Need advice/help with spark plug job.

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lharrell79

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Nov 23, 2016
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Ram Year
2008
Engine
4.7
2008 1500 4.7.

So, even after reading all the horror stories, I decided I would try to tackle the top plugs on my 4.7. My truck only has 44500 miles (I don't drive it much), but is 9 years old. I'm the original owner, and the plugs are all original. I ordered 8 Bosch replacement plugs, and decided I would give it a go today.

I started with the first plug on the driver's side. The coil pack popped right off with no issues (that was a relief). Next, I inserted my thin walled 5/8" plug socket and began to back the plug out. It was very, very stiff. I made it about 2 full turns before I stopped. I've snapped off plenty of bolts before, and this is exactly what it felt like. I used some penetrating oil, and gave it a good squirt, then let it sit for a couple of hours.

I came back out and tried again. And again, it was very stiff. I went half turn out, half turn in, half turn out, etc. I was making progress, but it really felt like it was stripping threads, or about to break, and I was only about half way out. At this point, I took a step back. I decided to try the second plug, to see if it was the same. I pulled the second coil pack and the boot was 100% orange. It was covered with rust powder. I looked down in the plug hole, and the plug was completely orange with rust. Grrrrrrrrr.

I decided to put everything back and pray that I didn't do any damage. I put the second coil back and buttoned it up. Next I went back to plug number 1. I started tightening it back down, and it was equally as hard. By tightening, loosening, tightening, loosening, etc, I was able to get it fully seated, or so I think. I put the air hat back on, and the intake hose, and buttoned everything back up. Cranked her up, and she started as normal. I did not notice anything out of the ordinary.

So here's the dilemma:

A. Should I try again, when I have more time and patience, and lots of penetrating oil?

B. Should I forget about the plugs, and just drive the truck as is? It runs great, and I only put about 5000 miles on it per year, and will probably keep it for another 4-10 years.

C. Should I take it to the dealer and pay them to change the plugs?

D. Other ideas?
 

Blue_Smoke13

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Jan 7, 2017
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Ram Year
2005
Engine
4.7 Magnum
A - I'd get everything I could out of those holes with compressed air, soak them with PB Blaster, and let it sit overnight. Next morning try to take them off with the engine cold, if that doesn't work, try it warm (wouldn't hurt to try, right?).

B - Depends on how much you want to spend. Proper maintenance will save you money down the road (speaking from experience).

C - Having a mechanic replace the plugs is going to be cheaper than new heads.

Have fun with the coil on #8.
 

Burla

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2010 Hemi Reg Cab 4x4
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Hemi
There is a big difference between 4 or 9 years. If it is 4, let it go. If it is more like nine, pay the 800 for new plug job. In fact, if you put in the effort and money, you will be more likely to keep it longer, always the smart play. Buying new vehicles sucks. I'd get mopar plugs.

Use this stuff, the reason why it probably is so hard to remove is the factory didn't put it on. I try and change my plugs the first 20k miles. Take the hard ones out with the engine hot.

Here.
 
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