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3 Valve Engine Spark Plug Removal

d-kuzmen

Master Ford Tech
2,109
79
Connecticut
Don't know if anyones seen this, but if your changing plugs in a 3 valve engine you need to do it this way to avoid breaking the plugs off.


SERVICE PROCEDURE


To remove spark plugs without damage, it is necessary to adhere exactly to this procedure before removal is attempted.

CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE PLUGS WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM OR HOT. THE ENGINE MUST BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WHEN PERFORMING SPARK PLUG SERVICE. REMOVING THE SPARK PLUGS FROM A WARM/HOT ENGINE INCREASES THE CHANCE THE THREADS COULD BE DAMAGED.



Spark Plug Removal Procedure

Remove the coil-on-plug assemblies and thoroughly blow out the spark plug wells and surrounding valve cover area with compressed air.
Back out the spark plugs no more than 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn. Using Motorcraft® Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner, fill the spark plug well just above where the jamb nut hex sits (1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon). A minimum period of 15 minutes of soak time is required. The cleaner will wick down to the ground electrode shield and soften the carbon deposits in this time. DO NOT WORK the spark plug back and forth at this point.
NOTE: COMPLETELY REVIEW THE PRODUCT LABEL FOR THE MOTORCRAFT CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER PRODUCT - USE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND SHAKE WELL.



CAUTION: EXCESSIVE MOTORCRAFT® CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER, OR REPEATING THE PROCESS SEVERAL TIMES WITH TOO MUCH CLEANER FLUID, COULD INTRODUCE ENOUGH LIQUID VOLUME TO HYDRO-LOCK THE ENGINE.



CAUTION: DO NOT USE AIR OR POWER TOOLS FOR SPARK PLUG REMOVAL. SPARK PLUGS MUST ONLY BE REMOVED WITH HAND TOOLS.



Tighten, and then loosen the spark plug, working the plug back and forth. Some screeching and high effort may be noticed. The expected removal torque is about 33 lb-ft (45 N-m). Repeat the back and forth turning as needed until turning effort is reduced, and remove the spark plugs.
NOTE: NEW PLUGS SHOULD BE INSTALLED USING A FILM COATING OF MOTORCRAFT HIGH TEMPERATURE NICKEL ANTI-SEIZE LUBRICANT ON THE GROUND ELECTRODE SHIELD. DO NOT COAT THE ELECTRODE STRAP.
 

msb71

Virginia Chapter Leader
1,624
28
Hampton,VA
What happened to the good ole' days of just removing the plug , seems like a lot of work just to tune up a truck.
 

lil_dq

Let 'er eat boys!
6,933
265
Union, MO
From my experience, IMOHO mind you I will never do it that way again....now saying that I need to back it up i guess.

I was doing some research and ran across a website (ford related) that had the same procedure. I followed it to a tee, and low and behold I had the infamous "blown plug" Now rumor has it that the torque ratings on the plug for tightening is too much. That is not to say that they have not changed it since I did mine last year, but better safe than sorry. I will always change the "old fashioned" way of finger thight, then 1/8 turn more!

ok off the saop box.

And again I DON'T want to ruffle any feathers just giving my .02 worth of info. like I said before, ford may have lowered the torque specs since I did mine!
 

89frankenford

Grabber Green Consultant
4,547
147
NH
please for the love of god, tell me that the new 09 f-150 you don't have to remove the body to replace the plugs!!! i was talking to a very good friend of mine and thats what he has been hearing......
 

RangerPilot

Boom Shaka Laka
2,560
110
Dallas, TX
Well it wouldn't be a new Ford if you didn't have to!

I guess that runs along with all the "car-like" things we have to get used to...bumping the engine around to change plugs.

Best engine I ever have changed plugs on was a '92 GMC 1500 with the 350...nothing like sitting on the front suspension mount next to the engine, casually doing it. I miss the days of extra space in engine compartments...
 

blacksnapon

Moderator
Staff member
From my experience, IMOHO mind you I will never do it that way again....now saying that I need to back it up i guess.

I was doing some research and ran across a website (ford related) that had the same procedure. I followed it to a tee, and low and behold I had the infamous "blown plug" Now rumor has it that the torque ratings on the plug for tightening is too much. That is not to say that they have not changed it since I did mine last year, but better safe than sorry. I will always change the "old fashioned" way of finger thight, then 1/8 turn more!

ok off the saop box.

And again I DON'T want to ruffle any feathers just giving my .02 worth of info. like I said before, ford may have lowered the torque specs since I did mine!
Doc, this is somewhat for the three valves (the ones with the 9/16 plugs) they break off taking them out!
 

lil_dq

Let 'er eat boys!
6,933
265
Union, MO
oh my bad, mine aren't those plugs...
 

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