Spark Plug Change
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Spark Plug Change
Hello Group
I am just past 60K miles on the 4.6 motor and took the truck in for the factory recommended service at 60K and was suprised that the plugs were not changed. The service writer said it is not recommended until later but said it was about a $300 job because they have to remove the intake manifold. I was also asking about the fuel injector/intake manifold cleaning service and he said this also isn't recommended until later. I have noticed that my fuel economy is slightly lower now but don't know if it is related to the cold weather here or my engine not in good tune. I don't want to waste money on unecessary procedures but remember the days when tune ups were done every 30K miles. Should I get these 2 services done or wait until the factory recommendations? What are your thoughts? Its my daily driver and occassional tow vehicle in the summer.
Thanks
Joe
I am just past 60K miles on the 4.6 motor and took the truck in for the factory recommended service at 60K and was suprised that the plugs were not changed. The service writer said it is not recommended until later but said it was about a $300 job because they have to remove the intake manifold. I was also asking about the fuel injector/intake manifold cleaning service and he said this also isn't recommended until later. I have noticed that my fuel economy is slightly lower now but don't know if it is related to the cold weather here or my engine not in good tune. I don't want to waste money on unecessary procedures but remember the days when tune ups were done every 30K miles. Should I get these 2 services done or wait until the factory recommendations? What are your thoughts? Its my daily driver and occassional tow vehicle in the summer.
Thanks
Joe
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I'd get the plugs changed. The 100k miles plug change interval is an advertising ploy more than anything. Ford usually put single platinums in which are usually WAY over the recommended gap by 100k miles. I'd replace the plugs. I personally don't like to leave plugs in aluminum heads for a long time. I use single platinums in my vehicles as they work well. As for the injector cleaning and intake maifold cleaning, it won't hurt. Cold temps and winter gas hurts mpg you'll get better when it warms up and gets close to summer.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
i dont have a 4.6, but i have a EXP with 4.0 I changed the plugs at 100K. I also have a 5.4 in a F150. I bought with 125k miles and did the first plug change at 135k. Sounds likea lot of miles on a set of plugs, but with the lead and other addatives gone in the gas, then dont burn up like the "old days". Here in illinois we have 10% alcohol in the gas and that acts as a manifold and injector cleaner so other is not needed.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: "Garden State"
Wife has a 2005 Explorer with the 4.6 V-8. At 40,000 miles her wires from the COPs to the plugs were cracking and setting off codes. She took it to the dealer and they also replaced the plugs. She told me AFTER the fact 
. I asked for the plugs and wires. The wires were cracked but the plugs were in great shape The gaps were right around .052-.054, new plug settings with 40,000 miles on them 
. Also her factory plugs have a silver antiseize compound on the threads.
My 2002 F-150, built in Oct 2001, with the same engine does not have antiseize on the plug threads from the factory. While I loosened and properly torqued them, I inspected one, looked good but no factory antiseize in the threads. I also have the 4.6 head with too few plug threads, wife's 2005 4.6 has the greater plug thread head. I don't want my plugs to seize because they were in sooo long time wise I'm going to replace them this summer with new wires and antiseize on the threads. And I'll torque them again, so they don't work themselves loose and blow, especially with only 3 to 4 threads holding them in
.
Whimsey
. I asked for the plugs and wires. The wires were cracked but the plugs were in great shape The gaps were right around .052-.054, new plug settings with 40,000 miles on them . Also her factory plugs have a silver antiseize compound on the threads. My 2002 F-150, built in Oct 2001, with the same engine does not have antiseize on the plug threads from the factory. While I loosened and properly torqued them, I inspected one, looked good but no factory antiseize in the threads. I also have the 4.6 head with too few plug threads, wife's 2005 4.6 has the greater plug thread head. I don't want my plugs to seize because they were in sooo long time wise I'm going to replace them this summer with new wires and antiseize on the threads. And I'll torque them again, so they don't work themselves loose and blow, especially with only 3 to 4 threads holding them in
.Whimsey
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