Ford V10 spark plug change

[rambler62]

we have recently bought a 2007 MH with the Ford V10 and have heard horror stories about the spark plug removal. We only have 25000 on the unit but I would like to remove and replace before too many miles and they get real hard to get out. Anyone out there that has done this and any tips on the job. I know about the antisieze and grease when replacing. Just wonder about the removal and any things to know that make the job easier.

[John Hilley]

The problems were with the early models. They are changed at 100,000 miles. You are possibly causing a problem that you would never encounter.

[GraySeal65]

I think Ford redesigned in 06, I have done lots of them in my shop. It's not to bad if the break off there is a special tool that OTC makes that pulls the broken piece out. One trick I have found is to pull them out with a 3/8 impact gun.

[WeBRVing]

Originally Posted by rambler62

we have recently bought a 2007 MH with the Ford V10 and have heard horror stories about the spark plug removal. We only have 25000 on the unit but I would like to remove and replace before too many miles and they get real hard to get out. Anyone out there that has done this and any tips on the job. I know about the antisieze and grease when replacing. Just wonder about the removal and any things to know that make the job easier.

Anti-seize yes, grease no.

[CLIFFTALL]

Originally Posted by John Hilley

The problems were with the early models. They are changed at 100,000 miles. You are possibly causing a problem that you would never encounter.

I agree.

[jackreno]

2006 to early 2008 V-10's have what is knowing as the 2 piece spark plugs, not that its 2 pieces but when it gets stuck it comes out in 2 pieces, the new design spark plugs do not have this problem, but you must remove the old plugs 1st to put the new design better plugs in and yes they do come apart sometimes but the good news is no one has ever had to remove the heads to get the broken plug out, just requires the special tool, I have the 2007 V-10 with the old plugs and 37,000 miles, someday I will be forced to remove them and replace with new ones, but been dreading that day..

[Waiter21]

With only 25k miles, I'd say leave it.

If you do decide to change them, make sure to buy a small torque wrench and use it.

Spitting plugs was a problem ( not a big problem,) with earlier V10s, I don't believe yours is one of the effected ones.

[cb1000rider]

Originally Posted by 92TNTRacing

One trick I have found is to pull them out with a 3/8 impact gun.

Yikes. I'd never do one of the older sets that way..

Newer V10 @25k? Leave 'em...

[grumpy0374]

If your V-10 has the older type plugs, be very careful when changing them out. Not so much from the milage, but from the low milage engine thats been sitting. Plugs are more than likely frozen in.
Reason I say that is I had a Mustang GT, 2007, with the 4.6 V-8 that used the same type plugs. It was hit n miss for many of us, even with low milage engines. Carbon would build up on the lower part of the plug and the plug would litterly "weld" itself to the cylinder head.




Ford put out a service bullitan about the problem, recommending having a broken plug removal tool handy (available from Lysle Tools). There is also info on the procedure to remove them.
When I replaced the plugs on the Stang, at 12,000 miles, I took a full day to remove all 8, using the Ford info, and still ended up breaking one.
If the plug breaks, there is no way to remove the part still in the cylinder head without the tool, other than removing the head.
Also, if the plug does break, pieces of the plug may fall into the head, on top of the piston, and the head will have to be removed.
Just google up Ford two piece plug removal. Lots and lots of info on it.
For info, a Ford dealer would charge upward of $400 bucks to do a plug change, and if one broke, it would cost more.
Grumpy

[photopilot]

To me, it depends on how long you plan to keep the coach. If you think you'll get close to 100K miles, then I'd loosen them now and anti-sieze them. If not, it's going to be someone else's problem...

[Pirate]

I have a 2006 with 62K miles. I am not touching my plugs until I absolutely have to.

Denlors Auto Blog » Blog Archive » Changing Ford Spark Plugs 4.6, 5.4, 6.8 – Ford TSB 08-7-6

http://www.phila.gov/fleet/Warranty%...-06%20FORD.pdf

[grumpy0374]

Looks like as far as the V-10, the plug breakage is only on the 3-valve engines. I don't think the 3-valve was ever installed in the van or cut-a-way , only the larger class a chassie's.
So, looks like us class c owners are safe.
Grumpy

[rambler62]

I wanted to do the spark plugs as a preventative measure. I build streetrods and hotrods as a hobby and have built cars from frame up and the only thing I don't or have not done is rebuild transmission. I just wanted to make sure I could get them out at a later date. I have about every tool known to modern man except the one for removing a broken two piece spark plug. I happen to be a Chevy guy so not that knowlegable about the Fords. That is why I asked about short cuts and tips on the procedure. I will do it just to have the experience and make sure I know how to do it if something goes wrong on the road but I think I will wait till after the car show we are headed to next week if something goes wrong.
c

[cb1000rider]

Here are my tips:
1) Don't get in a hurry. This is not your typical plug job.
2) I bought a set of swivel socket extensions just for this job. They come in 3 lengths and the socket is magnetic.
3) I "cracked" each plug 1/8th-1/4 turn, sprayed a good deal of penetrating oil into the plug area and let it sit overnight.
4) Next day I turned them out.
5) Use anti-seize liberally, thread in by hand using the extension without the wrench.
6) Torque to inch-lbs (I had to get a special wrench). Don't recall exact torque spec.

Not saying that an impact wouldn't work, that's just not how I'd do it.