Hi folks, just a quick question: I believe that the BA V8 had a reputation for one of the spark plugs being almost impossible to reach/remove, and, if broken in the attempt, the head needed to be removed.

Question: has this problem been addressed in later models?

Cheers

3V 5.4L were notorious for this issue and believe that it remained for the full run of the 3V.

Hmmmmm......... I am considering buying a V8 as my last car, it has to last maybe 15 years, i should live that long.



When did the 3V "run out" ? Can I assume that the current model (FG) doesn't suffer from this issue?

3V was used in Australia from 2003 to 2007 in the Falcon/Fairmont/Fairlane.

4V 5.4L (Boss Engines) (XR8 and GT) are fine as is the 5.0 Coyote.

Quote: "3-valve 5.4 L and 6.8 L engines built before 10/9/07 and 3-valve 4.6 Ls built before 11/30/07 found in many 2004–2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles have an issue with difficult-to-remove spark plugs, which can cause part of the spark plug to become seized in the cylinder head. The source of the problem is a unique plug design that uses a 2-piece shell, which often separates, leaving the lower portion of the spark plug stuck deep in the engine's cylinder head. The 2-piece OE spark plug design is intrinsically flawed, thus making it susceptible to this problem. Ford acknowledges this issue in TSB 08-7-6 as well as earlier TSBs. Ford's TSB does not state that this issue is caused by owner neglect. The TSB provides a special procedure for spark plug removal on these engines. For situations in which the spark plug has partially broken off in the cylinder head, Ford distributes multiple special tools for removing the seized portion of the plug. Their TSB explains the multiple procedures required for handling the different cases/situations that occur when parts of plugs are seized in these engines. This repair is covered for vehicles under warranty; however, the Ford recommended spark plug service interval extends beyond the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty."

Cheers, thanks HEAPS for that. I reckon I will go ahead. Should have one maybe by the end of the year. Not in any rush atm.................

Just out of curiosity, SWC, have you had any experience with these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yKIDxSnsTk

or these:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OTC-Ford-Spa ... Sw3mpXLOJa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCxo5ZEISJY

???

I have the tool but never needed as I followed the FORD TSB and they came out intact!

And that would be.............?

Pull the plugs every 5,000km.

That all!??!!

( I guess so they don't get "welded" in )


I can just imagine the TSB:

"Now, listen closely: You gotta remove the sparking plugs every 5000 kms, otherwise, forget it "

Actual TSB 08-7-6,

http://www.phila.gov/fleet/Warranty%20R ... 20FORD.pdf

If you run premium you reduce the risk IMO as I ran mine on it since new. The TSB I read only talked about the removal process and nothing about 5000 kms!

A couple of Ford Mechs told me that is what is recommended by Ford to help aleviate the issue.

Hey, thanks for this:



That's a keeper

The TSB advises to use Nickel hi temp anti seize on new plugs - a workshop I'm friends with use copper grease. I'd think any hi temp conductive grease be mandatory on installing spark plugs.