Ford Triton spark plug
Problems with Ford Triton spark plug replacement. This page will discuss a technical service bulletin that was issued about the problem of broken spark plugs in Ford V8 engines. I will also include some best practices for removing these platinum plugs without breaking them. The problem is affecting vehicles as far back as 1997 that were experiencing spark plug blow out. This is where the plug would physically leave the cylinder head with the engine running and take the threads with it.
The technical service bulletin I will be discussing refers to the three valves per cylinder 5.4 L Ford V-8 engine. This affects model years 2004 through 2007. The problem is when you try to replace the spark plugs they can break and be extremely difficult to remove. In fact the worst case scenario is that pieces of the spark-plug can fall down into the cylinder. If you can't get the ford triton spark plug out in one piece you may have to remove the cylinder head to remove the porcelain debris to prevent engine damage. Many people have taken their vehicles in for what they thought would be a routine spark plug replacement. Only to find out that they were now faced with a large repair bill in average over $1500 for removing the cylinder heads.
Best practices for Triton sparkplug replacement
Some of these tips I'm going to share with you are from the technical service bulletin I read related to Ford Triton spark plug replacement and removal of broken plugs. Other tips will just be common sense items I have learned from experience working on many 5.4 liter v8 engines. Before I start to replace the spark plugs on any Ford V8 engine with aluminum cylinder heads I soak the plugs down with penetrating oil. I allow them to sit for several hours in a bath of penetrating oil before I attempt any removal.
The socket is designed to apply more pressure on the flats of the plug then on the corners. This increases the chance that the plug will come out in one piece. It does not guarantee it though. If the spark-plug does break it will leave the electrode and a piece of the porcelain in the cylinder head. The best chance at removing this is again with a special tool made for Triton spark-plugs. The tool I have is made by Lyle and works like an easy out with a left-handed thread. Detailed instructions are included with the remover tool.
Why sparkplugs break in Triton V-8 enginesThe Triton V-8 is an all aluminum modular engine. Modular meaning that many parts are interchangeable with other size engines in the product line. Also in general modular means larger sized or cast together components using larger sealing surfaces with fewer fasteners.
The Triton V-8's which include the popular 5.4 L used in many F series pickups and SUVs has a new style plug with a dual electrode tip. The spark plug has a platinum tip electrode which extends the life of the plug to about 100,000 miles. Now to put this all together what is going wrong is the plug has extended life and screws into an aluminum threaded cylinder head. No anti-seize was applied at the factory to my knowledge. The dissimilar metals of the spark plug and the cylinder head coupled with a long service life just about welds the plug into place.
It is a good idea if you plan this maintenance service that you interview the technician that will perform the repairs. Otherwise be prepared for what can go wrong and the large expenses involved with removing the cylinder heads to extract the broken pieces. Or you could always trade the vehicle in before replacement is needed.
Here is a link to the auto-facts.org website where a visitor posted a story about his 2004 f150 and problems with ford triton spark plug replacement.
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