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another spark plug question

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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 07:51 PM
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another spark plug question

2006 f250 5.4 I have heard all the horror stories about changing plugs and am going to attempt it in a couple weeks. My question is what brand do you guys recommend? Im looking at motorcraft and autolite.Autolite makes 2 for the truck, HT1 and HT15. HT1 is supposed to have hotter spark? Would you recommend going with the hotter spark? Champion also makes a plug but cost twice as much. Which one have you guys had luck with?
 
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 08:01 PM
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Most will stick with MOTORCRAFT plugs.

And donʻt forget a little anti seize on the threads.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 08:35 PM
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Here's a link to the TSB with the removal instructions. If you do break one or more, you'll need the removal tool to get them out.
http://www.etoolcart.com/06152.pdf

I would stick with the Motorcraft plugs. The anti-seize goes on the sleeve that extends down into the head, NOT on the threads.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 09:20 PM
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Autolite makes the Motorcraft plugs.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2012 | 10:50 PM
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I use Autolite plugs.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2012 | 05:52 AM
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There is no reason to go with a hotter heat range, unless the plugs you take out are showing some signs of being too cold. A hotter plug does not mean the spark plug has a hotter spark.That is a measure of the operating temp of the tip of the spark plug in normal operation. A hotter spark plug might actually cause pre-ignition issues.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2012 | 09:10 AM
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if you have a 3v head, i would go with the champion plugs that way you don't have to worry about the plug breaking off in the head next time you change them.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2012 | 10:06 AM
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Plus 1 on above.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2012 | 10:59 AM
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If I'm not mistaken the new motorcraft design, SP-507 is a one piece. I've never tried the champions but I have read that they don't last near as long as motorcrafts. For what it's worth, mine had autolites in it when I bought it and they've been working fine. If I were to replace them again though I'd use motorcraft.

Also suggest that you have the Lisle tool on hand just in case, the revised TSB using carb cleaner is supposed to work better but the tool is pretty cheap insurance.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 06:56 PM
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Thanks for the input. Think i am just going to go with the factory motorcrafts. What about running a can of sea foam in the tank, would that help with the carbon?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by brianjordanf250
Thanks for the input. Think i am just going to go with the factory motorcrafts. What about running a can of sea foam in the tank, would that help with the carbon?
Yes! or Marvel Mystery oil or anything that is supposed to dissolve carbon and just go through about 1/8 tank with triple the recommended amount and get those RPMs up there on some freeway runs. Put some penetrating oil in the plug holes the night before, crack them a little and add more penetrating oil. Cold,lukewarm engine. The biggest problem with those plugs is the carbon below the the chamber surface. (On the plugs).
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:27 PM
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gotta love marvel mystery oil.the only reason a product sells over 50 yrs is it works,plus it smells awesome!
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by l8ntpianist22
gotta love marvel mystery oil.the only reason a product sells over 50 yrs is it works,plus it smells awesome!
For a second there I thought you were talking about Twinkies.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 07:39 PM
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ok, another question. What is the factory plug, Motorcraft sp 507 or sp 515? I cant seem to find that out. Even in autolite i'm getting conflicting answers to which plug burns hotter, HT1 or HT15, but i have heard from more than one not to use hotter plug.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2012 | 10:26 PM
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Your best bet is to contact auto lite about the plug answer. I've been considering doing my.plugs, regardless the truck runs fine but I always do full tune ups when I get a new vehicle.

I believe the Sp515 is the replacent. I've never heard of the 507, but I run a V10
 
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