Actually, it's the exact opposite. My local dealer told me that since I'm low mileage (25K) and in warranty, if they break it would be covered. Now not every dealer says that, so it's hit or miss, but if you're out of warranty it's a DEFINITE miss- no dealer will cover it out of warranty. If you're gonna keep the car past 100K, best to do it ASAP with low mileage. Otherwise, as mentioned, there's a very good chance at least one will break at the 100K removal, and then you better hope it doesn't break in such a way that the special removal tool doesn't work - head removal. It's all about playing the odds, and the odds get significantly worse with increasing mileage.

 

really never had any problems with removing the plugs unless their using the wrong removing tool not everyone has the right tool witch will snap the plug I'e replaced
many spark plugs this last week on the stangs 4.6 not one was hard to remove they all
seemed pretty standard on torque removal I woulden't worry

 

really never had any problems with removing the plugs unless their using the wrong removing tool not everyone has the right tool witch will snap the plug I'e replaced
many spark plugs this last week on the stangs 4.6 not one was hard to remove they all
seemed pretty standard on torque removal I would not worry

 

Honestly, telling people not to worry is borderline irresponsible. Ford has a TSB out on this, so obviously they felt it was enough of an issue to address. There are plenty of posts online everywhere of people who have had them snap, both by themselves and by the dealer. I'm sure many of thoser broke because they didn't follow the TSB, but there are others who did and they still broke. Here's an example of someone who waited till 100K to remove them: http://www.mustangforums.com/m_4844059/tm.htm

I removed mine at 24K, and they were a ***** to get out. Point is, people should know the facts and make a decision that suits based on their risk tolerance. Telling them not to worry is basically saying there is no problem, and there most certainly is, thus the TSB.

 

You should call Ford and tell them to recall there TSB, all these crazy people running around pulling there plugs out

 

The problem is Ford will not due anything about this problem. I called them and was told take it to the dealer and there might be a nominal charge. On a car with 5K. Come on.

I also got a questionare followup for the call and I jumped all over Ford. Sent them Photos of broken plugs. I also sent them the bill for my Champions, anti sieze, and M/C carb cleaner. I have not heard from them and I really do not expect to.

The sad thing there are numerous F150 and Mustang owners that do not know about this and when they break plugs they are going to get stuck with big bills that should be Ford's.

 

The broken plug removal tool is ~$200

 

Yeah, if you go 100K and you do it yourself and are not paying for labor and you manage to get them all out clean with the tool then $200. is it, you are correct. But, if even 1 of the 8 doesn't come out with the tool or falls through your pulling the heads. And if your still at low mileage and are willing to do the work yourself (which you would be if your buying the tool for $200.) why not pull them now while you can easily and save yourself the headache? And if you go to the dealer for 100K plug job and they break one or more ( and at that mileage they will) and pull the head or heads the price for the new plugs and labor at the dealer will cover you buying a set of aftermarket heads.

 

its a emission wty Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage And Emissions Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
and if your doing it yourself here fords procedure Remove the coil-on-plug assemblies and thoroughly blow out the spark plug wells and surrounding valve cover area with compressed air.
Back out the spark plugs no more than 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Using Motorcraft® Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner, fill the spark plug well just above where the jamb nut hex sits (1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon). A minimum period of 15 minutes of soak time is required. The cleaner will wick down to the ground electrode shield and soften the carbon deposits in this time. DO NOT WORK the spark plug back and forth at this point.

 

and if you find one not coming out then take it into your local ford dealer

 

If you read the thread at link above, the guy followed the TSB and broke 1 plug. He got the tool and pulled the broken plug. It wasn't difficult to remove the broken plug shield.

But of course pulling the plugs early and coating them with antisieze (what I did at 15K) or replacing them with the champions and using antisieze would save people the trouble in the first place.

 

yes true sorry about that

 

bottom line..pull plugs early and pay a little or wait and possibly pay a lot

 

Even pulling them early, doesn't necessarily mean they still won't break lol.

 

I pulled mine at 5K and had no problem. There was some carbon build up present. Replaced them with Champions with anti sieze applied. I will pull and check on annual basis.

 

is anti seize needed with Champions? I thought I read that since they were one piece that it wasn't needed.

 

Couldn't hoit.

 

rotflol!!! Could not say it better.

 

So relieved that my plugs came out without a hitch. Got the Champs with anti seize and couldn't be happier. I think you should pull them the sooner the better. I have 21k miles and there was some carbon build up. If you wait to long they will become a permanent part of the engine.

 

Its a good idea to always use anti-seize when alum. & steel meet. I've had my plugs out 4 times without a hitch using anti-seize.