Plugs changed
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Joined: May 2007
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Plugs changed
Thanks to a recent thread here by Pappy, I had my plugs changed yesterday. The guy who does my work spent most of 20 years as a Ford tech and has had his own shop for 10. He didn't think they needed done at 72k miles......until they pulled and looked at them. Older style plugs that the early '08's had. Not quite toast but close. Some of the center electrodes were no more than a nub. One of the "hoops" was deformed, looked bent.
The most surprising part for me is that this is the first time with a modern electronic ignition that I can tell a difference with new plugs. Runs smoother, quieter somehow. Moves easier with less throttle. TPS on Scan Gage shows 14 at idle, has always showed 16-17 before.
Bottom line. Those that say these engines need fresh sparkers at 50-60k are dead on right. Don't wait, just geterdone.
The most surprising part for me is that this is the first time with a modern electronic ignition that I can tell a difference with new plugs. Runs smoother, quieter somehow. Moves easier with less throttle. TPS on Scan Gage shows 14 at idle, has always showed 16-17 before.
Bottom line. Those that say these engines need fresh sparkers at 50-60k are dead on right. Don't wait, just geterdone.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Yep new plugs can make a difference even without a lot of miles on them. Changed mine the other week in my 04' with only 51,300 miles on them. Idles smoother, actually starts out at a faster idle and holds higher idle for longer and seems to have slightly better throttle response. I figure installing the new plugs also helps to establish a better ground, thus a better spark. Well worth the $33 it cost me for 11 plugs.(bought a spare plug) Sunday I'll be doing plugs on a 4.6l.
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Senior User
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Did not ask. He is a good friend and I know he will be fair. I can ask how long though. His son actually did the work and he too has shop time at a Ford dealer.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Garden Valley, Idaho
Yeah, no one was more surprised than I was when I saw my old plugs at 98,xxx miles. From now on, I will change mine every 50k or so. I didn't change my boots, but think I will change both wires and boots next time.
Pap
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Mmaxed being a bit of an old skooler myself when first hearing a motor could go 100K miles between plug changes I was soooooooo skeptical, thinking unless some new magical design or exotic material were now incorportated in plugs it simply wasn't possible. Much like tires spark plugs are "consumed" by their very use and despite outlandish claims of extra long life and mileage they just don't continue to perform efficiently or reliably after some point.
Getting 50K from a set of Motor Craft plugs is quite adequte to me---changing them allows inspection of other routine maintenance items which is not a bad thing. Some suggest visually checking the plugs on occasion but honestly if I remove them they're getting replaced regardless-----it just doesn't make much sense doing all that work only to re-install the same plugs.
Anyway glad you have a trusted experienced mechanic for this chore------he's well worth whatever he charges if its done right.
Thanks for this post!
Getting 50K from a set of Motor Craft plugs is quite adequte to me---changing them allows inspection of other routine maintenance items which is not a bad thing. Some suggest visually checking the plugs on occasion but honestly if I remove them they're getting replaced regardless-----it just doesn't make much sense doing all that work only to re-install the same plugs.
Anyway glad you have a trusted experienced mechanic for this chore------he's well worth whatever he charges if its done right.
Thanks for this post!
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I still have the original boots on my 04' and they were like new when I changed the plugs the other week so I reused them. The springs were also like new and there is no need to replace them if they are not damaged IMO. Since it gets pretty hot in Nevada your boots may be in worse shape, who knows. I would recommend getting Motorcraft SP479 (AGSF22WM). The original plugs in my 04' were the MC SP479 plugs. The best deal I've found is at RockAuto Auto Parts and 10 plugs with shipping run around $30. Some dealers charge $8 each for the same SP479 plug. The #5 plug is a pain in the *** (too reinstall the coil and boot) but my KD tools kit made plug removal and installation really easy and the magnet in the socket kept the plug from falling out. The kit is well worth the money.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Using dielectric grease inside the boots whether new or re-using exiting parts probably adds a bit of life to them. Along with a moisture resistant seal of sorts it might also contribute to keeping them from shrinking cracking and hardening which creates problems all on its own.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I put some dielectric grease in the spark plug end of the boot but not the coil end. Grease in the coil end of the boot causes the boot to slide off the coil too easy and makes installation more of a pain. Of course I don't unplug the coils from the harness.(To prevent connector breakage)
