2005-2014 Mustangs Discussions on the latest S197 model Mustangs from Ford.

Spark plug replacement help

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Old Jul 3, 2018 | 12:24 AM
  #1  
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Marioraider18
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Question Spark plug replacement help

My mustang is in dire need of a spark plug change. I currently have 98,000k miles on my vehicle and need to replace my spark plugs. I want to take it to a dealership, but do not want to pay extra if they break it. What is the most I can do to prevent them from breaking it??

I have used 4 cans of sea foam motor treatment while refueling my vehicle 4 times.

I also have a deep creep penetrating lubricant. Would applying this during the day and having it sit throughout the night then taking it to the dealership work? Or am I not able to drive while this lubricant is being used?

Here is the lubricant/cleaner

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Foam-DC-14-Creep-Lubricant/dp/B0002KL6TM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1530595219&sr=1-1&keywords=deep+creep https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Foam-DC-14-Creep-Lubricant/dp/B0002KL6TM/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1530595219&sr=1-1&keywords=deep+creep



I was thinking of doing it myself, but I backed out because it seems too difficult for me. I even bought the Lisle Tool Spark plug remover. Oh well...
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 05:20 AM
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Keep the dealer from breaking what?

We're to assume you have an older V8, with the plugs that are notoriouse
for breaking? SO, we guess...

NO, you can't drive it and expect the lubricant to work, you'll burn it off, and
can make it worse....

You do not have much of a choice in any case, you do it, or someone else...
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 07:59 AM
  #3  
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As long as you have the Lisle tool, it's a no-brainer. DIY.
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Marioraider18
My mustang is in dire need of a spark plug change. I currently have 98,000k miles on my vehicle and need to replace my spark plugs. I want to take it to a dealership, but do not want to pay extra if they break it. What is the most I can do to prevent them from breaking it??

I have used 4 cans of sea foam motor treatment while refueling my vehicle 4 times.

I also have a deep creep penetrating lubricant. Would applying this during the day and having it sit throughout the night then taking it to the dealership work? Or am I not able to drive while this lubricant is being used?

Here is the lubricant/cleaner

https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Foam-DC-1...rds=deep+creep



I was thinking of doing it myself, but I backed out because it seems too difficult for me. I even bought the Lisle Tool Spark plug remover. Oh well...
What's the build date on your car or what color are the coil boots on the car? Black is the older style that could break, brown is the revised head design with improved plug design. Build date cutoff is 10/07 or 11/07 where the switch happened.
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 03:10 PM
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@Derf

I will find out as soon as it stops raining. Thanks

My 10th digit vin number is a 6 so Im guessing I have the black ones. I will double check as soon as the storm goes away
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 03:12 PM
  #6  
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Mustangdude I meant breaking the plugs. I am inching closer to doing it myself so depending on how easy the instructions are understandable to me, I will see what I will do
Old Jul 3, 2018 | 06:22 PM
  #7  
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http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/120

This is all the information on the 2-piece plug... Wonder who's genius idea that
was...
Old Jul 4, 2018 | 09:30 AM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Derf00
What's the build date on your car or what color are the coil boots on the car? Black is the older style that could break, brown is the revised head design with improved plug design. Build date cutoff is 10/07 or 11/07 where the switch happened.
The Op didn't specify his model year, so we either have to assume....or dig deep and look at his profile page where he has his car listed as an '06.

So he would have the 2-piece design, unless someone changed them to a 1-piece aftermarket plug
Old Jul 4, 2018 | 09:51 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by 08'MustangDude
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/120

This is all the information on the 2-piece plug... Wonder who's genius idea that
was...
The absolute, MOST important part of the linked article....

"Tips to help avoid breaking Ford two-piece spark plugs
  1. The sooner these plugs are replaced the better the chances of removal without breaking. Where possible, replace them before 50,000 miles.
  2. The engine needs to be cool when attempting removal.
  3. Loosen the plug no more than 1/4 turn. Stop and pour a small amount of carbon dissolving solvent into the plug tube. Motorcraft offers chemical PM3. Allow this to sit and hopefully loosen the carbon.
  4. Tighten the plug and then loosen again, several times. Do not apply more than 35 foot-pounds of torque trying to remove the plugs.
  5. If the plug comes out, crank the engine several times to expel any liquid that could have entered the cylinder.
  6. These plugs often snap off with little or no warning. If you do not wish to attempt removal of the broken plug(s) tow the vehicle to a quality shop like AGCO."

Here is a link to the thread I made regarding my plug change saga:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forum...plug-saga.html
Old Jul 5, 2018 | 01:48 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by 08'MustangDude
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/120

This is all the information on the 2-piece plug... Wonder who's genius idea that
was...
Article is not 100% correct. Yes all 2009 are the new revised head but so are any 2018's with a build date after Oct/Nov of 2017. I just missed the cutoff so I have the older heads.

Oh and OTC made a tool to further reduce the chances of breaking them. Turns the hex AND porcelain at the same time.

https://www.otctools.com/products/fo...-kit-triton-3v

I personaly prefer this video as it explains it better

Last edited by Derf00; Jul 5, 2018 at 01:55 PM.



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