Welcome, I am Francisco and I am the owner of Francisco’s Auto Repair in Huntington Beach, CA. As an owner and mechanic, I have been involved in automotive service repairs for the past 28 years. I've posted several other articles on my Huntington Beach auto repair blog
At the start I, Francisco at Franciscos Auto Repair, want everyone to know I like Ford vehicles. I have owned them and have worked on them for many years. A problem has come up that can be very costly to consumers if no proactive measures are taken. Here is the warning I give to anyone with a 2004 and newer Ford vehicle with Triton 5.4 engine. Get your spark plugs replaced way before the recommended mileage shown in the maintenance manual.
The horror stories about these spark plugs have generated a number of sites complaining about Ford's repsonse - see more information about this at consumer affairs, www.fordproblems.com/spark-plug-ejected-from-engine.shtml or http://orangecounty.injuryboard.com/automobile-accidents/faulty-ford-spark-plug-causes-fires.aspx?googleid=214796.
While the complaints are well documented, the NHTSA does not agree with consumers and says that the spark plugs do not present a hazard and Ford is not liable to recall the engines in question. While Ford says it is not liable, it has issued a repair bulletin that requires a mechanic to purchase a special tool to remove the spark plug.
For some reason, the manufacturer is using a new style spark plug; a two piece plug! I am sure there is some reason for it, but it does not matter. When left in the engine for the recommended time frame, there is a strong possibility of only being able to remove one half of the plug. The second part will be seized the head. This second part will need to be broken out, tapped and extracted. Unfortunately this leads to a big expense to remove the broken half safely. In some cases the cylinder head or the engine may have to be removed to properly perform the repair.
My advice is to have the spark plugs removed and replaced at 30,000 miles to avoid a huge expense down the road. Many shops now will refuse to replace the plugs because of this problem. If you drive one of these Ford 5.4 Triton powered vehicles, check your service records and consult with your mechanic now. Hopefully, Ford will develop a new style spark plug to eliminate this occurring in the future.
If you have any concerns and wish to discuss this with me, feel free to call the number on my web site - www.Franciscosautorepairhuntingtonbeach.com.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Best And Worst Times Of The Year To Buy Used Cars
By: Adriana N | 28/11/2009There are many things to consider when buying a used car. The make, model, year, condition of the car, repair history, and mileage, are all important factors to consider, however, there are certain times of the year when it is beneficial to buy a used car. When buying a used...
Brazil Automobile Industry has been reporting positive growth rates despite economic crisis
By: Bharat Book Bureau | 28/11/2009Bharatbook.com added a new report on "Brazil Automobile Forecast to 2013" which gives detailed analysis of its various segments, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, utility vehicles, two wheelers and auto components.
Do You Know the Basics of RV Insurance?
By: Marlon Jackson | 28/11/2009If you want a RV you've got to have decent RV insurance. If you want a RV you've got to have decent RV insurance.
Car Accessories for Girls
By: Levi Quinn | 28/11/2009Girls just like boys love their cars maybe even a little more. However, what differentiates girls from boys when it comes to cars has to do with the fact that girls want their cars to look feminine and fashionable. Accordingly, they shop for fashionable and feminine car accessories. There are numerous car accessories in the market to suit the needs and tastes of different girls. These include license plates with decorative frames, and pretty interior decor. Ther
Auto Insurance Quotes -Using Individual Websites to Obtain Quotes on Auto Insurance Quotes
By: Jay Leo | 27/11/2009The Internet is the Best Way to Search for Cheap Auto Insurance Rates
Car Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
By: Levi Quinn | 27/11/2009It does not take much to make mistakes with the maintenance of your vehicle. Quite often it is nothing more than a combination of being lazy and forgetful. But these maintenance mistakes can lead to serious problems that could become a financial burden. There are several common mistakes that car owners make that put the health of their car at risk. Most people cannot afford unnecessary vehicle expenses.
Looking for After Market Car Products
By: Levi Quinn | 27/11/2009To many car owners, a vehicle is more than just a means of transportation. It is an extension of yourself and a way of showing off your personality. After getting a new car, many car owners seek ways to decorate their new ride so that it says something about them. Buying after market vehicle accessories can be a lot of fun.
Black Friday Car Sales - Get Approved with Bad Credit to Take Advantage of Exciting Sale Prices!
By: Jason Lanier | 27/11/2009Get Approved Now! It can take some time for car dealerships to get someone approved if they have bad credit, leaving you to have to wait. This can cause you to miss out on the many low prices offered by car dealers on Black Friday or other holidays.
Automotive Electrical Repair and Information
By: Francisco Fonseca | 10/11/2009 | AutomotiveFrom early conveniences like power windows to today's computer controlled vehicles, auto mechanics have had to learn a wide variety of electronics - has your mechanic kept up?