F53 Spark plug replacement

[dirko]

Hi Ho: Got no response on WI Forum, so I thought I would try here. We have a 2000 Itasca Suncruiser with an F53 engine. It has about 60,000 miles, so thought I would replace spark plugs for routine maintenance. I did a quick check and found several postings of horror stories of plugs popping out and not seating properly due to lack of threads in the head.

Do any of you know if this applies to our engine? Has anyone else put in new plugs in their F53 of a similar vintage? The only suggestion so far is just to leave it alone even if Ford sugests new plugs at 50,000 miles.

Help, Dirk

[cj5 jeeper]

Yes you have the pop out plugs. The heads are aluminum and only have 4 threads holding the plugs in. I can not give you any more info, as everything I had went with my old motorhome and I do not trust my memory to give you any more info. There is a ton of info out there about the problem. Sorry I can not be of more help.

[Abnmarine]

I just replaced mine last week and drove 1200 miles so far with no issues. Ensure the engine is totally cold. Let it sit overnight and then install them in the morning. Torque the plugs to 15 ft lbs. The reason some have problems is due to installing them on a warm or hot engine.

[LVJ58]

Dirk, I'm a firm believer in "IF IT WORKS OK, DON'T MESS WITH IT" We have 66k on our 2000 v10 and it's running flawlessly. If and when I get an indication of malfunctioning plugs I'll change them, but not until then.

However if it makes you feel more comfortable changing the plugs, then by all means do it.

Good luck, Jim

[John Hilley]

100,000 miles is the Ford recommended change interval. Mine have 88,000 miles on them and seem to be fine yet.

[Abnmarine]

Let me add that I haven't noticed a change since installing new plugs. I typically give a complete tuneup whenever I buy a used vehicle just so I know it's current state. My stock plugs looked fine but since I had already removed them, I decided to just install the new ones.

I agree that if your engine runs fine and if you have under 80k miles, I'd just skip changing them.

[dirko]

Hi Ho: Thanks all for the inputs. I think the best solution is to hope that we aren't around when they need changing. I read a bunch of stuff including TSB from Ford and have decided that I will leave the plugs alone until there is a problem.

The problem with this approach is that the longer they stay there, the tighter they will attach themselves. It is a catch 22 deal.

Thanks again. Amazing that Ford would allow this to remain unfixed.

Dirk

[NAUTIQUE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirko Do any of you know if this applies to our engine? Has anyone else put in new plugs in their F53 of a similar vintage? The only suggestion so far is just to leave it alone even if Ford sugests new plugs at 50,000 miles. Help, Dirk

Dirko,
Here was my plug change info: F53 OWNERS - Tips & Suggestions

[jcthorne]

Ford has not left this unnoticed. The newer 3valve heads do not have the problem. Still aluminum heads which require care in spark plug removal and repacement but the 4 thread head thickness has been redesigned.

[Hikerdogs]

Only the 275 hp version on the Ford V10 had the problem with the plugs (1999 and earlier chassis). The later 310 hp (2000 chassis) and 362 hp (3 valve introduced in late 2004 chassis) versions have 8 threads rather than the 4 in the first generation. Ford didn't make a 2005 F53 chassis they ran the 2004 chassis until early 2005 then introduced the 2006 chassis. If your coach is built on a 2000 or newer chassis you shouldn't have a problem.

Some of the first 2000 motorhomes were built on 1999 chassis. Check the VIN number to be sure which chassis your coach is built on.

[Wizard]

Another solution is to have someone else, maybe Ford change the plugs. For just this work, the coust would not be to big, but you would have the Ford dealership to fall back on if you do have a problem.

Happened to a friend of mine. His 2001 popped a plug, had it towed to Ford and they reinstalled. Popped again and screwed up the head, They replaced both heads with updated ones and no more problems. Only cost him for the original plug replacement, although a lot of aggrevation.