It makes it easier.

 

I've read hundreds of posts on installing COP's. My question is: When lubing up the new COP with Dielectric Grease - do you coat the outside of the boot - and/or - do you apply grease to the spring inside the boot as well?

Thanks,

 

x2 ive been wondering this, i need to do a plug and COP change because i have a low grade misfire.

 

Remove the boots from the coils gently and coat the inside of the boot with a light film of the grease. Use a popsicle stick or small srewdriver. I put a little around the edge that goes over the sparkplug and around the outside where it goes down in the slot. Just don't get any on the spring where it makes contact with the plug. I even put a little on the plug ceramic to make the plug socket easier to pull off. The socket I have is about a 35 year old Craftsman with the foam insert I hate the newer ones with the rubber insert. They have a tendancy to not let go. It also doesn't hurt to use the dielectric gease on the connectors just enough to keep water from getting in there. Read up on the TSB's especially if you have the 3 valve 5.4's. Good Luck.

 

Glad I asked.

Will getting grease on the spring create a problem? Or, is it just not helpful (no practical value)?

Thanks

 

Not a good practice to get it actually on electrical contact surfaces. If you do just wipe it off.

 

Thanks again,
I was ready to give everything a coating of the all mighty Dielectric Grease!! You'd think after 50 + years on this earth - I would learn the more is not always better : )

 

Ok, so I just ordered the DG511s from Global. I am now thinking that I may have enough guts to do a plug change too after reading some of the other threads on how they got broken plugs out and had no problems. Key seems to be get it out any way you can, then vacuum the thing out with some tubing and your shop vac? Makes sense, and makes it a lot less scary. Still gonna do the pre-soak with penetrating oil after you back it off 1/8 turn.

Any suggestions on brand and part number for the plugs? 2004 5.4L

 

Is there something that I am supposed to be cleaning when using an oiled air filter? I used to clean this filament thing in my 2001 4.6L intake tube that seemed to help with things, is there a corresponding item or items that I need to do the same with in a 2004 5.4 and an oiled air filter?

 

I use two sockets- Just as old as yours. Anyway, one has the insert for removal and the other -NO insert. Those can be a PITA with any insert on the install lol.

 

That's not what the TSB says to use.

Yes, you need to clean the MAF.

 

Can you point me at a link to the TSB? I watched a video by some cheap *** tech guys or something that explained the whole process of removing the plugs. They used penetrating oil pretty sure. I will do whatever the TSB says, but they seem to have a good handle on the process.

Where is the MAF on my 5.4? Got a procedure for getting to it and cleaning it?

 

http://www.brokensparkplug.com/TSB_08-7-6_Pg1.pdf

Motorcraft carb cleaner.

The MAF should be attached to the intake tube fairly near the air cleaner. You can buy spray MAF cleaner at any parts store.

 

could a cop be the cause of a "tick" or static heard in the radio that changes frequency with engine rpm's??

 

You bet!