2002 F150 SCab 4.6L

Ordered SP493 plugs and Denso COPS & boots from RockAuto.com.

It appears there is already dielectric grease applied to the inside of the boots. Anyone have experience with these COPS and do I need to worry about applying additional grease to the boots?

Thanks!

 

If they are already greased, you don't need any more.

Good luck with the Denso cops. I know it says OE, but I have my doubts. Motorcraft cops are made by Visteon.

Do NOT use antiseize on the plugs, and torque them to 28 ft/lb.

 

Why not anti-seize on the plug threads?

 

To help prevent loosening and blowout.

http://www.blownoutsparkplug.com/

FAQ's #51 and #52.

 

Is this a Ford V8 specific problem? I've always put anti-seize in plugs, cast iron, aluminum to ease removal to prevent thread damage on motorcycles. Never had a problem with blow out or coming loose.

 

It is a known problem with the Triton V8 heads that only have 4 threads. You don't need antiseize with Motorcraft plugs, which have nickel plated threads. The factory torque spec is also too loose, hence the 28 ft/lb recommendation. Antiseize will give you false torque readings. Did you read the FAQ's I linked?

 

The problem is only with 97-03 4.6 and 5.4 2v. Nothing from 2004+ has the same issue. However, the 5.4 3v has their own set of spark plug related issues.

 

I read some of the FAQ's but there was more info there than I was interested in sorting through so I took the path of least resistance and asked.

4 threads? Al heads? How did that pass any scrutiny? I'm far from an engineer but that would have raised a big red flag for me.

 

There have been instances of the 8 thread heads blowing plugs. Use the same procedure for ALL 4.6 and 5.4 2 valve engines.

 

I have the Denso coils in my truck. Installed them 3 months ago and no issues. They come individually packaged not in a blister pack or in a box loose like the Vistions I've bought. Comparing them to OEM motorcraft they look identical. They are made in USA. I've had no issues with them. The might have had dielectric but I used an old spark plug smeared with dielectric and lubed the boots anyway. I also smear it around the top of the boot and put some around the top of the coil where it connects to the harness

 

I dont use anti sieze. Motor craft plugs are made with a nickle alloy. These heads just dont need it. 28 lbs dry.

 

I guess the local guy is out for THE plug switch.
1st he say's "Don't believe everything you read on the internet" when I mentioned he should check out this site and this topic.He says he has done a lots,has the right tools,but uses anti-sieze and I think NAPA parts.He has done very good work on my vehicle before and reasonable price wise.

So if I take it to a NM Ford dealer(IF I can find a half way reputable one mechanic wise) do I ask what is SOP with FORD NOW or what method and parts they are going by this week? This whole topic has got me stumped.I guess I could read thru thousands of posts to figure out what FORD has done or recommends this week.... There are thousands of threads here on this topic.

Is there a way to find out which dealer sold this truck?

 

Doesn't matter who you take it to - ask them to use Motorcraft plugs, no antiseize, and 28 ft/lb. If they won't do it, go somewhere else or do it yourself.

Refer your local guy to the site and FAQ's I gave you in your PM. That site is run by a Ford master tech who has a side business repairing heads that have been damaged by blown out plugs.

 

Thanks GLC,I saw the info from those folks you posted . They do look like they know a thing or 2.
And Blue Jay said to try Oasis from dealer to check history.
Since I'm 2nd owner and it appears to have been taken good care of,I'd like to make sure the recommended servicing was done.
I've been so busy here I haven't even checked what coils/cops are in there let alone plugs underneath.Learning curve on these for old school guy is ....challenging.LOL

 

If it's got less than 100k, I'd bet the plugs and cops are original.