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I'm replacing the spark plugs in my 1997 F250 (light duty) with the 5.4L motor. The original Motorcraft spark plugs AWSF-22F are no longer available, so the auto store sold me Autolite AP103 spark plugs. These plugs look very different from the Motorcraft plugs, they have full length threads and a larger diameter Platinum tip.
I'm concerned the Autolite plugs with their full length threads may thread too deep into the heads and make contact with the piston.
Has anyone installed Autolite AP103 spark plugs into a 1997 5.4L motor?
The 5.4 HATES Autolite plugs, take them back. What you want are Motorcraft SP459 (AGSF22FSM). That is the current design.
The original plugs are half threaded, the new design is fully threaded. The distance between the tapered seat and the end of the barrel should be the same.
When installing, do NOT use antiseize and torque them to 28 ft/lb, regardless of what specs you may have read.
Thank you, did you install the Motorcraft SP459 in a 1997 5.4L motor?
It appears the Motorcraft SP459 has a similar design to the Autolite AP103. It seems Ford changed the spark plug design every year or so.
I have Motorcraft AWSF-22FS plugs installed, and Fords official replacement for this plug appears to be a Ford exclusive part at about $20 per plug. Maybe I should check ebay to see if someone is selling old stock of Motorcraft AWSF-22FS spark plugs.
The SP459 is the current catalog recommendation for a 97 5.4. They are $4.59 at rockauto.com. O'Reilly and Autozone both have them for $5.19. Those are the plugs that you should be using.
The plug glc gave you is the improved plug for your engine. Also be sure to follow his advice on the antisieze and the gap. He knows what he is talking about.
Leave the coils alone unless it misfires after the plug change. When they start to fail, you will get some shuddering right after it shifts into overdrive at light throttle openings.
The Araparts coils have actually been a crapshoot. Not everyone has good luck with them.
Make sure you use dielectric grease when reinstalling the coils. Use a small amount inside the boots, not on the spring contacts.
Leave the coils alone unless it misfires after the plug change. When they start to fail, you will get some shuddering right after it shifts into overdrive at light throttle openings.
The Araparts coils have actually been a crapshoot. Not everyone has good luck with them.
Make sure you use dielectric grease when reinstalling the coils. Use a small amount inside the boots, not on the spring contacts.
My 2006 is doing just what you said about light throttle ,, What is a good coil to buy for it .and I have 93k on the factory original plugs .It is time to change them and being disabled will need to shop it out .. Been a great pickup bought it new . I used to be a chevy fan not no more my cruiser [ wifes rig ] is a 2016 f 150 super crew xlt v6 motor ,I cant wait for her to wand a new truck .I get the old one..,.
