190k mile sparkplug
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Near Atlantic City, NJ
190k mile sparkplug
This is what one looks like, from my '04 E350 5.4. Almost 1/4" gap, no wonder the fuel mileage was horrible!
I was worried about the breakage issue that is common with these so I had my mechanic do the replacement and it went fine. None broke, $430 out the door.
I was worried about the breakage issue that is common with these so I had my mechanic do the replacement and it went fine. None broke, $430 out the door.
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Have you noticed measurable improvement in fuel mileage after the new sparkplugs?
The reason I'm asking is that I have a '03 E350 5.4 with 264K and I've been putting sparkplug job off for the fear of causing more damage during the replacement, than it's worth.
The reason I'm asking is that I have a '03 E350 5.4 with 264K and I've been putting sparkplug job off for the fear of causing more damage during the replacement, than it's worth.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Here's my plugs, '03 E250 w5.4 gas motor, after 65K miles (supposedly!) :
Most every aspect of driveability have been improved since refreshing the plugs and boots.
#3 was loose in the head, most likely not initially torqued to spec, sounded quite like a leaking exhaust manifold on the right side.
Most every aspect of driveability have been improved since refreshing the plugs and boots.
#3 was loose in the head, most likely not initially torqued to spec, sounded quite like a leaking exhaust manifold on the right side.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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My van used to be a Ryder van and it has sticker for maintenance at 109K on the door. I assume the changed the spark plugs, which would make them currently "only" 165K old.
I don't have any codes, but there is pinging at the throttle tip-in in overdrive and at 3/4 to full throttle in 2nd and 3rd. I have a feeling that a crappy spark plugs are the cause.
I don't have any codes, but there is pinging at the throttle tip-in in overdrive and at 3/4 to full throttle in 2nd and 3rd. I have a feeling that a crappy spark plugs are the cause.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Plugs could certainly stand to be checked, maybe replaced since they're already out? Boots too if you go that far.
Not sure if your van has an EGR system but those have been known to create the pinging you notice. Bad fuel could be another, especially since you're not seeing any codes or CEL's.
Not sure if your van has an EGR system but those have been known to create the pinging you notice. Bad fuel could be another, especially since you're not seeing any codes or CEL's.
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Joined: Dec 2012
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I just got my '98 Club wagon, 4.6 with 153k last month. The previous owner though, had the plugs and wires changed just 5,000 miles before at a Ford dealer for <gulp> $500+, they also did the fuel filter.
Anyhow, he said mileage went up 2-3 mpg. Reported 19+ mpg on a 800 mile road trip with a 400lb bike in the back, previously that trip barely hit 17 even. He said he thought it ran good before the plugs but noticeably better after. FWIW with just me in it and the cruise set at 64mph I got 21.5 or a tick more.
Anyhow, he said mileage went up 2-3 mpg. Reported 19+ mpg on a 800 mile road trip with a 400lb bike in the back, previously that trip barely hit 17 even. He said he thought it ran good before the plugs but noticeably better after. FWIW with just me in it and the cruise set at 64mph I got 21.5 or a tick more.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
EJeff most of us have learned plugs in the modular motors need to be changed at 50K---they do not last 100K or more.
The $500 dealer price is about right but if you've ever changed plugs in any other vehicle its not that tough a DIY job. There are a few particulars to plug selection, removing and installing as well as a periodic check after new installs. When the front seats are removed this job is almost a snap, removing them isn't tough at all either.
I have a link or two from here on FTE that I found very helpful if you're interested.
The $500 dealer price is about right but if you've ever changed plugs in any other vehicle its not that tough a DIY job. There are a few particulars to plug selection, removing and installing as well as a periodic check after new installs. When the front seats are removed this job is almost a snap, removing them isn't tough at all either.
I have a link or two from here on FTE that I found very helpful if you're interested.
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Junior User
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I've been changing my own plugs the better part of 35 years, I've never let plugs go more then 40-50k. At an average of 6,500-7,500 miles a year it will be a while before I have to worry about these.
Yep, I know what dealers and most shops charge per hour. No break down on the invoice but with labor charge at $260 I figure book hours is about 2.5 hrs. Real kicker is the $185 for just the wires!!! OUCH!!! I looked them up online and found OEM Ford wires between $75 and $125, and plugs less then half the $6.60 they charged.
Had a '94 Caprice 9C1 (poor mans Impala SS), ever change plug wires on an LT1? The SOB that designed that set up should get a kick in the nads everyday for the rest of his life.
Yep, I know what dealers and most shops charge per hour. No break down on the invoice but with labor charge at $260 I figure book hours is about 2.5 hrs. Real kicker is the $185 for just the wires!!! OUCH!!! I looked them up online and found OEM Ford wires between $75 and $125, and plugs less then half the $6.60 they charged.
Had a '94 Caprice 9C1 (poor mans Impala SS), ever change plug wires on an LT1? The SOB that designed that set up should get a kick in the nads everyday for the rest of his life.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lakefield Ontario
I am at the limit with my plugs. I have a new set of plugs and boots waiting for a warm day with no snow on the ground.
I had a 95 Buick Roadmaster with LT1 and full Vette trans that was modified (14.2 E.T.), the Opti-Spark is the worst GM invention ever. It was one woody that would always rise to the occasion! 
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Just replaced mine today, so here are couple of pictures.
Like I said earlier, van has 265K, but I believe the plugs were replaced when it was still owned by Ryder. There was definitely dielectric grease in the boots, unless they come lubed from Ford.
So these are 165K plugs. The white crud is most likely from burning oil and masking a little how big the gaps actually are.
Like I said earlier, van has 265K, but I believe the plugs were replaced when it was still owned by Ryder. There was definitely dielectric grease in the boots, unless they come lubed from Ford.
So these are 165K plugs. The white crud is most likely from burning oil and masking a little how big the gaps actually are.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
That's some interesting looking white deposits on those plugs Toeout!
Maybe post those photos in the 5.4 Modular Forums see if anyone knows what it is. I'd think were it burned oil it would be darker in color? Perhaps its something from the fuel itself?
Maybe post those photos in the 5.4 Modular Forums see if anyone knows what it is. I'd think were it burned oil it would be darker in color? Perhaps its something from the fuel itself?
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Haynes manual calls them ash deposits, caused by oil and/or fuel additives. I doubt that it's the fuel, because I go through 2 tanks a week on average and I buy from different stations.
My van uses oil about 1qt. per 1200 miles and has done it since I got it. That's probably where these deposits came from. I'm just wondering if there is a fuel additive that I could run through periodically to cut down on these deposits.
My van uses oil about 1qt. per 1200 miles and has done it since I got it. That's probably where these deposits came from. I'm just wondering if there is a fuel additive that I could run through periodically to cut down on these deposits.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I've used and would recommend Techron although its not cheap.
My '00 E250 5.4 with 272K miles also uses about 1qt/1000 miles and plugs have never had that sort of deposit evidence.
Hard to tell though but does look like more than we'd expect as normal.
My '00 E250 5.4 with 272K miles also uses about 1qt/1000 miles and plugs have never had that sort of deposit evidence.
Hard to tell though but does look like more than we'd expect as normal.
Junior User
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Yep, thats ash deposites from the additives in the fuel and some times oil, which in your case it is.
Calcium, sulfur, zinc, are some of the additives in oil that will do it, forgot the couple in gas that leaves deposites, besides lead, which obviously it isn't.
Calcium, sulfur, zinc, are some of the additives in oil that will do it, forgot the couple in gas that leaves deposites, besides lead, which obviously it isn't.