What is the correct spark plug
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 11
What is the correct spark plug
Hello Everyone
I would like to ask for your comments on which are the correct spark plug for my 1995 Ford f150 5.8 litre vehicle.
I recently purchased a set of Motorcraft spark plugs which I would like to use in my vehicle.
The purchased spark plugs are SP-493-X (AGSF-32P-MX). These have a reach of 0.679, (5/8) inch. However when I started to remove the old spark plugs, what I removed were Autolight 24 and they have a 0.5, (1/2) inch reach. Upon checking auto parts store most want sell me the shorter reach plugs and say the the SP-493-X plugs are a wrong fit. I presume that this could be a copper core vs platinum core and heat range issue?
However I woud appreciate your comments and read what you consider to be the correct and best spark plugs for this vehicle.
Thank you
John
I would like to ask for your comments on which are the correct spark plug for my 1995 Ford f150 5.8 litre vehicle.
I recently purchased a set of Motorcraft spark plugs which I would like to use in my vehicle.
The purchased spark plugs are SP-493-X (AGSF-32P-MX). These have a reach of 0.679, (5/8) inch. However when I started to remove the old spark plugs, what I removed were Autolight 24 and they have a 0.5, (1/2) inch reach. Upon checking auto parts store most want sell me the shorter reach plugs and say the the SP-493-X plugs are a wrong fit. I presume that this could be a copper core vs platinum core and heat range issue?
However I woud appreciate your comments and read what you consider to be the correct and best spark plugs for this vehicle.
Thank you
John
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 558
Likes: 109
I'm no help but I've noticed it before its been so long since I've changed my plugs I can't remember which I have but I think auto light because I was worried about the long one hitting .I'm interested in learning the diff.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 1,314
From: Central Mississippi
I can't remember the # listed on the emissions sticker under the hood, but I know it has changed. (Thanks Mototrcraft)
Can't look at mine either, right now or I would.
If you go to the Motorcraft site & enter that #, I believe it will give you the current version #. (copper, I believe)
Most of us don't use platinum, and there is a absolute record of "many" of this gen engines running like crap with them & doing fine when changed back to copper.
YRMV.
Can't look at mine either, right now or I would.
If you go to the Motorcraft site & enter that #, I believe it will give you the current version #. (copper, I believe)
Most of us don't use platinum, and there is a absolute record of "many" of this gen engines running like crap with them & doing fine when changed back to copper.
YRMV.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,915
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
As said look up what plugs your truck / motor should have and if you dont see the plug you have listed dont use it.
Also if it is not copper dont use it. Same if it is longer dont use it.
If they are left over from your Kia, etc. dont use them.
See where we are going here ........ yep dont use them and get the right ones in copper!
Dave ----
Also if it is not copper dont use it. Same if it is longer dont use it.
If they are left over from your Kia, etc. dont use them.
See where we are going here ........ yep dont use them and get the right ones in copper!
Dave ----
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,470
Likes: 2,633
From: Near Salt Lake City
ASF 32 P?
SP 501 Motorcraft platinum
What does the underhood sticker say?
I do know that if there are clearance issues when you install the new plugs
It will touch the pistons barely enough to shut down the gap on a few cylinders and miss like hell
Never done it, just seen it happen at the dealer
The old plugs were short right?
Find New Old Stock double platinum plugs on Ebay?
SP 501 Motorcraft platinum
What does the underhood sticker say?
I do know that if there are clearance issues when you install the new plugs
It will touch the pistons barely enough to shut down the gap on a few cylinders and miss like hell
Never done it, just seen it happen at the dealer
The old plugs were short right?
Find New Old Stock double platinum plugs on Ebay?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,915
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Find New Old Stock double platinum plugs on Ebay?
None of our trucks used platinum or the other fancy plugs they have today.
It has been known that they can cause running issues and why you want to use copper.
