ILikeBond

Just wanted to let you all know I did the spark plug TSB today, at about 49,000 miles, replacing the stock Motorcraft plugs with HT-1s. I used the Aerokroil penetrating fluid from http://www.kano.com and followed the TSB. It was a pretty simple procedure.

Of the 8 plugs, 6 came out with literally almost no effort. I was really schocked how easy they were after all the horror stories. After soaking, I just turned the plugs a couple quarter turns, then they were loose enough that I could remove the wrench and just finish the turns with my fingers on the socket and extensions. They made no noise, it was cake.

Two of the plugs (on the passenger side, the nearest to the front, and on the driver side, the nearest to the rear) put up more of a fight. They creaked or whined a little bit and required a little more muscling. I didn't want to push too hard, and I did as recommended, turning out a quarter to a half turn, then reversing back in an eighth of a turn. In each case, once I had done a few turns, I let them sit and soak in the penetrating fluid for a few more minutes. It seemed to help.

Here's a picture of the plugs that came out (I turned each to the most carbonated side for the picture).



I was also a little surprised - but in retrospect it makes sense - to find that when I restarted my engine I had a significant amount of thick smoke. This was just like when I seafoamed my car 6 or 8 weeks ago (I wonder if that helped with the spark plug removal). I guess the penetrating fluid brought some broken down carbonation into the engine, which got expelled out the exhaust.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions...

Charlie321

I didn't know we had the plugs that don't require gapping. I have one question: what's the TSB number?

ILikeBond

06-15-2

http://www.etoolcart.com/06152.pdf

vaporstang

Wow - those look like something you would pull out of a 2-cycle engine! I wonder if fuel cleaner would help with the carbon build up? I've been using Chevron's (can't remember the name right now) every ~5,000 miles.

Nuke

I'd think most of the smoke was the penetrating fluid itself burning off.

Glad to hear things went well. I have over 27k miles on my '07 and have been contemplating doing the plugs. Thanks for the info.

S281 E

Glad to hear you had no issues. Some people haven't been as fortunate.

05 Mustang

glad to hear you got them out without any problems!

doode

its a lot isn't it?
just imagine if it was a weekend car and the amount of carbon that would buildup over a few years

SCCAGT

Good job!!

Goldenpony

I don't think so. I use Chevron Techron every 5,000 miles, and at 38,000 miles I had 5 out of 8 plugs break off. Sorry.
Not sure why you went back with another set of 2 piece plugs though.