question on spark plugs
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Parlin NJ
question on spark plugs
i have a 2001 f250 with a 5.4L and in need of new spark plugs. i have a couple questions i hope someone can answer before i change them.
Whats a good spark plug to use on the 2V 5.4L
How hard is it to change the plugs, it looks the the fuel rail is in the way of the COP's. does the fuel rails need to be moved out of the way to get to the plugs.
Is there a way to check the COP's to make sure they are still good, if any need to be changed out i would like to do it when i do the plugs
I hope someone can answer all or some of my questions
thanks again
Whats a good spark plug to use on the 2V 5.4L
How hard is it to change the plugs, it looks the the fuel rail is in the way of the COP's. does the fuel rails need to be moved out of the way to get to the plugs.
Is there a way to check the COP's to make sure they are still good, if any need to be changed out i would like to do it when i do the plugs
I hope someone can answer all or some of my questions
thanks again
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
i have a 2001 f250 with a 5.4L and in need of new spark plugs. i have a couple questions i hope someone can answer before i change them.
Whats a good spark plug to use on the 2V 5.4L
Use Autolite or Motorcraft only. I like the copper core plugs. And make sure you use a little dab of "Never Sieze" on the threads when installing.
How hard is it to change the plugs, it looks the the fuel rail is in the way of the COP's. does the fuel rails need to be moved out of the way to get to the plugs.
They are a PITA but it has to be done, I think you can get them without removing the fuel rails.
Is there a way to check the COP's to make sure they are still good, if any need to be changed out i would like to do it when i do the plugs
The way I check them is by putting a sparkplug in the spring and grounding it, if you get a strong arc at the electrode you have a good COP.
I hope someone can answer all or some of my questions
thanks again
Whats a good spark plug to use on the 2V 5.4L
Use Autolite or Motorcraft only. I like the copper core plugs. And make sure you use a little dab of "Never Sieze" on the threads when installing.
How hard is it to change the plugs, it looks the the fuel rail is in the way of the COP's. does the fuel rails need to be moved out of the way to get to the plugs.
They are a PITA but it has to be done, I think you can get them without removing the fuel rails.
Is there a way to check the COP's to make sure they are still good, if any need to be changed out i would like to do it when i do the plugs
The way I check them is by putting a sparkplug in the spring and grounding it, if you get a strong arc at the electrode you have a good COP.
I hope someone can answer all or some of my questions
thanks again
and don't forget the beer.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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i would never put champs in a ford.champs are for a dodge,and goes on ac for chevy,bosch for import.morotcraft for ford or autolite.but never champs tried them they suck.and any one who say's to put them in cam from dodge and should go back to the lawn mower class of trucks,thats what champs are good for lawn mower's and trimmers.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
These forums are GREAT! Lots of information as well as opinions, I agree with smithrngr about Champs and ACs, but in a kinder, gentler way. I have not had a good experience with the Champs in any of my Fords since about 1956 when I learned about Autolites, I've tried Bosch and other supposedly great plugs with poor results and keep going back to Autolites for the best performance in my Ford products, I wish Ford would buy John Deere so I could use Autolites in my lawn tractor.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Motorcraft or Autolite and use the factory recommended double platinum for long lasting life. Copper plugs are only good for about 30K and the coils are designed for the double platinum plugs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
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From: In my House
I'll second what LxMan1 said........I just did mine a few weeks ago on my 01, and I got the plugs from Autozone....Ask for sp-479....This is what OEM motorcraft goes in our 5.4L
Rich
Rich
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Postmaster
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
That may very well be true but I now have about 115,000 on my copper cores. I changed them at about 90,000 to the double platinums and my Mark VIII ran poorly. The coppers had no wear and were burning perfectly so I re-installed them and I am still running them. When my Navigator is ready for new plugs it will get the copper cores.
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New User
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I have another question...2002 F-250 with a 5.4. Do these spark plugs have a problem coming out? Is it the same problem with the 04-05 5.4's where the threads have to be soaked, or is it just take off the COP's and go. Doing them tonight so need to know if there will be any downtime. Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SE Wyoming
No, they have the opposite problem of spitting out of the head. Make sure to pull the COP's off and blow the hole out with compressed air, loosen the plugs and hit it again with air. Make sure to properly torque the new ones and use a little antiseize.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
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From: New Hampshire
As another said, stay away from champ plugs in your ford let alone any vehicle. Ford fan here and I have always used the name brand motocraft in my tune ups. Its what they were tested on and I feel that with their test results, if any other plug would better their test numbers, a different named plug would be offered through ford themselves. Love the workers at autozone, parts america and all others but when you tell them you year make and model, every damn spark plug company has a plug for you and not all of them have been tested with you engine, they buy these blueprints and make the plug with their name on it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
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From: Winnipeg
I agree use the oem motorcraft plugs and make sure the head threads are clean before installing. I disagree on using anti-sieze on the oem plugs as they have a nickle plating on the threads to work with the aluminium heads. Anti-sieze will also change the plugs final torque rating due to it's compound. NGK Plug Pro
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Sapulpa OK
I stand corrected Lime1GT. Thanks for the info. I personally do not use a torque wrench because I have been turning wrenches for almost 50 years now and have a gret deal of feel for how tight things are and if the threads are stretching or not. The only time I use a torque wrench is for heads or other places where the fasteners have to be tightened in stages.
Postmaster
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
Guessed-A-Torque
I stand corrected Lime1GT. Thanks for the info. I personally do not use a torque wrench because I have been turning wrenches for almost 50 years now and have a gret deal of feel for how tight things are and if the threads are stretching or not. The only time I use a torque wrench is for heads or other places where the fasteners have to be tightened in stages.
Calibrated forearms are not as accurate as a torque wrench. If you continue to do your plugs on engines with aluminum heads by Guessed-A-Torque we will be reading your posts about Ford's lousey head design and more.