hi everyone,
i need to replace 2 of my cop's. the ones i have have a spring inside them that i think slide over the plug tip. the new ones i have just have a flat metal contact piece with a tiny hole in the center that looks like it just sits on top of the plug tip. my question is this. can i use the cop that has the flat piece with a tiny hole it it or do i have to use the same cop with the spring. are cop's universal even though they have different connectors in the boot. these are both ford COP's. i have a 06 e150 with the 4.6
thanks
mike

 

COP's tend to look almost identical but I know from personal experience they are different from year to year. Case in point my '03 E250 5.4 lost #1 COP, had a few from '00 with different connector terminal sizes, like this:



COP's underside:




I know of only one type boot with spring contact (NAPA/Belden #702418)



Most likely the spring contact within the boot is pretty much universal or isn't a critical issue---as long as it makes a good connection between the COP and plug top electrode you should be good.

Hope this is somewhat helpful.

 

the ones in the van now have the spring like in your pic. the replacement onces do not have a spring in them. it is a round disk with a tiny hole threw the middle that just "sits" ontop of the plug. so if i read correctly this "different" contact will still work if properly making contact. correct.
i will get a pic of the replacement ones tomorrow.

if the connector terminals are different on the COP i can not use it correct.
thanks
mike

 

Would like to see a photo of those contacts you describe----interesting!

Whatever contact is supplied with the COP or the boot should be fine when installed. Remember to dab just a bit of dielectric grease around the upper and lower openings in the boot----this seals out moisture which can lead to misfires.

You are also correct about the COP and connector terminals----those seem to be somewhat year specific as shown in the photos.

Oddly enough NAPA sells a pigtail replacement connector #EC259 that fits all COPS. Upside side is should those need replaced there's just one to hunt down!

 

i can not find a way to post pics. i have to get them off my computer. their is no browse option or anything. what do i do
thanks

 

ok figured how to post in the garage. i have two pics in the garage. they are labeled 06 coil on plug. if they are to blurry let me know and i will take more thanks
mike

 

Those photos are fine for this post Mike---no worries.

The plug contact inside the boot looks like it'll make good contact---I'd not be a bit concerned about that as an issue. Since its all contained inside the boot and is compressed between the actual COP and plug tip I'm sure it will be trouble free.

If nothing else you could always buy the NAPA #702418 boot/spring--USA made, about $5 each.