Sparkplug Confusion

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Jan 19, 2001 | 11:58 PM

jackbo

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Sparkplug Confusion

I've been having a engine stuttering problem in my 93 E-150. I finally took it to the Ford dealer and got an analysis done on the engine. One of the comments on the report was "the platnim sparkplugs installed in an engine that requires copper sparkplugs is part of the problem." I picked up the van at quitting time and was not able to talk to the mechanic.

My question is what is the difference between copper and platnim sparkplugs?

Thanks, Jackbo
'90 F-250 w/460
'93 E-150 w/351

Jan 20, 2001 | 08:06 AM

JoeB

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From: NJ

Sparkplug Confusion

Jackbo

I had the same van with a 5.0 that had a missfire under load. It turned out to be the way the spark plug wires where routed. I took my Van in to get the AC charged and they had to fix a leak in the system. The Mechanic must have moved the wires when he was working on it. I was told when I took it back that it needed spark plugs maybe new wires and a distributer cap. I went out and bought all that stuff and installed it with no luck.(I put the new wires in exactly the same as the old ones) I rerouted my wires at the reccomendation of a mechanic friend and no more problem.
I have not had good luck with the platnuim plugs and I do not use them. I have found that Motorcraft and NGK plugs last just as long in my trucks and are alot cheaper.

Sorry about the long post.hope it helps
Joe
94 Bronco XLT,5.8,E4OD

Jan 20, 2001 | 10:16 AM

pickupman

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Sparkplug Confusion

Hi, I had an 88 Bronco with a 302 and now I have a 92 F150 with a 302. I tried platinum plugs in both of these trucks and did not like them. It seemed like I got a misfire at idle and a little spark knock or stumble under load. I thought it was just me but you guys let me know I'm not. I just did some work on my 92 some of which included a new distributor and timing chain. For some reason I also put in platinum plugs... haven't been able to get timing set perfectly since. As soon as I leave here I will be removing those plugs. Thanks for your inputs, now I know I,m not crazy.

Jan 20, 2001 | 10:11 PM

pickupman

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Sparkplug Confusion

I relaced the platinum plugs this morning. Everything is back to normal, timing is where it's supposed to be, no missing stumbling or pinging. I guess all of our questions are answered.

Jan 21, 2001 | 11:04 AM

fatforty

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Sparkplug Confusion

So thats why My mustang misses at idle and stumbles it is only since the tuneup with platinum plugs I thought I would put in the best and be done with it guess its back to the regular motorcraft plugs!!!! John

Jan 21, 2001 | 05:11 PM

jakegypsum

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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!

Sparkplug Confusion

Hey guy's, I am not sure where I herd it but from what I understand, an engine must be set up a certain way in order to use platinum plugs. It was close to about eight years ago that someone had told me that if you are going to run platinum plugs, you need to alter other ignition components. Vehicles that come from the factory with platinum plugs are set up a little different. I am not sure what components they were refering to, but I do know that something else had to be changed. I have used different types of plugs including Bosch platinum and Splitfire. I have had the best luck with Motorcraft. Just my two cents.

Jakegypsum // ford fleet, soup to nuts.