Spark Plugs
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: NY (not the city!!)
Spark Plugs
Last time I did a tune up, I changed the plug wires, distributer cap and rotor. I had someone else put new plugs in a couple months later. I checked some of the plugs the last time I changed the oil and they were autolite platinums. So these are not copper like everyone here says to use? I did not pick out the plugs. My truck did seem to drop a few mpg after this and had less power. Should these be changed ASAP.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: NY (not the city!!)
Right after the plugs were changed I noticed a loss of power and my fuel milage dropped from 16-19 to 14-16. I re-checked the gap and that was fine so i figured it was something else (it is an old truck after all). Maybe this is the solution I am looking for. It def cant hurt anything
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,555
Likes: 40
From: Concord, NC
Check MOTORCRAFT PARTS FOR FORD, LINCOLN OR MERCURY VEHICLES for the OEM plug number. I know a lot of the newer trucks came standard with platinum plugs.
I say this every time this topic comes up, but no one seems to listen: the only difference between a motorcraft platinum and a plain motorcraft copper plug is the plating material on the electrodes. Internally, they have the same copper core. The platinum on the electrode tips makes for a longer service life and doesn't change the performance of the plug any appreciable amount, and if that's what OEM calls for, it doesn't hurt anything to run.
It shouldn't hurt anything where the standard copper plug is called for either, but unless you hate changing plugs every 25-30000 miles, there's really no reason to run the motorcraft platinums. They shouldn't cause any problems, though, if you want the longer service interval.
What kind of cap, rotor, and wires did you install?
I say this every time this topic comes up, but no one seems to listen: the only difference between a motorcraft platinum and a plain motorcraft copper plug is the plating material on the electrodes. Internally, they have the same copper core. The platinum on the electrode tips makes for a longer service life and doesn't change the performance of the plug any appreciable amount, and if that's what OEM calls for, it doesn't hurt anything to run.
It shouldn't hurt anything where the standard copper plug is called for either, but unless you hate changing plugs every 25-30000 miles, there's really no reason to run the motorcraft platinums. They shouldn't cause any problems, though, if you want the longer service interval.
What kind of cap, rotor, and wires did you install?
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
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: NY (not the city!!)
I dont remember what wires, cap and rotor i got, but they were the premium ones. $50 or so for the wires. I didnt get the plugs changed until a few months later. The truck ran a lot better after the wires and i did not notice a difference until after the plugs were changed. I was expecting a big difference cause the old plugs were worn out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,555
Likes: 40
From: Concord, NC
What was the plug gap? It should be .054-.056" for a 95.
The motorcraft site lists both a platinum and standard copper plug for a 95 F150 302, so that probably means the standard copper plug was original equipment. The platinum shouldn't make a difference, but the copper plugs are not so expensive that you couldn't try a set and see if they made any difference.
The motorcraft site lists both a platinum and standard copper plug for a 95 F150 302, so that probably means the standard copper plug was original equipment. The platinum shouldn't make a difference, but the copper plugs are not so expensive that you couldn't try a set and see if they made any difference.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: NY (not the city!!)
The gap was set to the sticker under the hood. I took the plugs back out to double check and they were fine. I will pick up a set of copper plugs next time I change the oil and see if there is a difference.