broken plugs

[99GTtony]

Buddy of mine took his car in for a 'tune up' at a local shop. They broke 2 of the plugs. They are getting the extraction tool tomorrow to finish the job. BUT, they are telling him there are no other choices for plugs other than the ford ones. I know there has to be another company making plugs that don't break. Anyone? Brand and part #'s would be a huge help.

Thanks

 

[01cobravortech]

How the heck did they break them? What kind of mustang?

 

[99GTtony]

the S197's are notorious for this problem. have to do the change with motor cool, use chemicals, let it sit for awhile before even attempting to remove them. I warned him beforehand that it was a possibility.

 

[HerNameIsPonie]

Autolite 05-07 Mustang HT0 Spark Plug [HT0] - $9.99 : Performance Parts - Ford Mustang - Cobra - Dodge Viper - Chevy Corvette - C6 - LS1

 

[Franchi]

I've been researching this exact issue as I'm getting ready to change mine. I checked with two tuner shops and both said use either the Motorcraft or Brisk. Both are one piece and won't break. Brisk is def more expensive ( about $150 for set ) but worth it. I think I'm going to go with the Brisk set....

 

[silverstang23]

How the heck did they break them? What kind of mustang?

If you have any s197 produced before mid 2008 models they are extremely easy to break

 

[stangnut]

does that apply to the 4.0 also?

 

[Thump_rrr]

For people who are less informed there is a tsb out with the proper removal procedure.

mms://multimedia.ford.com/seopts/Tech26_250k.wmv

Search for tsb 08-07-06 since I can't attach the file here.

Also by using nickel anti seize compound on the shield of the plugs you will prevent them from getting stuck and breaking.

Brisk makes a 1 piece plug design but reviews are hit and miss.

 

[STRK BY]

Thinking of getting a GT for another car........

Anyone know for sure what year Ford revised the heads to stop the carbon buildup that was causeing the 2 piece sparkplugs to get stuck and break off..I thought I heard it was 07.....:shrug:

Are the New Motorcraft plugs one piece now..?

 

[99GTtony]

was either 07 or 08 they fixed it.

 

[STRK BY]

Anyone know anything for sure....kind of a critical buying point for me.......:shrug:

 

[TCSoff]

If you are careful they won't break. I changed mine at 60K miles with no problems. I used a torque wrench, set to 35lbs IIRC, to make sure I wasn't putting too much stress on the plugs. I used a little bit of carb cleaner to break up the carbon deposits.
I was so relieved after I was done as I've heard a few nightmare stories. Also you want to be careful when removing the coil packs as the contacts seem to come off if you just pull them off. You have to work them back and forth a little.

Edit: BTW I replaced them with Autolite HT1's and put anti-seize compound on the thread.

 

[Thump_rrr]

Anyone know anything for sure....kind of a critical buying point for me.......:shrug:

Late 2008. You can be sure by looking at the COP's. The revised ones are brown while the HT (High Thread) are black.