Spark Plug Replacement
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Spark Plug Replacement
Can anyone think of any reason to replace the plugs at 60,000 instead of 100,000. My engine idles like a Mercedes, and I have no hesitation or spark knock, not even the hint of any lack in performance and no hesitation. In other words, I think if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Plus I understand that if they are not done absolutely correctly, the plugs have a tendancy to blow out of the heads. I just would rather make the $350 outlay a little later if I can. I am sitting on 57,400 right now, and like I said, the plugs seem to be in new shape. Just wondering what you guys thought? Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 796
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you dont say how old/what engine you have. But how you drive the truck matters as well. If you accumulated those miles with lots of highway mileage, then the plugs will last longer. If lots of stop and go, short trips, the plugs might not last as long. If the truck runs great, and if your gasoline mileage is normal, then i agree, dont change them. Just reconsider the idea when your truck hits 75,000, and again at 100,000. FYI, i didnt change my 97 4.6 plugs until i was at 100,000 plus. Mine were mostly highway miles, and i had no symptoms but didnt want to wait much longer. And if you replace plugs, i suggest you also replace the plug wires (if your truck has them--you may have coil over plug depending on engine/year.). Engine manufacturing design caused a few plugs to eject from the 5.4 engines--not common and generally no reason to worry about the 5.4 engine (unless of course it happens to your particular engine and then that is not good).
Last edited by 03f150man; Dec 23, 2003 at 12:45 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Royal Palm Beach, Fl
I ran my 98 4.6L F150 112,000 miles on the orignal plugs and most of that was in town. It ran good before I changed them but it ran better afterwards. Autolite APP104 with new wires. Change the wires along with the plugs. There is to much pulling on them while you are changing the plugs. They are going to break down inside somewhere. I got more power and better mileage. 16 MPG in town.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Yakima
I've got a 97 F-150 with the 4.6, use it for towing. Had to replace plugs at 36K, they were worn (according to dealer) and causing my rough idle. Also have changed them and wires at 66K. Now at 92K, I'll change both out again in the Spring before I start towing. The plugs just don't last when the engine has to work. If you've got a rough idle, change them.
