Ford triton V8 spark plug removal question

[dxgmmpa]

Hi All, a friend that owns an 06 Explorer V8 with 105K miles changed out his spark plugs for the first time and did not break a one. I asked him what he did to have such good luck. He said he removed the coil packs and poured BP blaster in each chamber just below the spark plug insulators. He then replaced the coil packs and drove his truck for a week before replacing the plugs.

He said the spark plugs came out in one piece. After close inspected the old sparks plugs were soft and gummy at the part that contacts the combustion chamber. Does anyone have any reason why this procedure is not a good idea?

 

[thebrakeman]

1. It's not the recommended procedure by Ford. That doesn't mean it's wrong...just that there is an approved procedure, and that ain't it.
2. I don't know the effect of PB Blaster on the rubber sleeve portion of the coilpack, nor it's effect on ignition if it gets into the contacts. Is PBB OK for use on all rubber components?
3. I think a big benefit to the TSB procedure is first loosening the plugs 1/8-1/4 turn, then adding the carb clearner. This starts opening the thread passages (without loading the plug body), allowing the clearner easier passage down to the carbon buildup. Your buddy's procedure does not allow for this. If the plugs are as tight as they should be, fluid may not get thru the treads.

I know that many people add a warm-up section to the TSB. I did. If you loosen the plugs as recommended, it won't take a week to let the fluid do it's work. You only need 15 minutes (though I waited about 1 hour).

 

[Explorer_PL]

I did that, poured DeepCreep below the boots and drove for days, then again. Not much seeped thru though. Still broke one plug for different reason.

 

[dxgmmpa]

I share the same concerns as Thebrakeman regarding the solvent's affect on the rubber parts. I think the best plan will be to use the Ford recommended procedure only changing the wait time for the penetrating solutions to soak over night after cracking the plugs an 1/8th turn. DIYers have this lucturary while the dealers probably have no incentive to do this because of time. Then again if they do charge $150 for each broken plugs their incentives may lay elsewhere.