[ShelbyGT]

i've been reading up on the spark plug removal issues that the 3v's have and i'm thinking it'd be good to take them out of the shelby before its a problem while she still has low miles (8900)

anyone have any tips or advice before i start this project?

[onlycodered]

Definitely wouldn't be a bad idea. Soak the plugs in PB blaster for a while before you take the plugs out. Here's the TSB on the issue with instructions for removing them if things go south: Full Text Technical Service Bulletin

[ford20]

I would soak them in PB blaster and let it soak in over night for safe measures and then when you are ready to go slowly work the spark plug back and forth. Loosen it until you hear it screech and then tighten it a bit. It is a pain in the ass and VERY slow going but it sure beats the hell out of snapping the plug and having to get the plug extractor tool or having your car towed somewhere to get out the plugs.

If it feels like it is starting to bind up again shoot a bit more PB blaster in and move on to the next plug just to let it soak in for a bit.

[onlycodered]

Actually I'm sorta interested if anyone knows if there's any issues with the 5.0L and the 3.7L. I know the old 2V motors had issues with plugs shooting out whereas the 3V has issues with the plugs breaking. Wonder if there's any issues with the plugs in these new engines?

[onlycodered]

Also, in doing a bit of research the trick seems to be to use an impact to remove the plugs. Wouldn't hurt to soak the plugs overnight as well though. Check out this video:

Ford 5.4 Liter 3 Valve Spark Plug Removal - YouTube

Ford 5.4 Liter 3 Valve Spark Plug Removal - YouTube

[ford20]

When you change your plugs on the 3.7L make sure you disconnect the battery first or you could risk blowing out your ECU

[06RFSTANG]

I would not use an impact gun for the plugs.I changed mine out at 10000 miles when I installed the supercharger and had no problems.I let the PB blaster soak for about a half hour and slowly cranked them out with a ratchet by hand.

[onlycodered]

Sorry to keep bumping this thread but I also read another good idea would be to also loosen the plugs 1/8 to a 1/4 of a turn and then run the engine for about 30 seconds. That will loosen up some of the carbon buildup which is the cause for the plugs breaking.

Originally Posted by ford20

When you change your plugs on the 3.7L make sure you disconnect the battery first or you could risk blowing out your ECU

Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure to do this when I change mine.

[ShelbyGT]

just finished up. piece of cake, the plugs weren'y seized at all. i put a nice coat of anti-seize on them to ease future removal.

kind of a piece of mind thing, i'm glad that i know i don't have any seize plugs. one less thing to worry about!

[onlycodered]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGT

just finished up. piece of cake, the plugs weren'y seized at all. i put a nice coat of anti-seize on them to ease future removal.

kind of a piece of mind thing, i'm glad that i know i don't have any seize plugs. one less thing to worry about!

Very good! I was a bit worried for you after reading about folks breaking 3-5 plugs.

[ford20]

Just for ease of removal it is recommended that you should change your plugs every 10,000-15,000 miles.

COngrats on getting them all out in 1 piece!! I know quiet a few people that ended up with 16 plugs after they were done doing this LMAO

[noclutch]

Originally Posted by ford20

Just for ease of removal it is recommended that you should change your plugs every 10,000-15,000 miles.

COngrats on getting them all out in 1 piece!! I know quiet a few people that ended up with 16 plugs after they were done doing this LMAO

I am not laughing, I am doing mine tomorrow....40k.....7 years.....I bet I will be the one with 16 parts and a hole in the garage wall.

[onlycodered]

Originally Posted by noclutch

I am not laughing, I am doing mine tomorrow....40k.....7 years.....I bet I will be the one with 16 parts and a hole in the garage wall.

If you have an impact gun I'd try that after soaking with PB blaster.

[noclutch]

Originally Posted by onlycodered

If you have an impact gun I'd try that after soaking with PB blaster.

I learned a long time ago to use brute force only after finesse fails. 4 are out and waiting on the other 4 to soak. One of the first 4 the sleave was spining loose while I wiped it off.

So much fun Ford has given me.....

And it is done. PB Blaster and a Gentleman's patient touch.

[gwhpnut]

We had ours done at K&S speed shop, even with only 14,000 miles one gave a problem, but did finally come out, WHEW!!! One piece Champions went in!!!