3V V10 spark plug "breaking" problem

[buttster]

Just read an article which notes, "The original equipment Ford Motorcraft spark plugs have became notorious for breaking when being removed.", this on the new 3V V10 engines. Their recommendation is to use Champion 7989 which is a 1 piece design. This article shows only 2005 thru 2008, but not later years.
As I have a 2011 chassis (engine hopefully the same year) my question is, has anyone had any problems when replacing their spark plugs in a 2009 thru 2011 engine? Or has Ford fixed this breaking problem after 2008?

[Clifftall]

As I remember , you don't have to worry about it for 100,000 miles

[texnet]

I do not know if the fixed the problem in 2009 or not...

We had that problem on a 2006 Lincoln Navigator with a 5.4L 4 Valve engine. I waited until I had 100,000 miles to have the plugs changed and they broke 3 of them. The Ford dealer that worked on it did cut me a deal getting the broken plugs out. Their advice is to change the plugs @ 50,000 miles to avoid the problem.

[mr300ce]

Big ongoing problem with that motor, and all the late model Ford motors is spark plugs that come loose, then vibrate, then strip out the threads in the aluminum heads. They will actually 'blow' out. Had one (v10) do it moving the vehicle into the bay to repair another hole that had already blown out the spark plug.

Matco Tools has a kit we use to repair the holes by installing a threaded metal insert. Once that is done, no more problems.

[tderonne]

There's posts about three different spark plug systems above. Ford 2 valve, 3 valve, and 4 valve modulars all have different plug arrangements.

The original poster was asking about the 3 valve. It uses a very unique plug:



Apparently the lower part can seize to the head and then when the plug is removed it will snap and leave the lower part stuck in the head. Not sure how widespread it is, first I heard of it was here just now.

[buttster]

OK, did a lot of searching and this is what I've found and please correct me if this is incorrect.
In 2008 1/2 way thru year, Ford changed the spark plug stile to stop "blow-out and breaking".
OLD plugs SP-207 (PZT 2FE) identified by Black Coil Over Plug
NEW plugs SP-509 (12405) identified by Brown Coil Over Plug
New SP-509 have longer threads and is 1 piece design, now and I'm not sure that these new plugs can be used in pre 2008 engines.
Also there were recomendations to change ALL plugs at around 50K to avoild carbon buildup problem.

[LVJ58]

Interesting reading about all these spark plug problems. We have a 2000 v10 with 74k miles that still has the original spark plugs and runs perfect.

At 100k miles, if still running OK, don't plan to change plugs, however if after 100k miles it starts running poorly, will take it in to Ford heavy duty shop and have them replaced.

Happy Holidays and Safe travels to all

[Wizard]

Had about 70K on my 2000 V10 and never even thought that the plugs was near to need changing and never had a problem.

[Pirate]

That's the way I read it too, that the plugs changed in mid 2008, I don't think it was related to the earlier V10 blowout issue, I think it was just bad plugs. One thing I did glean from all the discussions at FTE was to change the V-10 plugs at 50K miles. Those that waited reported that the plugs were almost destroyed (tips gone, etc..). I intend on doing my 06 plugs this summer regardless of the miles, which will probably be around 40K.

[toneumanns]

They have made plugs better than metallurgy can handle. Aluminum heads along with plugs of rolled steel create a lot of problems. Anti-seaze compounds help but plugs staying in for years are problems. I think mfgs. should not only put a mileage limit on plugs they should also put a time limit on them.

[chboone]

Attached is a ford TSB for spark plug removal in a 5.4 3V. It could also apply to the V10, at least I will use it when I change the plugs in my V10.

[mr300ce]

My techs have had to perform this very proceedure several times. Its a bummer, and costs the customer a bunch of $$$ because it takes time.

Glad I am manager now, and not 'wrenching' for my pay any more.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chboone Attached is a ford TSB for spark plug removal in a 5.4 3V. It could also apply to the V10, at least I will use it when I change the plugs in my V10.

Here's a link to the TSB re: 2006-2008 F53 3V Changing Ford Spark Plugs 4.6, 5.4, 6.8 - Ford TSB 08-7-6 | Denlors Auto Blog

[buttster]

Don't shoot the messenger, just remember that old FRAN commercial "pay me now, or pay me later".
I just thought this plug information would be useful to some. OH, by the way the information I gathered was some Ford dealers start at $500 and some have reached $1200+ for the plug change (when broken).