9.0
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$597.00
Average Mileage:
53,750 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (1 reports)
- use sea foam gas treatment to loosen the carbon build up (1 reports)
engine problem
Helpful Websites About 2006 Ford Mustang spark plug brake off in head during removal
2008May 23
Mustang Premium Gt 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 46,600 miles
While attempting to change the spark plugs, the threaded metal sleeve separated from the rest of the plug, leaving the igniter and porcelain sections still in the head. I had the car towed to the dealership, where I was informed the head may have to be removed. I was elated when, after 4 1/2 hours, they were successful in extracting the plug without removing the head. However, the mechanic at the dealership broke 5 of the remaining 7 plugs while removing them. My vehicle has been in the shop for 6 days and the "ballpark" estimate for the repair is now $1,000.
My car has 46,600 miles on it and I was not going to leave the plugs in for the mfgr's recommended 100,000 miles so I could avoid this nightmare. Now I know why they tell you to leave them in; because you will probably get rid of the car by then or at least the warranty will have long expired!!
We have partnered with JustAnswer to offer online auto repair help and advice from expert professional automotive technicians. You describe your engine problem or ask your question and they try to help you figure it out. The fee is typically $9 to $15, but you can offer to pay more for really tough questions. You will usually receive an answer in 10 minutes or less, and you do not have to pay anything unless you accept the answer.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Jul 26
Mustang GT 4.6L V8
I tried replacing the spark plugs on my 06 Mustang and before hand, I went on line and read the Ford Service Bulletin on spark plug removal. Apparently, they have had alot of plugs breaking off at the porcelain section of the plug inside the head at the dealerships. After getting the first plug out successfully, I went to the second plug and sure enough it broke off just like the FSB mentioned. It cost me a $100 tow bill to the nearest Ford dealer and $95 to extract the one broken plug. I called three different Ford dealers and they all told me that the plugs are a pain in the ass and it happens all the time with the Motorcraft plugs for the 4.6 modular engines. It's not the head design, but the sorrow type plug. Anyway, I got lucky and the dealer was able to use a special tool designed for getting the plug out. The labor for just replacing all eight plugs is around $150 and me providing the plugs. If the porcelain or metal jacket portion gets down into the engine, then you are really screwed and are looking at $3000 plus. I called the Ford complaint line and they acted like it was no big deal and that I was the only one to every have this problem. The tech at the dealer did suggest if I wanted to finish changing the plugs myself to purchase a special brand of Ford carbon deposit cleaner to get the carbon build up off the metal jacket around the plug before removal. Sea Foam gas treatment makes the same type of product.
jlasley63
Taylorsville, NC, USA
SEND A COMMENT »