2009 F150 FX4 Crew Cab

[vaclav]

In the 5.4 3v engine, the plugs they use have a long neck between the threads and the electrodes. These necks get stuck to the heads. The cause is still a subject of debate. I crack mine loose every 20k and have not had any break yet. They do make some scary noises though. It is well known that if you leave them for more than 60k, then you will probably break a few when you go to change them. Ford has even released a special tool to their dealers for extracting the broken part. Ssometimes they have to pull the heads off to get the chunks out. Ford won't recall them because, according to the manual, you don't have to change them until 100k. However if one goes bad before that or if you happen to like to change them more frequently, it is worth the time to break them loose every 20k and put a bit of antiseize on them. There are details on the recommended procedure (penetrating oil, type of antiseize, etc.) on the f150 forums. Ford just can't get the whole sparkplug thing figured out. I read that the previous generation had a history of blowing plugs right out of the head while driving!

[mitt]

In the 5.4 3v engine, the plugs they use have a long neck between the threads and the electrodes. These necks get to stuck to the heads. The cause is still a subject of debate. I break mine loose every 20k and have not had any break yet. They do make some scary noises though. It is well known that if you leave them for more than 60k, then you will probably break a few when you go to change them. Ford has even released a special tool to their dealers for extracting the broken part. Ssometimes they just have to pull the heads. Ford won't recall them because, according to the manual, you don't have to change them until 100k. However if one goes bad or you just like to change them more frequently, it is worth the time to break them loose and put a bit of antiseize on them. There are details on the recommended procedure (penetrating oil, type of antiseize, etc.) on the f150 forums. Ford just can't get the whole sparkplug thing figured out. I read that the previous generation had a history of blowing plugs right out of the head while driving!

I had a coworker who had a plug blow out of the head on his f150 about 3 years ago.   Ford fought covering it under warranty too    End result was a new head.


mitt

[hbliam]

Bitter, party of one.  Your table is ready.

I've been driving Fords all my life.
Never had a bad one that I bought new...
and for the record...
it's not '04 anymore.
Get over it.

Not bitter. I know I probably got a "bad" one, but why would I kick down another 30K for the privelage to try my luck again? I didn't mention the broken interior parts, the falling out headliner or the poor quality paint. I'm giving Dodge a shot this go round.

[ducpainter]

Not bitter. I know I probably got a "bad" one, but why would I kick down another 30K for the privelage to try my luck again? I didn't mention the broken interior parts, the falling out headliner or the poor quality paint. I'm giving Dodge a shot this go round.

and again for the record...

I'll push my Ford before I own a Dodge.

[NAKID]

30K? Not anymore, at least not the way I optioned it...

[Got Duc]

Chevy just drive and don't worry about plugs

[NAKID]

Chevy just drive and don't worry about plugs

Never had a problem with the 02, don't expect to have a problem with this one....

[hbliam]

and again for the record...

I'll push my Ford before I own a Dodge.

I did push my Ford, that was the problem.  

30K? Not anymore, at least not the way I optioned it...

I had a SC Lariat w/leather. 35K in '04. Probably 30K now.

[hbliam]

Chevy just drive and don't worry about plugs

I went to test drive a Chevy. The sales manager couldn't quit talking about how great the new Dodge design was. "I guess i better go drive one", I said as I left. 

[Got Duc]

Just messing with ya man. I am sure you won't have problems with it.

Before my chevy I owned two fords.

Both great trucks.

I went to trade in my last ford and the salesman talked to me like a kid. IT was weird because at that time I was 34 so I am far from a child.

Maybe he thought I didn't have the money to buy the truck.

He realized he messed up when I stopped up with my new Chevy.  

Oh well his loss.

[NAKID]

I did push my Ford, that was the problem.  



I had a SC Lariat w/leather. 35K in '04. Probably 30K now.

MSRP on this was just over 46K. Of course that's not what I paid, but that's MSRP...

FX4 SuperCrew, 20" wheels, Nav, SYNC, Sirius, leather, captain's chairs, Max tow, trailer brake control, 6.5' bed, bedside steps

[the_Journeyman]

Congrats!  I've got a Ford with 176,000 miles on it that's still reliable & runs well.  Hope you see the same from yours!

JM

[hbliam]

MSRP on this was just over 46K. Of course that's not what I paid, but that's MSRP...

FX4 SuperCrew, 20" wheels, Nav, SYNC, Sirius, leather, captain's chairs, Max tow, trailer brake control, 6.5' bed, bedside steps

I was quoting "what I got it for prices." MSRP on the Lariat in '04 was 42K or so. MSRP on the Dodge was 43K. I paid 29K.  Hauls ass too. Nice having almost 400HP on tap.

[cyrus buelton]

Is the SYNCH system actually reliable?

[NAKID]

So far it's been pretty good. Haven't played around with it too much yet...