I've read that it's advisable to swap the plugs every 15-20k, as going much further than that significantly increases the risk of breakage due to excessive carbon build-up. I did mine at 15k. Wasn't able to find a proper spark-plug socket so I purchased a 6-point deep-well and fabricated my own insulator from a spare spark-plug socket. Fired up the car and let it idle for 2-3 minutes to get the temperature up. Squirted some canned air to remove debris in each well followed by a dose of PB and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Very carefully removed the plugs using a 3/8 torque wrench set at 25 lbs ft. (the plugs had no anti-seize applied from the factory and there was a fairly good amount of carbon on them; car was 'born' 3/06). Then I let the car sit for an hour+ to let it cool back down and installed the new plugs using anti-seize on the threads. Went smooth but I admit that my heart was pounding in my ears when I was removing the old plugs.
What is the ultimate / long term solution for this problem.
Frequent plug changes? Tons of anti-seize compound?
I might be buying an 06' GT next weekend that has only 5k miles. This problem has gotten me worried. Should I remove the plugs ASAP to apply anti-seize?
Would removing the plugs frequently without changing them solve the problem (clean off residue).
What is the ultimate / long term solution for this problem.
Frequent plug changes? Tons of anti-seize compound?
I might be buying an 06' GT next weekend that has only 5k miles. This problem has gotten me worried. Should I remove the plugs ASAP to apply anti-seize?
Would removing the plugs frequently without changing them solve the problem (clean off residue).
Thanks
If you remove and clean them, and reapply the compound every 10-15K miles, there is no problem.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, 3.31, Auto, 18" Fanblades, Interior Upgrade, Active Anti-Theft, Side Bags, Leather, K&N Drop-in, Splash Guards, 14" Antenna, Rolled Tips, Born on date...3/07
What is the ultimate / long term solution for this problem.
Frequent plug changes? Tons of anti-seize compound?
I might be buying an 06' GT next weekend that has only 5k miles. This problem has gotten me worried. Should I remove the plugs ASAP to apply anti-seize?
Would removing the plugs frequently without changing them solve the problem (clean off residue).
Thanks
I've talked to people at the ford dealer I used to work for, and the info they are getting from Ford sounds like the usual BS. The same BS I heard from them when I worked there.
From what I understand of the problem, its a design problem with the cylinder head, not the spark plugs themselves.
My fearless prediction on a "long term solution". If this is really as big of a problem as it sounds, there will be a law suit, Ford will be forced to provide extended coverage on the affected engines. There will be lots of wiggle room, like Ford will cover a spark plug repair only on the affected engines in the specified models, within the specified mileage and time, up to a certain dollar amount. And only on the affected cylinders and only pay for this repair ONCE.
You can bet Ford is banking on most people leaving them in til 100k or better. By that time they have calculated that most of the affected models will be out the extended coverage by either time or miles.
I hate to sound so negative, but I was there and saw the how Ford handled the 3.8 v6 head gasket problem and the whole Firestone ordeal.
I am counting on ford for nothing on this one, I have this 4.6 and a 5.4 F150 and I have been and will be taking my plugs out every 20k and putting anti-seize on them. The 5.4 has 70k on it and no problems so far with this method.
I hate to sound so negative, but I was there and saw the how Ford handled the 3.8 v6 head gasket problem and the whole Firestone ordeal.
This is my first Ford so I have no personal experience with the warranty they offer. I see a lot of people on this thread saying they expect it to be under warranty if under 3/36. I agree, however, my dealer specifically pointed out some sections of the warranty saying things like water hoses aren't covered after 12,000 miles, etc. I was like WTH... I told the guy if I bust a hose at 13,000 miles he can plan on covering it or being tired of seeing me in his office. So, I could see them refusing to make it right.
I quoted the comment about the 3.8 V6 head gasket problem. My X-Girl had a 95 V6 Coupe and her engine blew at 70K miles. Dealership put in a new engine, hoses, battery...all free of charge and out of warranty. I was impressed....
So, we'll have to see. Until I have something to complain about I'll just be happy with the car.
I quoted the comment about the 3.8 V6 head gasket problem. My X-Girl had a 95 V6 Coupe and her engine blew at 70K miles. Dealership put in a new engine, hoses, battery...all free of charge and out of warranty. I was impressed....
I guess being on the other side of the counter, I saw a lot of the people who weren't so lucky for whatever reason.
How much does it cost to install 8 spark plugs in a 3V Mustang? $611.13. That was the bill when I got my car back. I had broken 1 spark plug, my authorized Ford dealer trained techician (the dealer's best engine man) broke 5. Gee, do you think there's a problem here? Let me remind you guys, this was with only 38K miles on the clock. I doubt I'll ever feel the same about this car again.
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2006 Premium GT Convertible Screaming Yellow, Black Top Black Leather Interior Upgrade Pkg. 5 Speed Side Airbags 18" "Fanblade Wheels" Shaker 500 Audio System CORSA Performance exhaust Brenspeed 87 octane tune MGW Shifter
Wow, that makes me sick. Was the high cost due to them fixing your 1 mistake, or did you have to pay for their 5 as well? I would expect that if I took mine in, I should only pay for what a routine change would cost, and if they break any, then it’s their dime!
How much does it cost to install 8 spark plugs in a 3V Mustang? $611.13. That was the bill when I got my car back. I had broken 1 spark plug, my authorized Ford dealer trained techician (the dealer's best engine man) broke 5. Gee, do you think there's a problem here? Let me remind you guys, this was with only 38K miles on the clock. I doubt I'll ever feel the same about this car again.
So I'm guessing they did not have to pull the cylinder head off. Now that you know about the problem, you should be able to prevent it and continue to enjoy your car.
Wow, that makes me sick. Was the high cost due to them fixing your 1 mistake, or did you have to pay for their 5 as well? I would expect that if I took mine in, I should only pay for what a routine change would cost, and if they break any, then it’s their dime!
They probably charged him for the $250 eazeeeee out tool.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, 3.31, Auto, 18" Fanblades, Interior Upgrade, Active Anti-Theft, Side Bags, Leather, K&N Drop-in, Splash Guards, 14" Antenna, Rolled Tips, Born on date...3/07
How much does it cost to install 8 spark plugs in a 3V Mustang? $611.13. That was the bill when I got my car back. I had broken 1 spark plug, my authorized Ford dealer trained techician (the dealer's best engine man) broke 5. Gee, do you think there's a problem here? Let me remind you guys, this was with only 38K miles on the clock. I doubt I'll ever feel the same about this car again.
It may be worthwhile to file a complaint with Ford to try to get some $ out of them. I did this with another car manufacturer when a clutch prematurely failed at only 20K miles, and the manufacturer agreed to pay for the parts(half of the $400 total bill). Also, suggest that you get the old plugs if you plan to do this.
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2005 Mustang GT/Manual/C&L Street CAI/Doug's 93 Race Tune
Are the Autolite Part #HT1 Revolution HT spark plugs built to address this issue? It says that the Revolution HT is specifically designed for the Ford Triton 3 valve engine. And a photo of the spark plug doesn't looked crimped to me but it's hard to tell.
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RE: Scary Plug Change - 
