I just noticed that the 2004's require 'special' spark plugs. Does anyone know how much those cost?

 

A national auto parts chain (rhymes with "Auto Loan") website lists Champion plugs (part# 401) at $1.69.

What's special about the plugs?

 

ha, have you looked at one of the spark plugs? You will notice how 'special' they are when you check one out!

 

A good guess would be about $20.00 per plug.

Mike

 

I really don't want to take the plugs out of my truck to look at them to see how 'special' they are. Have any pics of the spark plug?

 

Ford used to brag on how special the modular engine is. They claimed that a special engine needs a special plug. I remeber the picuture, it had a long shank and looked real expensive.

 

I believe the reason the spark plugs have the longer shaft is that it is a coil is mounted on top of the plug.

 

there were pics in a auto mag in the fall the plug really looks strange, I think yellow is right about the coil.

 

I also called the same place as phreekshow about champions for the '04 4.6l & got the same price. So if this plug is avail. at this price-then I'm assuming that the coil is detachable. Other's info on this is welcome.

 

Yes I believe the coil is detactable, I am not sure if it is seperate from the wires though.

 

The coil system is similar to the last generation of 5.4s. There is a COP (coil on plug) sitting on top of each spark plug. They dont have plug wires like on an older engine.
The spark plugs are very long, supposedly to reach the part of the combustion chamber that was where the engineers wanted them for best power and emissions.
The new spark plugs take a 9/16" socket. Apparently Snap-On has a socket for these now but I cant find it on their site..

 

for you 5.4 guys... (or the ones just wondering)

 

Yea,thats a $20.00 spark plug alright.

Mike

 

Well it's quite possible that the national auto parts chain (rhymes with "Auto Loan") website is incorrect. There's a surprise. I checked Champion's website for part# 401 and it lists pre-2003 ford F150's as using this plug. Nothing comes up for a 2004 F150.

Nice picture asinatra. I couldn't find anything online except this description of the plug and that it was designed to accomodate the space restrictions of the 3v 5.4 engine.

"The sparkplugs used on this engine have a small tip (just a little larger than a pencil) so they can be centrally located in the cylinder head between the three valves. This position improves combustion but required a new design that locates the sparkplug threads into the middle of the plug with a long but small extended shell to hold the electrodes. Not only do they work, but sparkplug life has been extended as well. "

 

I did a search for them too and came up empty?? is this something dealership maintenance shops are privvey to so we have to utilize them instead of the shadytree mechanix?