Thanks for the great video and tips. I was able to successfully replace the spark plugs in my '01 Ford F150 4.6L 2V engine in one afternoon. The back plugs are a challenge but not impossible. The key is to take your time. On the passenger side I had to remove the wire to the fuel injector on #3 (easy) and on the driver's side had to remove the power steering reservoir bracket (easy) to get to #5 and #6. #7 was the most difficult to get to the bolt holding the coil because it was directly under a component connected to the fuel rail. I thought I was going to have to loosen the rail but I didn't. I found I had a smaller than usual height 7mm socket (1/4" drive) that I was able to get on the bolt head with a swivel approaching from the front. I didn't replace the coils because I couldn't afford it and they were all good anyway. Maybe a project for the future. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without a Duralast Magnetic Spark Plug socket with an attached 6" extension and swivel found at AutoZone (part #52-135).
Thanks for adding the missing from video but the only info anyone would watch such a “how-to” like this for. Also, I don’t believe it’s advisable to put anise on the spark plug threads. These motors are notoriously known for spark plugs coming loose and blowing out, but you also don’t get proper torque which is what is needed to help prevent the plugs from blowing out the heads, taking most of the threads along with it.
I see you received a lot of praise for this video. I guess I will break that trend a bit. It would have been really nice to see you replace the 2 hardest plugs( the back 2 on the driver's side). This is the information that would help me a lot. I got more help out the the comment by Don Hill. Even at that I am still struggling with that which could be attributed partially to the fact I am missing the forefinger on my right had and couldn't really maneuver the ratchet very well in the tight quarters. ANy suggestions you might have would be appreciated. For now. Best Regards from Frustrated in Arizona, James
Here's the thing, think about it from a filming perspective. If I filmed the the back ones people would complain non stop that all they can see is my elbows and darkness. So I show the proof of concept on the easy to to see plugs and that applies the rest of them. It's just a matter of different length extensions for the other 7. I got the other 7 out quite easily with different length extensions and some patience. I'm not even a very large person so I have to crawl into the engine bay to do the work. Thanks for watching!
Very good video. Got a misfire in cylinder #8. Of course the hardest one to get to. I am changing all the plugs and coils. Your video was most helpful. Thanks!
Dude use motorcraft plugs and coils i learn this the hard way i put aftermarket coils and plugs and not long after four months i was there changing them again and man those cheap coils ended up burning the plugs or making them foul all black a sign those coils were not capable of handling the overload and i ended up putting oem coils and plugs motorcraft products
Great video, very helpful. Just wondering, especially on the driver side, did you have to remove the fuel rail to get at cylinders 7 & 8? Was there anything else you had to remove to be able to access them?
I was told to torque the spark plugs to 20 foot pounds because, it has been said that spark plugs happened to pop out. I'm not arguing or disputing the fact but, isn't seven more foot-pounds kind of too much?
You are correct 22 is the updated # considering the engineers designed only 4 threads in the 4.6 those motors spit plugs all the time. I went to change mine and they were only hand tight. Getting ready to spit them out. Some videos even say go as high as 25 ft lbs. But in reality they need to be looked at and retort if necessary after so many miles. Unless a person wants to take time of installation of inserts. The 4.6 is a two valve motor and is the best of the modular Ford motors. Just never understood how a company that's been making motors longer than anyone else could come up with the idea of putting only four threads in a spark plug hole😂😅. That engineer was probably related to someone 😂😅
I have a 2009 F-150 4.6L. I'm struggling to get #8 Spark Plug out. I'm not sure what is is called, but it seems like the Fuel Piping coming above #8 Spark Plug, makes it almost impossible to get the socket in straight to be able to loosen and remove the spark plug. How did you get #8 Spark Plug out? Thanks!!
HA HA! I knew that you weren't going to show how easy it is to do the plugs to the rear! It's a FREAKING NIGHTMARE and I would rather shoot myself in the face, than ever do it again!
Then you would complain all you can see in my elbows and darkness. The process is exactly the same and it's not that bad. Doing the plugs on a 2014 RAM 5.7 is much much worse. Thanks for watching!
I felt like a badass after you said you don’t have an inch-pound torque wrench and I do. Also, hate to be a douche, but it’s pronounced “Kuh-nee-pex” on the pliers.👍
I'm doing plugs on a 97 f-150 and it has plug wires and 2 coil packs. I only came here to find out how to get the #4 plug out (passenger rear) All the others are a breeze but not that one, Tried all my wobblies and different extensions. Total PITA
i have a 1997expedition ,just changed plugs,coils and wires and still runs rough after 20 seconds of running perfect after starting. going to subscribe ty for any help
turned out to be a break in the injector wire on number 2, used noid lights and was easy to spot. ty for your help the mass air flow sensor did need cleaning.
