'03 4.6 spark plugs

[XploX]

Getting a misfire on cylinder #8 , so I'm going to change the plugs and coils.
All of the information doing a search on the threads stripping is old.

Has anyone had any issues with the threads stripping on the '03 4.6?

 

[BarryCarey]

Did the plugs on my 03 4.6 last summer. Looks like the first time they had been changed in a long time. Had no issues getting them in or out.

Make sure you use a swivel to ensure you get a good angle.

If you're worried about changing the plugs you could always move the #8 coil to a different cylinder to see if the misfire follows it.

 

[apenland01]

Did the plugs on my 03 4.6 last summer. Looks like the first time they had been changed in a long time. Had no issues getting them in or out.

Make sure you use a swivel to ensure you get a good angle.

If you're worried about changing the plugs you could always move the #8 coil to a different cylinder to see if the misfire follows it.

This^^^^ Move the coil pack to a different cylinder, then clear the codes and see if the misfire pops up on the new cylinder, this will verify a bad coil pack. Just did it with my 4.6L last weekend. Changed the plugs and boots, but still had a misfire. Switched the coil packs around, cleared the codes and the misfire moved with the coil pack. Otherwise, it could have been a fuel injector or any number of different things.

 

[Number4]

Follow the coil advice first.

I changed the stock plugs on my "new to me" '04 when it had 130k on it. I had no issues. What you must do, is thoroughly clean the area around the plug tube, then the plug tube itself. You really need compressed air. I used a pick to break up the crud and the air to blow it out.

Do not use anti-sieze on your new plug (it comes built in, that's why the threads aren't black) and torque to spec. Do NOT guestimate at proper torque. It's something like 13lbs.

 

[apenland01]

I believe that makuloco said in the spark plug video on youtube that Ford had changed from 18 to 25lbs torque for the plugs. I think that was on both the 4.0 and 4.6, but I could be mistaken. If you watch the video he did for the plugs, he discusses the torque thing. I used 25lbs on mine last week and everything went smoothly.

The 6" wobble extension is invaluable for the plug job.

 

[BarryCarey]

I believe that makuloco said in the spark plug video on youtube that Ford had changed from 18 to 25lbs torque for the plugs. I think that was on both the 4.0 and 4.6, but I could be mistaken. If you watch the video he did for the plugs, he discusses the torque thing. I used 25lbs on mine last week and everything went smoothly.

The 6" wobble extension is invaluable for the plug job.

You're right. I can't remember the exact torque he recommend but it's higher then spec. He recommended this to prevent blowouts.

I used the except number he recommended and had no issues.