2000 Expedition, Eddie Bauer, 5.4 triton. I want to change the spark plugs. Can someone help me with what brand I should use and a number. Thanks. I read through threads on here but for some reason can't find what I need. Also, is there anything else I should change when I'm doing the plugs? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

With modern high voltage ignition systems what brand plug you use isn't much of an issue anymore so as long as you use a double platinum or iridium type plug they will last another 75-100k miles. If you try and save money and use the copper or single platinum they will be worn out in less than 50K.

As far as other recommendations, use anti-sieze on the threads, and you may want to replace the spark plug boots as well while you've got them out.

 

X 2 on what max3860 said. The motor has no personality it does not care what brand you use, that part is only in your head.

 

Motorcraft SP479. About $3.50 at most auto parts stores. Anti-seize on threads and dielectric grease on the boot.

 

Autolite or Motorcraft, made by Autolite, only! I tried Bosch in my '98 4.6 and was chasing misses after 3k miles. Bought another set Bosch and the same thing happened. Have used Motorcraft or Autolite since with no problems. 216k miles.

 

go with the motorcraft. the autolites I took out of my 5.4 were fouled, 1 was loose in there(but didn't strip) and another the electrode came in contact with the piston. alsomake sure to tourque the plugs to 13 ft.lbs. this is very important as overtightening will make it strip the thread in the head. Good luck!

 

stick with Motorcraft. Bosch shouldn't be making spark plugs.

 

Although you have the right to use what ever, I would say to stay with the motorcraft plugs. I have had several fords and never had an issue with them except for normal problems towards the end of their life. As for what someone claimed up above as to say that it doesnt matter is completely false, sure any plug will work but what many fail to understand is that when a plug company gets the rights to make a plug for said vehicle, due to some copyrights, that plug is not 100% on what it should be, champion plugs for one is the worst due to this factor, this is why their plugs are so good in lawn mowers and such for they are the ones with the copyrights and the plugs are right on spec wise. Also shows how bosch plugs are good in german based cars for the same reasons.

 

I prefer the Motorcraft plugs. Whatever you do don't use Bosch sparkplugs. I believe Bosch makes many quality products but sparkplugs isn't one.

 

I am not sure if the year you are mentioning here has those pesky brake off plugs. ( I hope not )
But here is a very useful informative video about the pesky ones that breaks ...

Champion 7989 - YouTube

 

I really like how Champion is making it sound as if they are the first ones to make a plug that is better than the OE plug that had this issue.

 

In the old days with weak automotive low voltage ignition systems if you put a champion plug in your trusty old Ford, or even today in any lawnmower, dirt bike, snowmobile or other engine it my foul before those great factory spec Motorcraft/Autolite plugs. Today that's no longer the case and any plug will work just fine.

The reason most people have problems with Bosch, Champion, or other non OEM brand plugs wearing out in just a few years it that they buy the cheaper version single platinum plugs that only cost a few dollars each and in less then 3 years they are worn out or it usually can be attributed to some other engine maintenance problem that winds up eventually fouling a plug due to improper air/fuel ratios, weak compression, incorrect ignition timing, dirty filters, vacuum leaks, weak ignition coils, worn plug boots, bad MAF or O2 sensors etc..

In my 40+ years of working on Fords and near everything else, it's been my experience that if you step up to double platinum or better plugs you will usually have zero problems with any of the major brand plugs for at least 5 years or 70k miles.

I will say that I don't particularly care for the multi electrode Bosch plugs that you can't properly set the plug gap on, but other than that, I've had great luck with every brand of plug out there when installed in a good running engine and I've also fouled every brand of plug out there in just a few minutes when I put them in an engine that had major problems.

 

I'm going to disagree with some of you experts. I made my living working on various vehicles over the years and still do it as a hobby. I will only use Motorcraft plugs in a Ford. A co-worker has a 94 F150, 5.0L. the PO had put AC plugs in it, truck ran great, or so it seemed, just got 10mpg. He finally listened and looked at what was in it, put Motorcraft plugs in, 16-17mpg. Bosch platinum plugs are a definate no no in Fords, they will miss and load up.