myredracer wrote:
It's time... Time for our F250 to get some new spark plugs. Finding plugs locally was easy. However, I tried 8 different places and not one of them had a plug socket that would fit the long V10 plugs. What the heck do I do for a socket? There is one made by OTC that is available online but it's expensive (over $100) and hard to justify for what will likely be a one-time use.
Is it worthwhile finding a socket that will work? Needs to be captive so the plug won't get lost down the deep recess and a regular deep socket isn't going to work. What does anyone out there doing this themselves do?
It's a later '09 engine with the improved head design so shouldn't have to worry about getting a plug out without causing damage. Or is taking it to a shop or getting a mobile mechanic the way to go?
You don't "need" a special socket, BUT what you do want to do is TAPE the socket to the extension with electrical tape..
There IS a specific socket that HAS the needed extension built on, it is pricey at $25 that can be bought which eliminates the need to tape a regular socket/extension together..
Looks like this..
Found HERE (yes, that one IS listed as F150 5.4 but you CAN use it on 6.8 V10)..
One other thing I will point out, if you do not have a torque wrench, BUY ONE AND USE IT!!!!
#1 reason for popping plugs in the Ford Modular blocks is from failing to use a torque wrench to set the plugs.
You will need to find out the correct torque for your year..
I know 2006 5.4s the factory set them to 33 ft lbs but when changing the plugs they are to be set at 27 ft lbs.. This torque spec DID change over the years.
Failure to set the plugs at the required spec WILL result in the plugs working loose, this can cause random misfires, random misfire codes, excessive raw fuel in the exhaust (poisoning the cats and O2 sensors) and/or raw fuel smell in the cab when stopping at stop lights or backing up.. Not to mention the potential for popping a plug increases..
Hand tightening is not good enough.