Besides the under hood sticker has copper, as them fancy plugs were just coming on market and only used it high end cars at the time.
Dave ----
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,470
Likes: 2,633
From: Near Salt Lake City
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,470
Likes: 2,633
From: Near Salt Lake City
Running a Platinum plug instead of a Copper will not cause any drivability problems
Been running them in my 1994 vans for years and years
Been running them in my 1994 vans for years and years
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 1,030
I've worked on German cars for 40 years and it is weird, some engines like certain plugs. It really should not matter, but it does.
If you lit match full of gas and air, does it matter what will happen? I think not. That is what I think a spark plug does. I have seen it personally, use the plug that works for you. If it is the fancy $20 plug or the $2 plug.
Couldn't you measure the depth of the plug hole and find out what physically fits?
If you lit match full of gas and air, does it matter what will happen? I think not. That is what I think a spark plug does. I have seen it personally, use the plug that works for you. If it is the fancy $20 plug or the $2 plug.
Couldn't you measure the depth of the plug hole and find out what physically fits?
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 1,314
From: Central Mississippi
No I have not.
But I have read dozens & dozens of posts/threads here over the years that basically go something like:
Did tune-up/now truck runs like crap/ran fine before. When quizzed, response near universally is "went with platinum".
When encouraged to go back to copper & they DO... problem invariably disapears.
I'm quite certain that itty-bitty, expensive-assed, never should wear out electrode SHOULD be just the same as that big fat cheap one that burns away, but for some of this gen & age, it just AIN'T.
As posted before...
Your Results May Vary.
But I have read dozens & dozens of posts/threads here over the years that basically go something like:
Did tune-up/now truck runs like crap/ran fine before. When quizzed, response near universally is "went with platinum".
When encouraged to go back to copper & they DO... problem invariably disapears.
I'm quite certain that itty-bitty, expensive-assed, never should wear out electrode SHOULD be just the same as that big fat cheap one that burns away, but for some of this gen & age, it just AIN'T.
As posted before...
Your Results May Vary.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,540
Likes: 2,032
From: North Texas
Oft those old euro cars need non resistor plugs as they are in the wire set or some spec a certain plug due to the cam/combustion chamber design.
Those Bosch +4 are common for odd driving issues in my experience. I wonder if a basic Pt plug (single strap) with correct gap would be fine where a copper was used. Probably.
Anyway, just go to your local auto store and order your brand. I like Champion or NGK.
Those Bosch +4 are common for odd driving issues in my experience. I wonder if a basic Pt plug (single strap) with correct gap would be fine where a copper was used. Probably.
Anyway, just go to your local auto store and order your brand. I like Champion or NGK.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 1,030
But I have read dozens & dozens of posts/threads here over the years that basically go something like:
Did tune-up/now truck runs like crap/ran fine before. When quizzed, response near universally is "went with platinum".
When encouraged to go back to copper & they DO... problem invariably disapears.
People come here where there are problems. Very rarely is there a thread that just indicates their truck is running fine. Working in dealership service departments for 30+ years, it was the same way. Every client that came in the door had a problem. No one ever came in and said, 'Everything is fine, just thought you should know'.
As a diagnostic tech, I take statements like platinum plugs with a grain of salt. I have a Kenne-Bell supercharged 5.8l and it had platinum plugs for 15 years and never had a problem. Not saying it was right, but it worked for me. Not certain what's in there now.
I do know, we have a choice. I prefer OEM parts. As a show owner, I have much less comebacks and if the car goes to the dealership for any issues, there is a lot less blame on the parts I use.
If you think copper is better, just do it. It would be stupid for anyone to put in parts they have no faith in.
The next thing we should figure out is what the best oil and filter to use.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,836
Likes: 2,437
As previously mentioned the spark plug number is on the emissions sticker under the hood. You could use that to see if it is still available or there is a superseded number. I recall reading in a thread that Ford changed to platinum plugs around ’94 or ‘95?