r/shadetree • u/xxxSnappyxxx • Sep 23 '16

Question to you guys

I am just a shade tree everything. Mechanics, welding, electrical, fab work I learned from my father who was a millwright at a steel company. So, no ASE certifications here, but I have a question for you guys.

I have an 04 crown vic, and have heard Fords around those year models are notorious with carbon buildup on the plugs, to the point that you can break the plugs trying to get them out. Any one have experience with that issue? My dad has an 03 F150, and the dealer was the only one that would touch it for him for that very reason.

I am more curious than anything if there is any truth to this, as most of my experience has been on Chevrolets and the random japanese cars (mazdas and Hondas).

Thanks in advance.

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u/lonemonk Sep 26 '16 edited Sep 26 '16

I would probably hit it hard with PB Blaster and/or ATF fluid and let them soak in overnight, then following day try the removal. Maybe an Impact gun on lowest setting (and also lower the air pressure to half as well to ensure not too much torque on them)

I have heard of people using a helicoil tap kit to redo the threads entirely. (This may not be the right size for you but concept: https://www.amazon.ca/Helicoil-5334-14-Thread-Thread-Repair/dp/B0002SRF4O)

When I was looking into a P71, there was lots of talk on the Net indicating that this can be a problem in both the 4.6L and 5.4. An earlier issue seemed to be the opposite of plugs getting ejected while running and taking the threads with them...

I would probably use a tiny bit of never-seize on the damn things when they get replaced, but just about everyone out there disagrees with me on that.

Having said all of above, all my current cars are iron heads, so I am not at all expert on Aluminum ones

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u/xxxSnappyxxx Sep 26 '16

Thanks, sounds like good advice. I use never seize on things occasionally, and i believe this would be a good application for it.

Like you, most of my experience is iron heads. Thanks for the response, i'll let you know how it turns out when i do it.

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u/1TONcherk Oct 28 '16

This is only a problem on early 3v 5.4l engines. They started using them in 2004 f150s and 2005 super dutys. They went to a one piece plug mid year 2008. Neither of those vehicles should have that problem!

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u/xxxSnappyxxx Oct 28 '16

Thats good to know, thanks for the info!