Thinking about taking on the infamous plug change and am curious on what plugs to use as replacements? I would rather have a one piece so that I have no issues in the future. If you could just point me in the right direction to which plug to use i.e. champion, NGK, autolite etc...

 

MotorCraft Platinum

 

x2 on the motorcrafts. the champions are the only 1 piece available so far but they still dont last. plus ford says to put antiseize on the new plug ground sleeves to prevent future breakage.

 

I just changed my plugs (2008 Screw, 24,300 mi.). Replaced with the Champions and the truck runs perfectly. I don't understand where all the negative comments are coming from. Everyone who has actually used the plugs seems to be getting good performance from them. These are double platinum plugs just like the Motorcrafts. At any rate, although I only have about 500 miles on these plugs, I figured I would give them a try, and lets say they only last 20 or 30,000 miles, at least there won't be any danger of breaking one when they do need changing!

HYPO

 

whats the part number on the champions? and price?

 

Over 65,000 miles on the champions and all good so far.

 

Not true. Some of the first users of the Champions had to yank them out shortly after installation. Also, if you can run Motorcrafts for 100,000 or near it, why would that not be a lot cheaper than the cost of the Champions every 20,000 to 30,000? I changed my Motorcrafts at 65,000 and they looked almost new. Could not tell that the new plugs made a difference. I plan on 90,000 to 100,000 on this set.

 

I went 98,000 miles on my original "factory" plugs after buying the truck new in 2004....

NEVER had a plug issue, always ran great, never skipped a beat...
so, obviously, I took it to the FORD dealer to replace the plugs with MOTORCRAFT plugs.....
didn't notice any improvement since it was already running great.........

but I don't plan to replace these for another 100,000 miles.

 

So it is safe to assume that after the first plug change you wont have another problem on the next change? The reason I am asking is there is an 04 around here with 32k miles and probably no plug change. I was thinking when I buy it to get them changed and hopefully not have to worry the next time I change plugs. I want this truck to last a good while, so I am going to take care of it.

 

If they put the nickel anti-sieze on the shank as called for in the TSB, you should be good. The word from those that have experienced it is that it worked. Regardless, even if one or two breaks, it is no longer the disaster as there are tools and experience at retrieving the broken shank.

 

Yea but they will charge you out the butt to get them out if they do break. Ive heard of $400 for a couple broken plugs. Thats what scares me.

 

I decided to change the original plugs on my 05, when I was at about 60 k. I say I, but it was the dealer who actually did the work. No breakage, plugs looked great. Dealer servie, No problem. (Not Quite) After 6 months or so . the motor was missing a beat on number 4 cyl. Brought it in, It was a cracked plug. they did my rt side cam phazers under warantee at the same time and replaced the plug. I was out the door for a mear $100. Now another 3 k miles later, more ticking, more less than satisfactory performance . The cause . A plug that has worked loose. My point is . If it aint broke dont fix it. Ive got more problems , from trying to prevent a problem. In hindsight I probally woulldnt change them , unless I was experiencing a problem already.

 

Hmmm... thats makes me think. Change them now to prevent later problems or stay problem free until I hit 60-70k miles? I only drive 10k miles a year so it would probably be 3 or 4 years until I would change them.

 

your spark plug had come loose? on a 3v engine? the tech did something wrong then. $100? one side cam phaser is about 750 alone, you sure it wasnt $1000?

 

I disagree,........ to ignore a KNOWN issue like an Ostrich with it's
head burried in the sand is a poor choice.

I changed mine at 42k, I did have an issue with #8. But all were
removed and replaced with new Motorctaft plugs per the TSB. I
decided if I were to wait, it would just make the problem worse.
I invested Saturday and about $150 to replace mine as per the TSB.
Seemed a lot better that the alternatives,.......