3.0 FFV Spark Plug Question
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3.0 FFV Spark Plug Question
I have a 1999 ranger 3.0L FFV 2 wheel drive with the automatic. I have read all the posts on what spark plugs to use. I decided to get the motorcraft AGSF12FMF6. My qusetion is the "fine wire" plugs are not double plat and the ignition system in the 3.0L requires DP. Wont the "fine wire" plugs wear out just like the single plat plugs. Another question I have is when I was at the Ford Dealer he gave me AGSF12FM1 instead of the AGSF12FM, what is the difference between the FM and FM1 and can I use the FM1 or should I return them for the FM. I looked up the spark plug coding for motorcraft plugs and FM stands for "finewire Platinum-nickel centerwire electrode, nickel plated shell" and the FM1 stands for "finewire Platinum-nickel centerwire elctrode, nickel plated shell, Special groundwire electrode". Any input would be appreciated.
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From: Durham, NC
I was running the AGSF12PP (double platinum), which are hard to find. I talked to a Motorcraft rep. at Sema 2003 last year, to try and find out why Ford was recommending the AGSF22PP as a replacement for the AGSF12PP, which I had tried, and was too HOT. The Motorcraft rep. recommended the AGSF12FMF6, which I am now running, and run very well in my 1999 3.0L FFV. I also talked to a Motorcraft engineer about the "fine wire" platinums, and he said the spark energy was reduced on the "fine wires", and erosion of the GND electrode was not a problem with EDIS.
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From: Chicagoland
Honestly, it's not really that important to even use DP plugs. I'm using NGK TR6 copper plugs that are 1 heat range colder without problem. The Platimun electrodes are recommended because they last longer - copper actually has a lower resistivity and therefore conducts the spark better.
Unless Ford has changed part numbers, there are actually two different sets of plugs for the Vulcan engine. One bank uses a platinum center electrode, and the other bank uses a platinum side electrode. This is because with the waste-spark EDIS system that the vulcan uses, the polarity of the banks are opposite. Using DP's just makes it easier because you only have to remember one plug number.
Now, if you actually use E85 ethanol in your FFV..... that's beyond my understanding.
Unless Ford has changed part numbers, there are actually two different sets of plugs for the Vulcan engine. One bank uses a platinum center electrode, and the other bank uses a platinum side electrode. This is because with the waste-spark EDIS system that the vulcan uses, the polarity of the banks are opposite. Using DP's just makes it easier because you only have to remember one plug number.
Now, if you actually use E85 ethanol in your FFV..... that's beyond my understanding.
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From: Connecticut
I've heard and read more than a few accounts about Bosch plugs failing in DIS/EDIS ignitons systems, many times within 20K. And I've heard and read even more about non-OEM plugs in general causing driveability concerns in Fords which went away after re-installing OEM replacement plugs (i.e., Motorcraft or Autolite DPS, and now Motorcraft FM series).
On the other hand, I've never heard or read anything about the OEM replacements causing problems in a DIS/EDIS igntion. So it seems pretty straightforward to me.
FWIW, the factory spark plugs in a DIS/EDIS system do have two different part numbers, depending on the bank of cylinders that they are installed in. But the OEM aftermarket plugs have a single part #.
On the other hand, I've never heard or read anything about the OEM replacements causing problems in a DIS/EDIS igntion. So it seems pretty straightforward to me.
FWIW, the factory spark plugs in a DIS/EDIS system do have two different part numbers, depending on the bank of cylinders that they are installed in. But the OEM aftermarket plugs have a single part #.
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by silvapain
Honestly, it's not really that important to even use DP plugs. I'm using NGK TR6 copper plugs that are 1 heat range colder without problem. The Platimun electrodes are recommended because they last longer - copper actually has a lower resistivity and therefore conducts the spark better.
K-OHMS (1000's of OHMS) in the plug wires......So, there will be no performance increase with copper over platinum plugs due to electrode resistance.
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From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by Bob Ayers
If you calculate the total series resistance, the difference in the resistance component of the electrode (copper vs platinum) is a wash, compared to the
K-OHMS (1000's of OHMS) in the plug wires......So, there will be no performance increase with copper over platinum plugs due to electrode resistance.
K-OHMS (1000's of OHMS) in the plug wires......So, there will be no performance increase with copper over platinum plugs due to electrode resistance.
I know. The formula for resistance is R=p(l/A) where p=resistivity, l=length of wire, and A=cross-sectional area. The resistivity for copper is 1.7x10^-8 while the resistivity of platinum is ~11x10^-8, but with such a small cross-sectional area, the resistance change is negligible. I simply stated it because many people assume that because manufacturers state that platinum plugs are "better", that means that platinum plugs "perform better". Copper also has better thermal conductivity, meaning that it dissipates combustion heat better than platinum.
Last edited by silvapain; Sep 26, 2004 at 06:09 PM.
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Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by silvapain
I know. The formula for resistance is R=p(l/A) where p=resistivity, l=length of wire, and A=cross-sectional area. The resistivity for copper is 1.7x10^-8 while the resistivity of platinum is ~11x10^-8, but with such a small cross-sectional area, the resistance change is negligible. I simply stated it because many people assume that because manufacturers state that platinum plugs are "better", that means that platinum plugs "perform better". Copper also has better thermal conductivity, meaning that it dissipates combustion heat better than platinum.
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by CosmoKramer79
I have a 2001 3.0 Ranger Edge and need to change the spark plugs. I heard the Autolite DPs were best for them. Should I get those? And should I get any wires with it or just that?
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From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by Bob Ayers
Electrode thermal conduction is taken into consideration when the heat range of the plug is determined.
If anyone is interested, NGK has an interesting article on spark plugs.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinf...000&country=US
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I used E-85
Originally Posted by silvapain
Honestly, it's not really that important to even use DP plugs. I'm using NGK TR6 copper plugs that are 1 heat range colder without problem. The Platimun electrodes are recommended because they last longer - copper actually has a lower resistivity and therefore conducts the spark better.
Unless Ford has changed part numbers, there are actually two different sets of plugs for the Vulcan engine. One bank uses a platinum center electrode, and the other bank uses a platinum side electrode. This is because with the waste-spark EDIS system that the vulcan uses, the polarity of the banks are opposite. Using DP's just makes it easier because you only have to remember one plug number.
Now, if you actually use E85 ethanol in your FFV..... that's beyond my understanding.
Unless Ford has changed part numbers, there are actually two different sets of plugs for the Vulcan engine. One bank uses a platinum center electrode, and the other bank uses a platinum side electrode. This is because with the waste-spark EDIS system that the vulcan uses, the polarity of the banks are opposite. Using DP's just makes it easier because you only have to remember one plug number.
Now, if you actually use E85 ethanol in your FFV..... that's beyond my understanding.
I got around town normal driving was 19.7 on gas and 15.9 E-85.
I live at 5000 ft here in Albuquerque. Pulling a 2500LBs boat on E-85 got 13 mpg. Gasoline 10.
Price of E-85 is always .10 more for some reason and only 1 place to buy it. Good thing its 1 block from work.
Even though it was a good truck it left a lot to be desired. I had a 1993 Ranger and a 3.0 V6 5 speed manual and always got 25 mpg around town and felt stronger. Me thinks they comprimised the truck to much for e-85.Traded for an f-150 SCREW. 15.9 mpg around town. Its the same as if I were using E-85 and actually costs less.
This is the 5.4 Litre motor. Power is beautiful.
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