I have an 09 FX4 with a 5.4L Flexfuel engine with 75k on it. Dealer recommends changing plugs at 80k so I figure I would get some opinions on whether to stay with OEM motorcraft or go with an NGK Double Platinum? Does anyone have any experience with the NGK’s? Any advise good or bad? Best prices I have found on either is through Rockauto so I will probably buy from them when I decide.

 

This is so typical of dealers today. They want 80K plug changes, 3K oil changes, and other premature maintenance items. These aren't the old fashioned two piece plugs that came on the pre 2006 trucks. I'd run it to 95K and then change them with Motorcraft OE plugs.

 

It's funny how Ford recommends one thing, and then their service departments cut that time or mileage in half. My dealer freaked out the other day because I had gone 3400 miles without an oil change.

I'm interested on what you come up with though as I'm racking up the miles too.

 

They freaked over 3400 miles between changes? My dealer freaked because I wanted my first change at 2400 miles. They said to wait till 5K (which I didn't) even though the manual says "up to 10K", (which I won't).

 

Somewhere I read or heard that these engines and components like spark plugs generally are good for 100k miles. All of that may depend on your driving and fuel you use I guess. In either case what ever the recommended service is for the plugs that's what I would do.

 

I change my oil religiously at 5k and that has been consistent with dealer recommended changes. I have had the trans flushed twice one at 30 and then again at 60k miles. I try to stay with the Ford recommended maintenance schedule just because I do put 30k+ a year on truck and I need it to hopefully last. I really want to get 300k out this truck! Also it doesn’t hurt that oil changes at my dealer are only $12... I believe in the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth more than an pound of cure...which to me translates to regular interval maintenance!