Thank goodness for this web site. I have 35.5K on mine and just saw this thread. It's the first I had heard about the potiential issue. I'll add the plugs to the over 12 warranty things I'll intend to have the dealer look at when I take in my car next week. My plugs have never been removed. I'll be watching from the distance as they pull the plugs....
$600 to fix/replace plugs! What a shame. I remember it would only cost me $4, 15 minutes and some scraped knuckles to change the plugs on my 'character-building'-first-car-VW-bug.
< Message edited by Slick06GT -- 2/21/2008 2:42:54 PM >
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06 Prem GT 5 spd, D Specs, Steeda Sport Springs, Raptor shift lite, Hurst shifter, Tint, Seq tail lights, JLT II CAI w/tune, Borla axle-back stingers
Just thought i wouild post this for those interested, I didn't see this link posted in this thread but I just skimmed through and could have missed it.
Notes.
The below is for the 5.4 3V but same type 3V head as ours so there is some hints/help here, also someone I believe here said use 25 Ft lbs but this article says 33 ft lbs so not sure if the 33lbs applys to the 4.6.
It's almost impossible to "never mind the host", but thanks for the link. DAMN that guy is HORRIBLE! Uhhhh, reading lessons FTW!!!
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"I wanna see it painted, painted, painted . . . painted black."
BLACK '06 GT Coupe ALL BLACK interior (no IUP) C&L CAI w/SCT/Brenspeed tune Bassani SS axlebacks 18x9 DD Bullitts w/255/45/18 KDW 15% tint Sequential sigs 14" shorty
Just thought i wouild post this for those interested, I didn't see this link posted in this thread but I just skimmed through and could have missed it.
Notes.
The below is for the 5.4 3V but same type 3V head as ours so there is some hints/help here, also someone I believe here said use 25 Ft lbs but this article says 33 ft lbs so not sure if the 33lbs applys to the 4.6.
The "expected removal torque" is the 33 ft/lb value. The torque for installing new plugs is the 25 ft/lb. value. By the way, the plug I broke off, never even reached the 33 ft/lb torque while I was backing it out.
< Message edited by Goldenpony -- 2/23/2008 6:41:14 AM >
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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
If you check TSB # 06-15-2, you'll see expected removal torque of 33 ft/lbs or 45 NM. This TSB says it's for 5.4 3V engine, but it's the same for 4.6L.
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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
I did the scary plug change this weekend. This was their first time out and at 15k I didnt expect any problems. They were all fine, but had a LOT of carbon on them. I cleaned them, checked the gap, anti-seized them and installed them. I'll pull them back out at 30k.
FWIW, It really is scary when your pushing 20+ft/lbs and they haven't broken loose.
Mine will have 2 yrs ownership but only 8K now on the speedo. Looking at how the aluminum manifold is ozidizing from down here in south florida (I'm 15 miles from the beach so the salt isn't completely the culprit) and reading the horror stories here, I'm quering the dealer on WTF is going on.
BTW about the carbon, does anyone run 93 octane from other than Amoco/BP/Shell/Chevron/Sunoco? Could the build-up might have been caused by other than major brand gasolines?
Mine will have 2 yrs ownership but only 8K now on the speedo. Looking at how the aluminum manifold is ozidizing from down here in south florida (I'm 15 miles from the beach so the salt isn't completely the culprit) and reading the horror stories here, I'm quering the dealer on WTF is going on.
BTW about the carbon, does anyone run 93 octane from other than Amoco/BP/Shell/Chevron/Sunoco? Could the build-up might have been caused by other than major brand gasolines?
According to that picture at the Shell station, it sure could have been speeded up by inferior gas.
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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
+1 on the inferior gas. In my case I've always run "high end" fuel and 93 octane. I only run longer trips, so I dont know why there was so much carbon. Maybe there are more additives in the high octane that contributes to the deposits
I doubt the 93 oct had anything to do with it. I would think that the additives in the high end gas would have helped. It could possibly be the tune/gas you are using or just the way things are. I'm too much a chicken rat to mess with mine right now with only 13K on the log.
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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
WTF?!? I have 24K on my car - what should I do? I've already asked my service advisor if they would cover the cost if they broke - nope, my dime. So I might as well do it myself since I'm certain I'll be more careful than a tech well. BUT I"M SCARED TO DEATH TO DO IT! WTF?!? Way to stand by your customers Ford!
How in the world can they say " no " to not covering it if they break it? Is this not a flaw on Fords part? This is just completely insane, just my .02.
As I understand it, if a plug breaks and gets stuck and the dealer were to make a claim under the car's 3/36 warranty it would be denied. The reason, the spark plug is the causal part. Spark plugs are a maintenance item and covered by the 12month/12k warranty not the 3/36.
The two dealers I talked with around here are taking these on a case by case basis with their Ford rep. They also said if I were to come in and ask that my spark plugs be changed I would be responsible for any and all associated costs, as spark plug replacement is not covered under the 3/36.
Like I said in my earlier post, I wouldn't count on Ford for a lot of help on this. If your still low miles I would take the chance and pull them now. I think you have a better chance of getting your plugs out at 15k as opposed to 50k or 100k.
Edit: BUT, if your only going to keep this car a few years and less than 100k, don't worry about it, drive it, enjoy it and then TRADE IT! (on a 2010+)
< Message edited by frd06GT -- 2/26/2008 6:47:21 AM >
ok... so what is the verdict? I have a 05 gt with 23000 (and some change) miles on it... Should i change the plugs? Im very mechanically inclined, i always do my own work... IF i was to break one, would pulling the head be THAT bad? just a gasket to replace right? Anyways, should I do this this weekend?
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05 Mineral Grey GT Stick
"Sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken."
It's something I may concider by 25K miles. You wouldn't have to pull the head. Rotunda does have the "tool" for $250 to remove the busted off part. Do what you think is best.
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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
IMO, IF you are keeping your car for several more years I would and follow the TSB procedure. If you break one, that removal tool that is mentioned in this thread does work a lot of the time, so that would be an option.
As for pulling the head, its work and remember this is an OHC engine, so you really need the cam tool to R&R the head safely.
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RE: Scary Plug Change - 
