Spark Plug Life
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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Spark Plug Life
Been reading threads about rough idle and have seen a few comments that say the spark plugs in these rigs need to be replaced at the 50 kmi mark even though they are supposed to be good for 100k. Am I getting that right?
Rig is a 2017 2.7 liter ecoboost.with 88 kmi on it.
Rig is a 2017 2.7 liter ecoboost.with 88 kmi on it.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Dec 2023
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From: sussex county, nj
spark plugs seem to wear different, some will go the 100k route, some don't. personally today i figure replacing at 60k, and have found most are starting to break down around the porcelain at that point,
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From: San Antonio, TX
No spark plug will really last 100k miles. Ford ( and other manufacturers) uses those service intervals for marketing purposes to make it look as if the cost of maintenance is lower. Look in the service manual to see what constitutes severe service. Almost all drivers will fall into that category. If all you did was run deliveries an the interstate, running 60 MPH average, then you could get by with 100k miles plug changes, and 10k mile OLM triggered oil changes. Ford also counts on most new buyers never keeping the truck until 100k miles.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2020
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I'm a tad over 60k on my 3.5. I feel a slightly rougher idle, and slightly less mpg, I'll change mine in the spring. I'm at 5 years, would love to get another 5 with only minimal maintenance and full fluids.
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The rule of thumb that most of us Gen 1 3.5L ecoboost owners used was to change between 50K and 60K miles as a preventative maintenance item if they hadn't already broken down. It's vitally important to replace the coil boots at the same time, otherwise you'll be in there again prematurely.
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From: San Antonio, TX
50k, and my engine always idles very smooth. At 50k, right before I changed the plugs, the engine was having a slight miss, so that's how I knew it was time to change them.
A proper gap, with no electrode deterioration or ceramic issues also means the the coils will likely last longer. When you replace the plugs, always replace the boots as well. There is no better plug on the market for the engines in these trucks than the Motorcraft plugs. Avoid the pricey "performance" plugs, or the cheap, "just as good as factory" plugs. Make sure you buy them from a reputable source. Amazon and eBay are full of counterfeits, It's really cheap easy insurance for a better running engine. I'll never understand why people want to skimp on maintenance, or try to get the longest intervals possible.
A proper gap, with no electrode deterioration or ceramic issues also means the the coils will likely last longer. When you replace the plugs, always replace the boots as well. There is no better plug on the market for the engines in these trucks than the Motorcraft plugs. Avoid the pricey "performance" plugs, or the cheap, "just as good as factory" plugs. Make sure you buy them from a reputable source. Amazon and eBay are full of counterfeits, It's really cheap easy insurance for a better running engine. I'll never understand why people want to skimp on maintenance, or try to get the longest intervals possible.
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From: sussex county, nj
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I've been running 5.4's since about 2008, have about 150K miles total on three different E-Series...always change them no longer than 60K. Besdes maintaining perfformance, fuel efficiency that interval gives me a prime chance to inspect the plug boots and assure my preferred installation torque of 26 ft/lbs remains as set during installation.
Over all IMHO its just a good practice and habit to develop with these engines.
Over all IMHO its just a good practice and habit to develop with these engines.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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When you inspect the plug boots what exactly are you looking at or looking for? I've removed plug boots a zillion times over the years and can honestly say I wouldn't know a good one from a bad one except for maybe a time when one was rusted.