I am sure this has been asked and answered. I know I can perform a search but I would rather have current feedback from you in the know.

I have 33,000 miles on my truck and I want to go ahead and change the plugs out. My truck is a daily driver highway/city. No ¼ racing etc. Maybe now and then messing around I might really get on it for the hell of it but don’t race it nor do I off-road.

Question is what do you recommend for plugs? Platinum or Copper? Autolite, Motorcraft or who else?

I know to use anti-seize on the plugs and dielectric lube on the boots. As far as the plug wires they look great but can anyone give me a reason as to why, if I should, replace them?

Now here is a question that has me scratching my head. I remember reading either in the owners manual or a tech book on the truck something to the effect of “if you pull a plug to clean it or check it, insure you put the plug back into its original place/cylinder”

What is that about?

Thank you for your assistance and knowledge.

 

I have'nt had to change my plugs yet. But I asked the same question awhile back, and I was told to use Motorcraft double platinums.

 

Motorcraft and Autolite are the same plugs.DPs are for long term use,not having to replace them as often as a copper plug.I installed DPs in mine but will pull them to install Motorcraft part number AWSF 32C with a .045 gap.Talley recommends these and says the 4.2v6 responds well to them.01XLT,dont freak out if you see different part number plugs in either side of your motor;Ford does this to save money.Just install all (6) in the same part number.Good luck!

 

Thanks Peacemaker and BlueOvalFitter.

I remember Talley talkling about using the copper plugs, the Motorcraft. I even have a list that I printed out from him that calls out the AWSF-32C as an option. It also has the stock ones AGSF-34EE and gap = 0.054.

Now you mention a gap of 0.045 is that a gap for only the copper AWSF-32C? In Talley's list I have, it does not call out a gap for the AWSF-32C so that is why I am asking, I would have just gapped them to 0.054 so what is the difference?

Also what would be the recommended change interval for the copper? 30,000 miles? I believe that was Talley's recommendation. Now what about the wires he had no recommendation. Common sense would tell me if they look bad, nicks, cuts, cracks etc, or I have a miss then change them other then that I wouldn't. Is there anything I may be missing, like they break down after say 60,000 miles?

If I did change them, the wires, should I stay with a stock set from Ford which I imagen are all the correct length or is there a better aftermarket set of wires?

Again thanks you two so far for the information. This is all going down on my "List".

 

I read somewhere where Talley said that the stock Motorcraft plug wires are the best for our engines. He said to stick with the OE Motorcraft replacements when replacing plug wires. Because they have a "matched ohm rating for each wire" or something like that, while other wires do not. He said motorcraft plug wires are hard to beat, and are top notch equipment. Those are his words, if I remember right. But I'm pretty sure I read that just yesterday.

 

Excellent, thanks Peacemaker. Thats what I thought but wanted to make sure.

 

Your welcome 01.

 

01XLT,I went back with Autolite Professional Series wires from Advance auto parts for $30.00.They were all the same length as stock.And yes,gap the copper plugs at 0.045 and I would not going over 30k miles on them.When I pulled my original plugs at 65k miles the gap varied between .070-.092 .My opinion is to change them at 50k miles.(Double Platinums) One more thing,I found it easier to go thru the wheel well on the passenger side to get at the plugs.Use several long extensions.Good luck!

 

BlueOvalFitter:

Thanks for the information. I got all the extensions and swivels etc. (my Craftsman) gotta love them tools. I bought them about 3 months back along with alot of other goodies for maintenance on the truck...

 

Careful with that never-seize on them plugs. I believe it causes more problems than helps. But thats just my .02

I check my plugs every 5K miles, so its not worth it to me

 

Every 5k, whatcha think you got there a Winston cup truck?

You mentioned the anit-seize causing problems. So what kind of problems can it cause?

 

I think he means it can make a plug become to loose, and rattle itself out of the sparkplug hole. It's a posibility I guess.

 

No, just worrying about getting the goop on the electrode and shorting out the plug.

No sponsers, no numbers on the side, no pit crew. no spotter...
must not be a Winston Cup Truck

 

I don't know about that, you got the throphy girl so something is going on...

Oh you put it "on" the plug lightly, you do "not" dip the plug into the anti-seize...