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Anybody use Autolite platinum sparkplugs with good results? I saw some at walmart the other day,thought about using them in my 4.9L--Do these plugs rust like motorcraft?
I ran a set on a Pontiac Grand Am some years ago for around 50K miles with no problems. I've just installed a set in my Bronco, so I can't give you a Ford report, not that there should be any difference. No rust problems on the previously installed ones, though, and I guess that 50K (and still looking good) wasn't so bad considering that the plugs were gapped at 0.060" and each was fired by a small coil pack (no distributor). The car ate a set of wires every 30K!
You'll get varying opinions on platinum plugs. My personal opinion is that on our year engines, there not needed. I ran a set in my 83 towncar, and really didn't notice any differece. I think that the dollar ac delco or motorcraft plugs are just as good for everyday use. I actually hate to admit it, but i've had my best luck with the ac delco plugs, its the only gm part you'll find in my truck. But i justify it by saying its not really a gm part. They just contract out to them for most of their parts. LOL....
Just removed a set of autolite platinums on my 92 302 efi. They were rusted on the part that faces the outside. Not a problem, no rust through but still a pitty for a CA climate. The contacts were in excellent shape (These wer in truck when I got it. I figured I needed new plugs because they looked so rusted from the outside!). I replaced them with regular Motorcraft plugs. I am a firm believer to stick in a motor whatever it came with from the factory. On our vintage engines, a regular plug will do. They are easy enought to change. I don't go much more than 25k on a set.
JUNK! Autolite is not related to Motorcraft. They are made by the same company as the dreaded Fram oil filters. I had a set of Autolite platinums burn up in fewer miles than standard Motorcraft plugs.
I have had good success with Bosch single platinums, not the overpriced "plus-whatever" ones.
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Dec-02 AT 02:22 PM (EST)]Autolite sure is associated with FRAM. Look at the webpage: http://www.autolite.com/home/index.html
INLINE SIX POWER! '95 F150 XL
300 Cubic Inches of Low RPM Truck Torque! And twin-I-beams too!
"Drive a stick young man! There'll be time for automatics when you're old and unable."
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .
I had a set of Autolite platinums in my 1995 F-150 302 for 70,000 mi. They looked to be in excellent shape when removed. (On the inside. Autolite does not waste money on exterior plating.) They ran fine. I am on my second set of Autolite platinums in that truck now, and am up to 126,000 mi. I drive conservatively; mostly commuting with light load. These plugs are a best buy in my opinion. By the way, who makes the Motorcraft plugs? I thought it was Autolite.
Ive owned my van since 99, and ive changed the plugs twice, but i change them every 30k miles, and i drive a lot, obviously, anyways, both times ive used bosch platinums and ive got no problems at all with them.