Go to harbor freight, buy the cheapest socket set with a 7mm socket, and a couple sets of various extensions and wobbles. Take those bad boys home, pop out that 7mm socket, grind it down until its as short as possible but still deep enough to get a good fit on the coil bolts. Profit.
You only replace coils when the coil is causing drivability problems. You also do not have to replace all of them when one/a couple go bad, just replace the bad ones
Idle on my 4.6 2007 explorer is shakey, really do think it’s the coil pack but others say it can be the injectors or spark plugs.( if anyone has fixed that let me know)
Same problem with mine...turned out had two worn injectors...problem solved. I know this is two years too late, but if it helps anyone else. Check injectors if the idle is shaky.
@@LibrastarLibrastar it was the Injectors 😂, sold that truck and got a fully optioned out 2006 4.6 explorer limited with 55,000 original miles. Love these trucks
Thanks for watching! I did film them but the footage was all just elbows and darkness. It is really the same I promise it just takes a different extension. Thanks for watching!
Just did this yesterday on a 4.6L 2004. Having a 5/8 spark plug socket with built in swivel AND an extended 5/8 spark socket, with multiple extensions and a separate swivel for use with the extended spark plug socket were a HUGE help. Also to get the coil screw next to the firewall on driver’s side, used a 1/4” drive with several extensions, straight down on to the screw, because I couldn’t get a regular socket with ratchet straight off to the side. Even bought ratcheting 7mm wrench. No luck. Straight down with 1/4” drive extensions and socket did the trick. Lastly, after removing coils soaked plugs in PB Blaster for 1/2 hour plus, while buying 7mm ratchet(which again didn’t work). Per local mom and pop repair shop, saved $330 labor.
@@2carpros The torque spec for the plugs seems to be a hot debate among some mechanics. One thought is to torque to 20 so the plug won't possibly "blow out" especially with a short thread plug. I followed the recommended Ford torque 11 on my 2012 F-150 ECO and those plugs have longer threads. I decided to leave it alone since I may possibly mess something else up trying to retighten them.
Dam that's a low torque i feel that weak torque is what cause the famous spark plug blowouts on this engines so i heard the new torque for the spark plugs is around 20 to 25 lbs i torque mine to 22 lbs
Because it is the exact same just harder to see. Then people would complain nonstop about my hands being in the way. Trust me on this one. Thanks for watching!
Dude all these videos show the passenger side plug removal. That’s the easy side. Why not show the nightmare it is to do the driver side? It’s done intentionally and it’s misleading. Also, 13 ft lbs torque is a joke. You’re asking for a plug blowout. 20-25 ft pounds is what is needed.
Dude it's like it is impossible to film and if I did people would complain nonstop about how they can't see anything. Also all the plugs are exactly the same. There is no magic for it. Take 13ft lbs up with Ford that is direct from them and I agree with them. 25 might pull the threads out of the head it is just aluminum not iron. Thanks for watching!
That's why I don't put too much stock into torque specs all the time. I got that figure from Ford themselves and if I deviate with my own experience the TECHNICALLY correct internet says mean things to me. Thanks for watching!
Yeah due 13 lbs was the old torque specs before the blown outs they change it to 20 to 25 lbs to fix the blow out issues that came after spark plugs would get lose becuase of the low torque
Every last one of you RU-vidrs always show the passenger side change. None of you show the driver side, WHICH IS THE HARDEST SIDE AND THE SIDE PEOPLE WANT TO SEE!!! The passenger side no where near as difficult. Step up to the plate and show the driver side for once!!!
If I did all you would see is arms and darkness. Then you would complain about that. I filmed the side easiest to see so you can see what I was doing. It is the exact same process on the other side just a bit harder to get to. Thanks for watching!
@@2carpros It's not the same on the other side because apparently, (because I unfortunately had to do it yesterday), the driver side fuel rail has to be removed to reach the 3rd coil and plug on the driver side.This is a terrible design flaw on a 1999 Ford f150. We as the viewing community go to RU-vid channels like yours, (which I appreciate by the way), to try and find a better solution or easier way. Unfortunately all of you guys always show the easy side. Anyway, at the end of the day, I can't really complain!
Imagine trying to film it! People complain non stop. It is the same process just more challenging, there isn't a magic trick or anything. Thanks for watching!
