Spark Plug Wars!
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: West Bend Wisconsin
Spark Plug Wars!
All right so I am all set to change my plugs on my 2000 f-250 5.4, when I go to pull the first plug I find out that they have been already changed by the previous owner and he put in Autolite double platinum plugs. Now my predicament is do I leave them in or go ahead and pull them out and change over to the motorcraft plugs? The truck only has 82000 miles on it, and the plugs which I already pulled looked in perfect condition! Just want to get some opinions! I think I should leave them alone?!
Thanks for any input
Tim
Thanks for any input
Tim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
On the V10 forum, we've discussed this many times.
While we all see misfires and general bad-running with other manufacturers, both Motorcraft and Autolite plugs seem to work fine.
They are made by the same company, and I personally don't believe this "if it doesn't meet Ford's specs it winds up in an Autolite box" garbage.
The Autolites meet Ford's specs. Ford buys them packaged in motorcraft boxes with the motorcraft name on the plug. The only difference is the branding.
As to why Autolite/Motorcraft plugs are the only ones that work perfectly in our modular motors, it most likely has to do with the metals used in the tip and main conductor. Other brands use different construction techniques for "platinum" plugs.
I wouldn't have a problem using Autolite.
While we all see misfires and general bad-running with other manufacturers, both Motorcraft and Autolite plugs seem to work fine.
They are made by the same company, and I personally don't believe this "if it doesn't meet Ford's specs it winds up in an Autolite box" garbage.
The Autolites meet Ford's specs. Ford buys them packaged in motorcraft boxes with the motorcraft name on the plug. The only difference is the branding.
As to why Autolite/Motorcraft plugs are the only ones that work perfectly in our modular motors, it most likely has to do with the metals used in the tip and main conductor. Other brands use different construction techniques for "platinum" plugs.
I wouldn't have a problem using Autolite.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
I'd just like give you a brief caution on Autolite plugs. I put a set of regular Autolite in a corvette several years back. When It came time to change those, the plugs fell apart upon removal. I mean the nut around the plugs released and left the plugs still in the engine and me holding the nut. 5 out of 8 plugs did this. What a mess. Easy out and a few hours later I was lucky and removed them all ok. Autolite was aware of the defect. Said the plugs were welded wrong at the factory. Offered to have the plugs removed from the engine if I couldn't and replaced them with double platinum sent direct from them for my trouble. The moral is, check the plugs before you put them in. Make sure the welds are strong that hold the nut on and I always add a bit of anti-seize compound to the threads. I still like Autolite they work well and they stood behind their product. I think Honeywell owns them btw.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Netfly
and FORDDIEHARD I would leave them alone if they run ok. The platinum should last much longer than a regular plug.
The plug ejection issue on high-milage engines is due to the corrosion between the plug and the aluminum head. They work themselves loose, and bang!
I try to get in there every 2 years or so, regardless of the mileage.
And yes, they are owned by Honeywell now, used to be Allied Signal.
(Potential conflict of interest involved for me, so I'll shut UP now!)
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 421
From: Long Island USA
Originally Posted by Netfly
Sorry I stand corrected. Would the anti-seize compound cause any problems with these motors? I wasn't thinking in terms of the working themselves loose issue.
I've seen the difference first-hand with my '96 t-bird 4.6L.
Did them at 15K miles (YES! I did chainge the plugs at 15K and noticed a difference in performance), without anti-sieze.
Did them again at 30K, one or two were very tight. Use anti-sieze this time.
DId them again at 45K or so, MUCH better, more consistent torque all around, etc.
Definitely a good thing.
On Motorcraft's site (I believe) it even says to use anti-sieze on them.
Don't get me wrong, Ford had problems with plug torque, and the low number of threads. But on the higher-mileage modulars, that's not the issue anymore. Plain iron-to-aluminum corrosion seems to be the issue.
And, the newer Motorcraft plugs come zinc-plated (galvanized), unlike the original stockers.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: West Bend Wisconsin
Hey thanks everyone for your input I decided to just replace the plugs since I had no idea when they were last done. I also replaced all 8 coil packs since I was going to be in there any way and the truck really wasn't running right anyhow. From start to finish all 8 plugs and coil packs took me 1hour and 45 minutes to change, and I did not have to remove the fuel rails at all! I went with the motorcraft platinum plugs and the coil packs i got off e-bay for $107.50 
including shipping. All totaled $140.00 and roughly 2 hours of my time.
Thanks again to everyone who posts on this forum
Tim
including shipping. All totaled $140.00 and roughly 2 hours of my time.Thanks again to everyone who posts on this forum
Tim
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
I read this with interest as I haven't changed the plugs in my 99 F250 SD 5.4L yet (107,000 miles). I've been leery due to some of the problems I've heard. I've replaced plugs, etc in other vehicles. Should I do this or have the dealer do it? Any recommendations for doing it myself - don't want to screw up the heads.
