Pulled that out of a 1997 F150 with the 4.6 Windsor. We've been having misfire issues with it for a while, plugs and wires seem to help, but only for a little while. I've replaced both coil packs too. Any idea what would cause this? A local mechanic told me to try the fuel injector, which is what I'm going to do next, but I don't know. You guys have any ideas?

 

Is that a bosch plug? Looks like one. If it is, there's your problem. Ford V8's hate bosch plugs with a passion. Only a couple guys on this site have been able to run them and not have them foul out prematurely. Get Autolite Plattinums and you'll be good to go

 

Yeeeah... Autolite platinums lasted about 2500 miles. The bosh lasted almost 10,000, they're the longest-lasting ones we've tried yet. Even autolite double-platinums only lasted about 3000 at best. Motorcraft platinums(I think they were platinum anyways) lasted like, 2000, autilite standard resistors last about that, same with NGKs and NGK Platinums.

 

K well thats odd. Hopefully an expert or 2 will chime in anytime now.

 

LOL , Autolite platinums lasted me about 40 miles, they got so hot they turned colors lol -



Bosch + 4's will damage your motor. The motor won't run right on them - thankfully mine only ran for 5 minutes when I tried the bosch plugs.. Here more +4 ***** -





Just stick with motorcrafts

Shoot , if you have new packs - put a new set of motorcrafts in there to go with - it will feel like the trucks been born again next you drive her. A big diff w/new packs or COPs and the right plugs..

 

I'm not looking for advice on plugs, guys. I've ran everything that's been recommended so far, and it's all died BEFORE hitting the 10,000 mile mark. I've got other problems, and I'm trying to figure those out first, THEN I'll ask about plugs.


Jbrew, why were you running 103s? Shouldn't you have been using 104s?

 

I thought you wanted to know what caused it ? It was answered , your got the fix included .

Hell that's what I would want to know..

 

I DO want to know what caused it. Every set of plugs I pull out of my motor looks like that, no matter what brand. INCLUDING motorcrafts.


Also... What do you mean, the autolites got so hot the changed color? I'm kinnah curious to see that.

 

What kind of gas?
Any additives?
Losing any coolant?
Using any oil?
Any sugar in the tank?
Take a sample of the gas out of the tank, in a clear container and see what it looks like.
Cut the fuel filter open and see what's in it.
Blown head gasket! Pressureize the cooling system. Check the coolant for exhaust indications.
Have to find the cause among these items somewhere.

Sure isn't the plugs.
I am presently running BOSCH 6241s without a problem.

 

Your spark plugs are not the problem. You have something else wrong.

 

No kidding... I've only said that like, four times now.


Bluegrass: Thanks for the list... I'll run down it as best I can.
What kind of gas? Usually 89 octane with ethanol. Been using premium lately though.
Any additives? Normally, no, but I've tried jsut about everything sold at the parts stores now.
Losing any coolant? Nope.
Using any oil? About a half-quart every 4000 miles.
Any sugar in the tank? Nope. Nothing but gas and a small amount of silt at the bottom.
Cut the fuel filter open and see what's in it. Did last time... It was dirty, but nothing out of the ordinary(AFAIK)
Blown head gasket! Pressureize the cooling system. Check the coolant for exhaust indications. Had a shop do both... Didn't find anything.


Any other ideas, guys? The plugs are never oil fouled, if that means anything.

 

That happens when using Motorcraft Plugs ?

Never seen this before..

 

Well , I posted the pic - how couild you miss it lol..

I have know idea what your problem is..

Good luck Tho.

 

I loaded your picture into a photo program and enhanced it.
It appears that there is some material that either has a high melting temperature or is collecting in small amounts over time.
Take a magnefying glass and look close to try to fit a substance to what you see.
It appears to be white in color.
See how hard it is and if powder, soft or very hard.
I have never saw this type deposit before on a spark plug.
I still feel it's coming from the gas you are using.
If the eth in the gas is high in consentration, it may be eating some part of the fuel system apart slowly and combining with the gas.
If you find the answer, do let us know.

Jim, the plug you showed appears to be from a detonation condition, that was pretty bad. Some of the electroded look burnt off and the center porclean appears cracked and broken. This is from high heat and severe pressure spikes.

 

If you're talking about the first one, the one where the center plug is blue... The center plug is a Motorcraft, the autolites are on either side of it...