4.6 plugs

[Guest]

[rcfreek59]

Hey GUys: So I got the 97 bird with the 4.6 and I have read the threads on sparkplugs and the lack of threads and how the threads strip out when you remove the plugs, Also about how the plugs can pop out. What I need to know is if there is any way to take the plugs out and put in new plugs without problems. An article in Car Craft or one of those stated to pour wd-40 in around the plug and let them sit overnight. I read some tricks in a thread about a month ago or so. It has 130,000 miles on it and runs real good I just want to tune it up for my Wife to finish out the winter before the engine swap. I dont want to end up taking a head off to be repaired right at this time.
Thanks for any help you might be able to give me

John

[gmatt9858]

If it runs 'real good', I would just leave it alone. But that's me.

[rcfreek59]

I am almost thinking the same thing since I called my machine shop for his advice. I asked him what he would do and he said not own one so I am leaning toward changing all but the plugs (wires,etc...).

John

[windsordeath]

Chevy man is he? I've never had a problem doing plugs in modular engines

That plug blowing out issue is common but don't let that sweat you from doing plugs..Damn!

The WD thing is a not a bad idea as they do tend to get snug from combustion or carbon getting on the threads.. I'd use P.B. Blaster though as it seems to penetrate alot better..But other than that just don't go all MONGO on it and try to break them off when tightening them up..just snug, then 1/8 turn.

[rcfreek59]

Thanks ; Thats real funny cause he is a chevy man.  I have been so affraid to change the plugs its rediculous. And yes dont worry I would have used PB Blaster anyway. I always have. THe article was in car craft I think and they just recomended wd 40. I know how the steel and aluminum react together and I hope that if the plugs have already been changed at some time they used antiseize. But its almost histericle how affraid I have been to do this. I thoiught about running the engine until its hot and then pulling the plug wires and pouring the PB in around the plugs and letting it sit overnight. Thanks for the advice and the confidence booster. I am not near affraid as I was.

John

[danielf]

At least this is somthing i can speak with experience on...

I agree, if it runs well, leave it alone. I had a 99Gt with the 4.6 and i did a tune up and i had 2 plugs pop right out on me. one a mile form my house the another when i was out of town. Not fun. When i took it to the dealer ( yeah i know) they told me that the heads dont have enough threads on them and then because the whole engine or just heads (not sure) are alumn that if its not cooled all the way down, the alum wont "shrink" back down? I guess alumn expands more? But whatever it was it happened twice to me. Had to helicoil the heads.

[windsordeath]

There's plenty out there that haven't had this problem..Can't be a vagina forever and not tune up your car...That or hire a professional to blame it on!

[rcfreek59]

Hey Guys: Yeah I know. I have my wife taking off work this next week so that I have time to remove a head if I have to. I gave my extra cars away to my other kids so if I take out a plug and the threads come with it I have time to remove the heads and have valve job done and the plug holes repaired. I am not one who gives up easy and I cant bear running a car on a half ass tune up.THanks for the advice and I will let you know how it goes.

John

[modularmadness]

per ford they tell you to spray a penetrating lube in there and let sit for 15.  But only do this after the motor has a slightly warm, which is highlighted in their material.  WARM engine to the touch, spray the penetrating lube, let stand for 15 min, then when you take the plugs out, turn them 2 turns loose, one turn tight, back and forth until the plugs come out.

thats fords direct way of removing the plugs on their ohc motors with the thread/sticking plug issues

[ShaunK]

I've changed 100's upon 100's of plugs with no issues. A little antiseize and actually torque down the plugs to the ford spec and you'll be fine. Like was said a little pb blaster and let them sit overnight if your that scared.

[rcfreek59]

Hey Guys: Have not been posting for a few days cause of my cancer. Been pretty sick. THe thing I cant figure out is why would they do this to begin with. Why did Ford design this like they did and how come it was not changed after the first couple of years. Go figure..

John

[ShaunK]

Sorry to hear about the health issues. Other than a few cars and quite a few trucks spitting plugs out I haven't had alot of issues with them. I actually keep a stock of the timeserts in the toolbox. Wanna talk about a bad design? New 3 valve stuff. I can almost guarentee you'll leave half of a couple plugs stuck in the head. Thank god there's a kit to remove that portion!