rocky321

WOW. If I had know about this BS design of plugs 80,000 miles ago (now have 90,000) I would have trashed them back then. Well, I need to change them now and they do not budge. Maybe I'm afraid to bear down on them because of breaking one, but the pressure I apply is enough to break any plug loose. I have carb cleaner sitting in the wells hoping it will wick down. Any suggestions? I've read the TBS, but I can't get a 1/8-1/4 turn on them. Also my heads have the AA on the stickers with black coils.

808muscle

I used a torque wrench and increased the ft.lbs until they broke free. Mine broke free at 55 ft.lbs. They changed the heads in 08. I forget how you tell the difference. Brown wires or something? IDK. Take your time, its gonna screech and groan. All you need is a slight turn then the liquid can wick down.

rocky321

Yea I applied a leverage bar and got them to turn. Taking my time.

rocky321

Well the drivers side went perfect. Applied the same procedure to the passenger side and the first &^%$*(%#@! plug broke. This is such horse #$(*&&^%%$#$#. The porcelian broke in half leaving 1/2 in the casing inside the head. Are they kidding with this tool to remove it? Epoxy?? Is there a home remedy to get it out? Its Sat, and they are closed until Mon. This SUCKS!!!!!

808muscle

I have read the tool works really good. If not available where you are or too pricey amazon.com has them for around $60. Same tool is $150 at Napa here on Maui!!

rocky321

Going to NAPA this morning. $100 for the tool. I hope it works the way they say. I have 3 plugs to remove. What was the "worry free" replacement plugs recommended?

rocky321

Well, the NAPA tool #77-4021 worked awesome! Took 3 out no problem. However, it should not take this long and cost this much to change 8 spark plugs. I have a good mind to contact Ford for reimbursment on this tool. But I won't hold my breath!

stealth_GT

I actually witnessed a tech broke off 3 of them in the heads and he was like "omph! looks like the poor bastard needs new heads!" .. (he was just joking. he eventually used the removal tool)

rocky321

I'm sure the Ford techs make real good use of this tool. They are not going to stand around waiting for carb cleaner to wick down. It's more like "snap, crackle, pop" get the tool. Worked at a dealership. Know the mentality. Unless of course they increased the allotted time to change spark plugs on these 3V heads.

tx_zstang

You must have an early '08; the heads changed during the year, along with plug design.
I certainly hope you have the larger/older plugs and not the newer (14mm) ones!

That took a lot of force for you to break one. But join the club..or the majority, that is.