Getting my Spark Plugs done

[DaTT]

Now, my spark plugs are a two piece design which have tendency to bust off in the heads. Yay. Good news is Ford has designed a tool specifically for the 3v 4.6L V8 for removing busted plugs, which I'm assuming is different than the generic plug removal tools. Bad news is I am having it done at the dealership (one I have dealt with for a long time and actually bought my car from)

I would attempt to do this on my own but I can't rent the tool to pull out busted plugs, it's cold outside and I wouldn't feel confident pulling out busted plugs without getting some metal or ceramic in the cylinder.

It's a pricey ordeal. Best case scenario is they get all plugs out without having one break, the cost is $450 including plugs. Worst case is $954 including plugs if all plugs break. Plugs are $25 each. I'm guessing I'll be somewhere closer to the worst case....just my kind of luck.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I did a 2v last year w/ 100k miles on the plugs and had no problems. Wasn't winter out though.....

FWIW I've seen the head tool for around $50.- Hella cheaper than what the stealership is charging

 

[DaTT]

This problem was specific to the 3v 4.6L in the Mustang and the F-150. The 2 piece plugs were the issue when carbon build-up would cause them to seize up in the heads, so the top half of the plug would break off.

I believe the tool specific for this engine is $200-$300. At least the last time I looked.

 

[cbrsurfr]

I'd look for a good non-Ford mechanic that can handle it. I'm assuming it's out of warranty so there's no real reason to bring it to Ford.

 

[DaTT]

I'd look for a good non-Ford mechanic that can handle it. I'm assuming it's out of warranty so there's no real reason to bring it to Ford.

I am bringing it to Ford for 2 reasons:

1) They have 2 or 3 guys on staff that are extremely efficient at removing busted plugs, as they have been doing it on that specific engine since 2005. Not to say my regular mechanic doesn't know how, but Ford is charging 1 hour for the first busted plug and a half hour for every plug after.

2) I get a loaner car from the dealership. Something I desperately need for work.

From a price point of view, the cost wouldn't be that much different from a regular mechanic. Here's the breakdown;

2 hours labour for plug re and re @ $99/hour
1 hour for 1st busted plug and .5 hours per plug after @ $99/hour
$25x8 for 8 plugs
+ tax

The dealership shop rate isn't terrible. Much better than the Ford dealership which is local to me.

 

[Hecubus28]

I replaced mine on my 06 back when I had around 20k miles on it during a supercharger install. Ended up breaking one plug on it and I followed the TSB to a T. I was able to buy the Lisle tool at a local Autozone for about 60 dollars to get it out though. It was a little nerve wracking but in the end it wasn't that bad. I ended up putting a one piece plug back in.

 

[drnickriviera]

If the plugs are the same as the 5.4 in the F-150, I have the tool. Send me a message if interested. I think I broke 2 or 3 on mine and i believe these plugs were original, changed them at 150k. I think i soaked them in Kroil and used an impact wrench to get them out