Ford spark plug issue (AKA JUNK)

jimmydean · April 13, 2009, 02:26:00 PM

I have a 2005 F-150 and the check engine light recently came on. So I took it to AutoZone so they could put the scope on it. They said it was a coil, spark plug, injector, so on and so on. Upon investigating, I found out that Ford had there head up there a$$ when the desined the heads. There is some kind of metal (non-magnetic) that incases the porcalen that is about a inch long and is basiclly a slip fit into the head. Over time and heat it gets stuck in the head. When you try to remove the plug, it breaks and is now stuck in the head. My truck is now at the dealer and there telling me if everything goes ok, and none of the plugs brake, it will cost about $400. IF any of the back four plugs brake, they actually take the cab off the truck to enable them to use the "special tool" to remove the broken sleave. I have attatched a link that explains it a little better.

http://www.denlorstools.com/autoblog/2008/11/ford-spark-plug-removal-tool-picture-of-fords-bad-design/

~SwampRAT~ · April 13, 2009, 02:57:38 PM

funny some of the ideas that them damn engineers come up with. that right there is the exact reason i drive old trucks....

TBigLug · April 13, 2009, 07:55:42 PM

Quote from: ~SwampRAT~ on April 13, 2009, 02:57:38 PM
funny some of the ideas that them damn engineers come up with. that right there is the exact reason i drive old trucks....

x2

burl · April 13, 2009, 11:02:05 PM

man that suscks...shoulda bought a dodge

but yea i would tell them to shove it if they have to take the cab off and your not giving them any money

creepyjon · April 14, 2009, 12:44:09 AM

Engineers have been on a mission for years to eliminate shade tree mechanics working on anything. After many failed attempts, I think they have finally succeeded!!!

For the record every major automobile manufacture is just as guilty, but ford does always have their "better" ways.

Disturban · April 14, 2009, 01:23:55 AM

The truck is only 4yrs old...don't you have a 5yr 50,000 warranty? If everything goes right $400 LMAO. What if they have to pull the cab off? $4,000? I wonder if you can remove the heads without taking the cab off? If so that might be a little easier?

RIP_K52007 · April 14, 2009, 12:14:29 PM

seen that show more than once, for future refernce, dont try to change plugs in the newer F-'d trucks... the dealer has a tool kit that goes in and cuts threads in the part that broke off, and if it goes the way its suposed to they can pull it out. But, chance are like usual, the part is going to fall into the plug hole and they will have to lift the cab and pull the head (thanks to fords cab over the engine design to make more interior room).

I think its Champion? one of the plug companys has a new plug out just specificly for this reason, they made the metal attach to more than just the porceilin to avoid this happening next time. Might wanna check into that and figure out who makes the plug if your planning to keep the truck another 70,000.

anyways.. gotta go back up to the ford dealership.. internship time! lol.

oh and another thing, also dont remove the plugs on a warm engine, the threads will come out of the head with the plug. (aluminum) ... and if they are going to be sending you a bill anyways, might want to have the exhaust studs replace while its in, those rust in half and snap about the same time the truck needs plugs.

Fraser · April 20, 2009, 03:08:59 AM

thats why the shop my uncle works at refuses to change plugs in the 5.4's. tells people to go to the ford dealer

jimmydean · April 20, 2009, 08:57:21 PM

the good news is that its fixed. i pulled it from the dealer. they were going to pull the cab and replace all of the plugs for $1400. i told them to shove it. took it to a local shop and they got out the broken one and found another one that was bad. they charged me $400. you all are right though. another ford great design. but its running now and im not totally broke from the repair. might have to drink PBR for a few weeks though!!

390JOE · April 20, 2009, 09:13:46 PM

if you dont know what they look like here is a pics of the plugs

390JOE · April 20, 2009, 09:15:44 PM

but i do gotta ask what is the theory behind these style of plugs?

RIP_K52007 · April 21, 2009, 01:48:50 AM

Heres the FIX ... champion replacement plug... hope thats what you got for new ones..

http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/25952/federalmoguls_champion_brand_introduces_new_one_piece_premium_replacement_spark_plug.aspx

Fraser · April 21, 2009, 04:31:30 AM

Quote from: 390JOE on April 20, 2009, 09:15:44 PM
but i do gotta ask what is the theory behind these style of plugs?

im gonna guess its b/c theres more space the plug has to go down thro from the top, instead of being on the side of the head, and having to go like ~1/2-3/4" until its where it has to be in the cylinder

390JOE · April 21, 2009, 11:13:32 PM

Quote from: Fraser on April 21, 2009, 04:31:30 AMim gonna guess its b/c theres more space the plug has to go down thro from the top, instead of being on the side of the head, and having to go like ~1/2-3/4" until its where it has to be in the cylinder

well after doing some research i found some pics of 05 f150 heads and they are really tall

Ford spark plug issue (AKA JUNK)

RIP_K52007

RIP_K52007