Iridium Spark Plugs?
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Junior User
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Iridium Spark Plugs?
I'm going to change the plugs out on my '01 F250 5.4L and I was originally going to go with the stock Motorcraft plugs, but a local auto parts store is closing down and has a very good deal on a set of Autolite Xtreme Iridium plugs and I was going to get a few opinions on these before I made my decision. Has anyone used Iridium plugs on their 5.4L? Pros/Cons to the Iridium plugs.
I know they are supposed to be better and or last longer than your avg Platinum plug but I also know that different engines respond to different plugs. Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated.
I know they are supposed to be better and or last longer than your avg Platinum plug but I also know that different engines respond to different plugs. Any opinions or experiences would be appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
How long did the originals last? Do the new ones really need to do better?
Not a 5.4, but I just had them replaced in my '02 Escape at 107k miles, and they looked like new. Probably a waste of money. I certainly would not spend more money looking for longer life.
Not a 5.4, but I just had them replaced in my '02 Escape at 107k miles, and they looked like new. Probably a waste of money. I certainly would not spend more money looking for longer life.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 292
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From: Raleigh
It seems that i've had the opposite luck as everyone else so far. I installed NGK iridiums in another vehicle (not SD) and loved them. Much better than the bosch that were previously in the vehicle. Athough fuel mileage didn't change (i didn't expect it to) but the idle did seem to be noticeably smoother. IMO, NGK makes some of the best plugs on the market. I've used them in vehicles, watercraft, mowers, and dirtbikes with great success. The only time I had one foul was in my dirtbike years ago, which I wasn't surprised. It's two stroke and I was just lugging around, which is what a race bike does not appreciate. I'd say if they are similar price, give a shot. I was glad I did it. Make sure you get the right gap for that particular plug. Just because a variety of brands of plugs will be available for your truck doesn't mean they will all have the exact same gap. For example, I just replaced the plugs in my 68 mustang. The autolites that were in the car specified 0.036, but the standard NGK's i put in required 0.034
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Thanks for all the responses. As far as when the plugs were last changed I'm not sure because I just bought the truck about a month ago. The truck has 212K miles on it and it has the Motorcraft plugs in it. The plugs don't look too bad but you can tell that they've been in the truck for a while so I'm going to go ahead and change them out.
I can get the full set of Autolite Iridium plugs for a little bit less than the Motorcraft plugs so I was considering putting them in and seeing how they did. I can get a set of Autolite Platinum plugs for even less (about the price of 4 Motorcraft) but since this is my first Ford I didn't know how the Autolites performed in these motors. Anyone used Autolites in their 5.4 or 6.8L before?
I can get the full set of Autolite Iridium plugs for a little bit less than the Motorcraft plugs so I was considering putting them in and seeing how they did. I can get a set of Autolite Platinum plugs for even less (about the price of 4 Motorcraft) but since this is my first Ford I didn't know how the Autolites performed in these motors. Anyone used Autolites in their 5.4 or 6.8L before?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
Stay with the Motorcraft. These 5.4L and 6.8L engines are real sensitive to spark plug design. The Motorcraft just seem to work the best.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Albuquerque, NM.
Autolite plugs will work fine. I have installed autolite double platnum plugs in many ford trucks and have never had a problem. I would expect the iridium plugs to work just as well. I have used the Autolite Iridium plugs in other vehicles with no problems. Autolite plugs are good plugs.
I'm a master certified Auto. technician with over 20 years Exp..
I'm a master certified Auto. technician with over 20 years Exp..
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Junior User
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Thanks, I think I'll give the Autolites a try. Turns out the auto parts store practically gave them to me so if they don't work out I then I can take them out and go with the Motorcrafts, and since I got them so cheap I wouldn't have blown much money on them if they suck. Thanks for all the responses and opinions.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 668
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From: Northfield, MI
Autolite makes Motorcraft plugs, so it is no surprise they work very well on most Ford vehicles.
After being an electronic engine controls tech for 19 years, I can tell you that Autolite, Motorcraft, and AC Delco are the plugs you want to stick with. I can't tell you how many brand new Bosch and Champion plugs I replaced because of rough idles. They are a favorite of the tuneup shops around here and the vehicle owners are usually upset when they find out their brand new plugs are the problem. Engineering wise I can't tell you what the issue is, but I've experienced it many dozens of times.
After being an electronic engine controls tech for 19 years, I can tell you that Autolite, Motorcraft, and AC Delco are the plugs you want to stick with. I can't tell you how many brand new Bosch and Champion plugs I replaced because of rough idles. They are a favorite of the tuneup shops around here and the vehicle owners are usually upset when they find out their brand new plugs are the problem. Engineering wise I can't tell you what the issue is, but I've experienced it many dozens of times.
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