Good to hear that it's running better with the new plugs.

 

Just called my dealer. To remove, put the antiseize on, and re-install they wanted 100$ . He's telling me that Ford doesn't say to change them until 80K !!! I mentioned the TSB and my concern, but the problem is, how do i know they really did it? I'm not going to be standing there when they do It. Ideas?

I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and understand the TSB, I 'm just nervous about the breakage issue. 2006 with 16K on it.

 

with 16k miles you should be pretty safe to pull them yourself without any issues

Just buy the ford carb cleaner and follow the TSB removal procedure. I highly doubt you will break any, none of mine did with 60k. You need a torque wrench though to torque them down to 25 ft-lb. It's pretty critical for a spark plug to be torqued at the right setting

 

I pulled my stock plugs at 15K, cleaned them up and put anti-seize on them and reinstalled them; it was very easy. I followed the TSB method but used PB Blaster instead. There wasn't much carbon buildup.

I think where people have run into problems (the majority on this board have not had any problems with breaking plugs) is when they rush it and snap off a plug. High mileage (lots of carbon buildup) does make the chance of snapping off a plug greater though.

If you follow the TSB method and take your time and don't rush it, you probably won't have problems.

 

How long did you guys crank the engine after removing the plugs to clear the cylinders of cleaner fluid??

 

I didn't. The TSB doesn't say to do it, and the 1/2 teaspoon specified is hardly any. Most of it stays on the plug and cylinder head.

 

Tell them you want to see how much carbon build up is on each plug.

 

Thanks guys. I'll give it a try this weekend and follow the TSB .

 

I have a set of these that i had in for about 100 miles...car ran smoother...I took them out cuz i installed a Vortech V2 and am using HT0s now...so if anyone wants a set slightly used how about 90 bucks shipped? let me know....

 

I wouldn't sweat it.
The dealer got me for $197.50 to put in the Champions I supplied. Ow.

The original plugs look fine, no carbon build up at all, but the electrodes look eaten away. This after 70k on my 05. A lot of worry, angst and bucks for nothing.
I'll do them myself next time as I always used to [25k or so].
Mike E

 

Ouch,that hurt.What did they charge you for???

 

Just for Info. My Champions gaped 0,050 works perfect so far.

 

base warranty 3/36 unless you have extended prem warranty you can remove them warm also plugs are good for 100k unless turbo s/c

 

you better off sticking with ford plugs i've replaced alot of autolite bosh champ and other brands due to random missfires p0316

 

I haven't had any problem with the Champions. I do not want any chance of the Ford plugs breaking off in the heads when I pull them.

 

Autolite also makes the plugs for Ford! They are the same except Autolite has some different heat ranges.

 

You sure got that right Mike, for they are the same, as in the same lousy 2 piece design spark plugs, which are also known for breaking inside the heads.

 

with the coil design and set gap for best performance and fuel eco .054 to .056 unless you change to a higher energy coil and a colder plug best to stay with the motorcraft
don't touch it if your under 3/36 or extended wty the plugs will last 100k the carbon buildup is from your gas & oils you use 5w20 synthetic blend motorcraft stay away from other w's not rec. for motor tolerance oil sludge does happen also for wty they want to see your oil change receipts

 

if you keep those plugs in for 100 k,you'll need a jack hammer to get them out

 

+1....If you keep them in for 100K it will be cheaper to buy new heads than to pay to have 8 broken plugs removed It doesn't matter if the plug lasts 1000 miles or 100,000 miles if it breaks when it comes out, we aren't taking them out because the plug went bad, were taking them out because if there left in to long they WILL break!