighten the plug. most of the thread problems were on the 5.4 and the V-10. hope it helps. good luck