Why Iridium?
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Why Iridium?
My '97 Expedition is at 164 thousand miles and overdue for it's third spark plug replacement. This time I have decided to do it myself. #4 COP is shot
because of leaking coolant hose above it, through fire wall, causing it to misfire. This is a common problem so I'll be changing all of this at one time.
While doing research on plugs, I see that OEM Ford plugs were not even platinum. I understand that platinum lasts longer and the iridium platinum last even longer and supposedly fire better. I know that you are paying for the precious metal if you decide to go this route.
Would someone know of any other reasons that would justify spending $80 bucks for a set of iridium plugs? It's a pain in the A to change these plugs, so if I can get longer intervals out of the iridium, it might be worth it.
Thanks,
Stephen
'97 5.4 Expedition
because of leaking coolant hose above it, through fire wall, causing it to misfire. This is a common problem so I'll be changing all of this at one time.
While doing research on plugs, I see that OEM Ford plugs were not even platinum. I understand that platinum lasts longer and the iridium platinum last even longer and supposedly fire better. I know that you are paying for the precious metal if you decide to go this route.
Would someone know of any other reasons that would justify spending $80 bucks for a set of iridium plugs? It's a pain in the A to change these plugs, so if I can get longer intervals out of the iridium, it might be worth it.
Thanks,
Stephen
'97 5.4 Expedition
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
Well, first of all, Iridium plugs should not be costing you $10 each. I paid $6 each for the NGKs I got from Advanced.
I originally chose the Iridium because when I did my first replacement, Motorcraft did not make a nickel-plated plug for our trucks. I did not want to put a black plug down in that hole where water can collect (as you found) and possibly rust the plug, causing it to break when you go to remove it. The only platinum plug I could find that was also plated was a Bosch, and I wouldn't use those in my lawn mower.
I have been so happy with the NGK Iridiums that, even though Motorcraft now makes a plated plug, I went back with the NGKs again.
I originally chose the Iridium because when I did my first replacement, Motorcraft did not make a nickel-plated plug for our trucks. I did not want to put a black plug down in that hole where water can collect (as you found) and possibly rust the plug, causing it to break when you go to remove it. The only platinum plug I could find that was also plated was a Bosch, and I wouldn't use those in my lawn mower.
I have been so happy with the NGK Iridiums that, even though Motorcraft now makes a plated plug, I went back with the NGKs again.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Toasty FLORIDA
Cylinder # 4 I a Bi*** to change the other are rather simple, I did mine with iridium so I would not have to deal with it for a while. But Start with Cylinder #4 while your patience is still good.
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'Changed out all the heater hoses, first time @164K. Move the electrical panel out of the way, take the hoses off and #4 plug becomes a cinch to take out. New worm screw clamps to go with the hoses instead of the factory quick connects and no more problems with leaking coolant on # 4 cylinder for PN304 misfire code.
I got the Autolite iridium plugs for six bucks apiece at NAPA. This is the third plug change on the vehicle since new and the first time I'm doing it. For a '97, there are no stripped plug thread issues thank God. For anyone with doubts about the Bosch platinums plugs (single electrode), Firestone did the previous plug change and chose to use these plugs. When I removed them after their 64 thousand mile life, they looked good enough to re-use. Thanks for the tips.
Stephen
I got the Autolite iridium plugs for six bucks apiece at NAPA. This is the third plug change on the vehicle since new and the first time I'm doing it. For a '97, there are no stripped plug thread issues thank God. For anyone with doubts about the Bosch platinums plugs (single electrode), Firestone did the previous plug change and chose to use these plugs. When I removed them after their 64 thousand mile life, they looked good enough to re-use. Thanks for the tips.
Stephen
