Q&A

 Enthusiast

I use only Motorcraft or Autolite Plugs in Ford vehicles regardless of how hard or easy they are to replace. The 5.4 V8 in your 2000 Expedition has a "COP" ignition system which has an individual coil for each cylinder mounted directly over the top of the plug. Even though it technically does not have a plug wire, there is a plug boot between each coil and plug.

You do not need to remove the fuel rails nor have a special tool for the back plugs, just the right socket and extensions and plenty of patience.

You may need to replace the plug boots along with the plugs depending on their condition, and be sure to use anti-seize on the plug threads and Dielectric grease on the plug boots.

A standard labor guide allows 3 hours, but an experienced mechanic will not take that long; it will take a while to change them the first time you do it.

Good luck!

Robert Grove, ASE World Class Technician
www.wego2umobilemechanic.com

 Enthusiast

Sounds like your first answer was right on. ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL completely. Aluminum heads contract and expand differently that other metals. I would like to add that when you removed the COP MAKE SURE you blow out the plug port. Also, removing the fuel rail does make the job easier and if it gives you a little more room to work then that may make you feel a little better about tackling the job. 1999-2003 5.4s have been bad about plugs breaking off so be careful removing. PB Blaster might be a good idea when removing them. GO back with the Motorcraft Platinum (Autolite is MFG) plug. By all means, exercise patience. Good luck.

 Rookie

I bought ( 8 ) coil over plugs on the internet for $57.00 and my plugs locally. I found a shop that would install these and replaced two vaccum hoses for $55.00. It pays to shop around , because just the coils cost approx. $39.00 + tax each at O'Reilys. I did the leg work to save me a lot of money. It wasn't worth my time and trouble to do this myself. Try to replace all the coil over plugs and plugs, so it doesn't throw off your computor. Good luck...

 Rookie

If you think these are difficult be glad you don't have the 2000 4.6 engine in your vehicle..... Also be very careful to not introduce sand into your plug holes when you remove your spark plugs.. Using to much care here is not possible.. You can seriously damage your vehicle engine if not careful about getting sand into those holes!!!!!