F150 spark plugs

[Mac VABCH]

Just a word of warning , if you own a F150 with a 3 valve 5.4 engine 2004-2009 the sparks plug will break and leave a portion of the spark plug stuck in the head! Not to worry there is a procedure that you can use that limits the chance of one breaking if you are very patient. There is a TSB (TSB 06-15-2) out that explains the procedure in detail. If you do break one or all of them there is a tool available from Napa (Broken Spark Plug Remover for Ford 3 valve part # 77-4021) that is much better than the tool listed in the TSP. There are a few things that contribute to the spark plugs breaking. First they are a two piece design. Second ford recommends changing them at 100k mile. Third they where installed without anti seize. The plugs are rather unique and expensive, they have a ground electrode shield which extends below the threads, this is the part of the plug that gets stuck in the head. Carbon builds up between the ground electrode shield and the head. When you try to remove them they break before the carbon does. To avoid them breaking you must follow the TSP procedure and use penetrating oil to break down the carbon build up very slowly. I used PB blaster. If you do break some go buy the tool from Napa ($94) and follow the directions in the kit. The tool described in the TSP doesn't work as well and is hard to get if not impossible. For replacement I found 3 different plugs: 1-Auto Light HT-15 $11. 2-Motorcraft $16 3-Champion $29. The Autolight and Motorcraft are two piece design while the Champion is a one piece that shouldn't break. Hope this helps someone if you have any questions don't hesitate.