hey guys, its time for plugs in my truck (1998 4.6L) and i'm thinking of putting bosch plats. in it. are there any recommedations as to what you guys have used that you think i should try or stay away from?

thanks for all your help

 

Scanning the threads in these forums, you will find more negative feedback than positive with regard to Bosch plugs. Personally I use the OE Motorcraft in our fleet of Rangers with great success. IMHO check your wires for proper continuity, use anti-seize compound on the plug threads to avoid those issues.

Russ

 

i'll look around......thanks russ

garrett

 

I agree with russ, i just recently changed my plugs and wires and i put in Motorcraft Platinums. Most people on here seem to think that Motorcraft plugs seem to be better since they are made to fit these vehicles.
John
99 f-150 4x4 ext. cab(83k)
rear steel buper..grilleguard w/4 KC lights
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There are two problems with Bosch platinums in ANY engine; The thin center electrode has been known to break causing serious engine damage, not a common occurrence but it happens, the thin center electrode makes a thin spark causing poor idle and questionable performance.

The platinum material is expensive and that is why they make the center electrode so thin.

Due to the critical nature of plugs in these engines, use the recommended Motorcraft number which is an updated plug for the earlier models. Use a VERY thin coat of copper based anti-sieze compound and torque them with a torque wrench. Before this engine, I have never used a torque wrench on a spark plug in my life, but this is the engine to start doing that on. There are too few threads in these aluminum heads. Torque it too weak and the plug can back out and then blow, ruining the threads. Torque it too tight and you can pull the threads.

Shawn Hyland says to torque them to 20 foot pounds and an authoritave thread in this forum says 13 foot pounds. Most likely either of these settings will work and keep them from being too loose or too tight.

Good luck,
Doc

 

Buy Motorcraft here and save.

http://www.rockauto.com/

 

I heard in other threads that copper-tipped plugs may be better than the platinums. Is this true?

 

Copper tipped plugs will work fine, in fact, they are recommended if you're running NO2. However, they won't last very long compared to the double platinums or the new fine-wire plugs. You can expect no more than 20-30K milles from the copper plugs.

Steve