2012 5.7 Spark Plugs

Erikw · Jan 27, 2020

Hey folks! Looking for some advice. I need to change the plugs in my truck, however it has 120,000 miles and I do not know the last time they were done. I've always changed my own plugs in other vehicles but am somewhat concerned that these might be corroded in there. I have all the tools and time but am really concerned with a plug breaking trying to take it off. Have any of you ever experience this?

Thanks!

Livinalittle · Jan 27, 2020

Given the mileage I'd say they were likely changed at some point. Hopefully the previous owner used anti seize on the threads. Stripping the aluminum threads out of the heads would be a nightmare. Is the rest of the vehicle relatively well kept? It might give you an indication of the kind of care the truck received from it's previous owner.

I use NGK Copper plugs every 50 000 km's for my 2013 and haven't had any issues. I use a dab of dialectic grease for the coil packs and, as mentioned, nickle anti seize for the threads.

Good luck Erik, hopefully they come out without a hitch.

daveray9 · Jan 27, 2020

+1 on NGK copper. Buy this... will make the job a breeze.

GearWrench 80546 5/8-Inch x 6-Inch Swivel Spark Plug Socket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZVSVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_ay3SVQOUzu7rn

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Burla · Jan 27, 2020

Yup, both the two previous posters gave all of the good info ngk and use that tool, if they break they break, not the end of the world. It happens all of the time, if you cant take it out any mechanic can. Put a little anti seize when you put them back, and dielectric lube on the white ceramic part, not the tip, when you put the coil pack back, this will stop stray current and keep them dry.

Fast69Mopar · Jan 27, 2020

Burla said:
Yup, both the two previous posters gave all of the good info ngk and use that tool, if they break they break, not the end of the world. It happens all of the time, if you cant take it out any mechanic can. Put a little anti seize when you put them back, and dielectric lube on the white ceramic part, not the tip, when you put the coil pack back, this will stop stray current and keep them dry.

As many spark plugs I have removed and installed in the Gen3 HEMI motors I have never had one break at the threads. Even ones that were severely corroded from never being replaced at 200,000 miles they have all come out.

If you are worried put some penetrating oil in the holes and let it soak for an hour before removing them. I have been able to get out every single HEMI spark plug since the first 5.7 I touched in 2002 without damaging any threads.

Burla · Jan 27, 2020

Your correct, I shouldn't have said all the time, it is rarer then that, but not unheard of. Recently there was an engine that had 4 broken plugs at one tune up that I had just been discussing with a bud. It happens, it isn't the end of the world.

Erikw · Jan 27, 2020

Fast69Mopar said:
As many spark plugs I have removed and installed in the Gen3 HEMI motors I have never had one break at the threads. Even ones that were severely corroded from never being replaced at 200,000 miles they have all come out.

If you are worried put some penetrating oil in the holes and let it soak for an hour before removing them. I have been able to get out every single HEMI spark plug since the first 5.7 I touched in 2002 without damaging any threads.

Thanks. I had an 04 Ford Expedition that was notorious for plugs "seizing" in and breaking frequently.. Apparently the spark plug metal and engine head metal didn't like each other.

Burla · Jan 27, 2020

This was from one engine, Corey has the details..

chri5k · Jan 27, 2020

If you are concerned, take it to the dealer for its "first" tune-up. If they strip the threads or break a plug it will be on them. Will cost more than doing it yourself but offers some peace of mind. Take a before and after photo to make sure they changed all the plugs.

Erikw · Feb 7, 2020

All done! They all came out fine. Body quite sore after laying on engine for those back plugs. Fairly easy job with some patience. Thank you for the tips!

OCDTech · Feb 7, 2020

Burla said:
This was from one engine, Corey has the details..

Ford POS 5.4? :rotflmao:

OCDTech · Feb 7, 2020

I realize that is probably one of you guys other vehicles, not making fun of it, just having fun. Weird how the 5.4 had so many issues, plugs, tensioners, rocker arms, and the 4.6 was an amazingly good engine. How they missed the mark so far.

tap4154 · Feb 7, 2020

I remember reading about all the spark plug and other problems with the 5.4 Ford, and the 4.6, which is why I picked the V6 for my old F-150. That little V6 was a solid engine.

OCDTech · Feb 7, 2020

tap4154 said:
I remember reading about all the spark plug and other problems with the 5.4 Ford, and the 4.6, which is why I picked the V6 for my old F-150. That little V6 was a solid engine.

The 6 was solid, yes. I had one too.

Captain Bart · Dec 28, 2020

Being a 40 yr. mechanic means little when approaching a job I've never done before. Bought my Big Horn with 90K. Excellent mileage, zero issues in 2 yrs. ownership. Its at 110K, and I am curious, so I have the correct plugs, and all tools. Just want to be a little more "in tune" with whats involved. Coils first. Are those 10mm bolts? Should all the coils on the bank be removed, OR one cylinder at a time?

I plan to squirt a little PB into the plug wells and give it an hour......then start changing the plugs. I have anti-seize, and dilectic grease. Anything I should be wary off? Thanks for this great forum!

Wild one · Dec 28, 2020

Captain Bart said:
Being a 40 yr. mechanic means little when approaching a job I've never done before. Bought my Big Horn with 90K. Excellent mileage, zero issues in 2 yrs. ownership. Its at 110K, and I am curious, so I have the correct plugs, and all tools. Just want to be a little more "in tune" with whats involved. Coils first. Are those 10mm bolts? Should all the coils on the bank be removed, OR one cylinder at a time?

I plan to squirt a little PB into the plug wells and give it an hour......then start changing the plugs. I have anti-seize, and dilectic grease. Anything I should be wary off? Thanks for this great forum!

Coils are 10mm. It's up to you on whether you want to pull all the coils first or do them one at a time. Depending on my mood and if i'm stretching the job out,usually determines whether i pull all the coils or just 1 at a time. Alot of guys yell about the ones under the brake booster,but i find them easier to do,then the ones under the heater hoses and wire harness on the back pass side. Just allow yourself some time,as they can be a bit time consuming to do the first time around,and be careful with the clips on the coils,they are easy to break if your a bit rough with them.Some guys pull the front wheels and inner fender liners and go through the side to do them,but i've found they aren't that bad to do from the top as long as you take your time. One of these sockets and a little stubby 1.5" or 1.75" extension makes the job a whole lot nicer if you don't have one.

Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546: Home Improvement

Hemi395 · Dec 28, 2020

Wild one said:
Coils are 10mm. It's up to you on whether you want to pull all the coils first or do them one at a time. Depending on my mood and if i'm stretching the job out,usually determines whether i pull all the coils or just 1 at a time. Alot of guys yell about the ones under the brake booster,but i find them easier to do,then the ones under the heater hoses and wire harness on the back pass side. Just allow yourself some time,as they can be a bit time consuming to do the first time around,and be careful with the clips on the coils,they are easy to break if your a bit rough with them.Some guys pull the front wheels and inner fender liners and go through the side to do them,but i've found they aren't that bad to do from the top as long as you take your time. One of these sockets and a little stubby 1.5" or 1.75" extension makes the job a whole lot nicer if you don't have one.

Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 6 Pt. 5/8" x 6" Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket - 80546: Home Improvement

I agree 100%, the passengers side ones are way worse. With the Gear wrench socket the ones under the brake booster aren't that bad at all.

DILLIGAF · Dec 28, 2020

Plugs are a breeze with a 4" lift kit and 1.5" body lift ,

I do mine every 2 years, Never had an issue whit them breaking.

2012 5.7 Spark Plugs

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