Looking for opinions about whether to change coil packs when I change plugs (V 10). I am not really familiar with them and there life span. Last plugs I changed had regular spark plug wires on them--think that was about 10 - 12 yrs ago. Somewhere, not on here, a person recommended changing them when changing plugs (Could have been a parts dealer)) Any input and advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Theres is a good thread in the tech area for doing plugs on a 6.8. Its very informative espeically for the first timers. As for the actual coil packs having to be replaced. Iv only ever replaced any coil pack on any vehicle when they are dead and throwing a engine light w/ codes. The mojority of people will tell you that replacing spark plugs and coils boots go hand in hand when it comes to spark plug maintenance on ford modular engines. So maybe thats what the dealer was talking about. Other than that he was trying to get you to spend some cash with him. Coils packs range from $50-100 depenind on the vehilce. I bought new one not too long ago at napa and it ran me about 65$ if im not mistaken. Boots are around $5-10 each and most go with the Motorcraft plugs for these engines. They will be your sefest and best bet when it comes to these if your running everyting stock. But that really even goes for most bolt on performance upgrades. Iv gone with Bosche Platinums in fords and have never really had problems but that just my preference.

 

Motorcraft plugs, anti-seize, die-electric grease, boots and springs are all good to use. I only changed the COP that was bad and the rest are still going strong 20k later.

Here is a thread you want to browse as well. About half way down the first page Dave used a O-ring in the COP boot gap to keep it tight and water out.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-the-fix.html

 

Replace the COP only if it's bad. Do check the boots however. If they're cracked where they seat on top of the spark plug, replace the boot.

 

So it seems--perhaps buy a couple of COP's as spares, replace boots if needed, WD 40 the holes--clean out before removing. Gently remove the plugs. Have prayer and meditation before screwing the new one in--at torquing around 13 ft-lbs Dialectric' grease on connector plug ends, anti sieze on threads. Did I miss anything besides beer?

 

Denso makes the boots OE, they are sold as a set of 10. They are a cheap insurance type item. part# 671-0001.

 

I sold my previous ex with 228k miles on original cops... Had 2 new OEM'S in glove box for years, never needed them.

 

And that's why. If you had no spares you would have blown all 10.

 

This is so true.

 

Here's what Archion is talking about:
More Information for DENSO 6710001

 

I was having some wet/damp weather issues a while back. Finally got it to throw a misfire code on #1 and #8. replaced the cops and all was good for a couple months and had the same issue, albeit not as severe. Figured after 230K it wouldn't hurt to replace the other 8.After doing so, and replacing the other 8 plugs as well, I couldn't believe cow smooth she ran! Just my experience, good luck!

 

I guess she was moooooving down the road nicely

Thanks Chuck, I needed that chuckle!

 

Ha ha, chuckle, its in my name! Not sure how I did that, the c and the h aren't even next to each other on the keyboard! Anything for a good laugh!

 

Nope.

As has been stated, change 'em only when they need to be changed.

Gotta bad COP? Replace it.
Gotta good COP? Give 'em a doughnut.

Stewart

 

My own experience:

Purchased with 60K on odometer. Immediately changed plugs cause that's just what I do with used cars.
Close to 126K I noticed that fuel economy had dropped by about 1 mpg since I bought it... also got a couple of P0302 codes over the course of a month.... also noticed that the engine just didn't have the same "feel" to it as when I bought it. So I changed plugs.
New plugs (already changed the boots and springs at the first replacement at 60K) made a bit of a difference, but I still wasn't feeling the same smooth power I had at 60K.
I have been buying Motorcraft coils for the last 2 years when I find them on sale a couple at a time. Plan was to replace them all the 190 - 200K mark when I did plugs again. I decided to go ahead and replace all 10 coils since I already had them just to "see" if there was any difference. There was. New coils gave me back my smooth powerful motor and I regained about 1.5 mpg highway (so far over about 4 tanks).
Could I have done without changing them.... sure. Did new coils make a difference.... yes.
Just my experience.

Good luck!

James