Just replaced the plugs on my '00 F150, 5.4L, and was surprised at how easy it was. Cleaning the holes out beforehand was a different story. I spent a lot of time with an air hose and blow gun in hand. Anyway, it's a new-to-me truck, so still getting all the bugs worked out. Before I replaced the plugs, I couldn't get any indication of a miss anywhere other than the seat of my pants. After replacing the plugs, I get a P0302, IIRC. Miss on #2. So, I will swap #1 and #2 coils or something like that to confirm that it's a coil problem. Assuming the coil is bad, it looks like I have a few options.

Parts store house brand for $50+. Rockauto off-brand for $20 or less or Motorcraft for $40 each. Accel on Amazon for either $25 each or $170 for a set of 8. There are some others online for as little as $7 or $8, but I'm not taking that chance.

So, the truck has 219k on it. Not sure the plugs have ever been changed before. Best one was at 0.068", worst was 0.098", but most were 0.088". I've heard that that kind of stress on the coils is bad for them, so are they all due for replacement? Or, do I spend a bit more on a single Motorcraft?

What would you do?

 

I would go Motorcraft, especially if you can get them for $40

 

Agreed. Motorcraft is the OEM part anyway. As the truck has turned 200k, I'd just do all of the coils at once for my own peace of mind.

When you do them, remember to put some dielectric grease in the connectors as they are exposed to the elements under-hood. Also beware of frail connectors as they are more than likely brittle with age.

 

I'm one who's "been there, done that........" with aftermarket COP's, Granatelli brand to be exact. Along with my own miserable experience and the numerous threads about so-called cheaper COP's time and time again it seems we all come back to Motorcraft. While Standard Motor Products are thought or said to be the very same thing it seems only the known better brands are best for one time and done installation.

Naturally it all comes down to money and even IF the name only is an excuse to charge more its very very rare seeing the Motorcraft brand of COP's or plugs not living up to expectations. Autolite plugs are the same as Motorcraft so in that single incidence a substitute is available.

 

Well, thanks for the advice. I ordered and installed one new Motorcraft coil. Well, it says Ford and Motorcraft on the bag. It also says that Motorcraft has different manufacturers so there may not be any marking on the coil. Installed, though, and the #2 misfire is gone. Then I noticed that occasionally, I still feel a miss. Not sure I can pin down what conditions it happens under, but it shows up on the Mode 6 data as #1, so I guess I'll order another. I have considered replacing them all at once, but I really think I need to spread them out for the time being. I just put tires on the truck and I still need to replace the windshield, and until the old truck is gone, I'm a little in the red.

Dave

 

just my oppinion but you dont have to buy motorcraft. just buy a quality part. im running the higher amp summit blue COP's and my buddy is running the MSD COP;s. neither one of us has had any problems working fine in both trucks. just throwing out options for you

 

I went to the dealer yesterday to buy new coils and plugs for all 8. They wanted $26 per plug and $145 per coil. I laughed, went home, jumped on Rockauto, and ordered OEM plugs for $10 and OEM coils for $50.

 

There is a sticker under the hood that says Motorcraft ignition parts for best performance and seasoned mechanics know this is good advice. The risk you run of not changing all eight stressed COP's is one that fails CAN take out the coil driver in the ECU requiring computer replacement at a much greater cost.