Are the Motorcraft plugs still a 2 piece plug? I saw on Truck U they used a Champion #7989 plug that was 1 piece. Taking the truck in this week to get them changed. I was wondering what options I might have on the plugs to avoid the breaking issue. The truck is an 05 with 107000 miles. Thanks.

 

I would go with motorcraft,the triton seems to like em better.The champion,ive heard good and bad things,besides that its a 20 dllr plug.If you are going with champion it is because you are planning on changing the plugs yourself next time around right?

 

I have over 30,000 mi. on my Champions now and have had zero problems. The truck is running like new. Most of the problems with the Champions were reported several years ago, under somewhat questionable circumstances. One thing is for sure, if you ever have a problem, it is a simple matter to remove and replace them! This last point was my rationale for using them in the first place. I am glad I did. I think you can get them for a lot less than $20.00 a piece

HYPO

 

I'm just looking for a way to fix the problem with the 2 piece plug. If I decide to change myself it will be easy.

 

The new two piece plugs are smaller thru the shank area and do not break during removal. I prefer Motorcraft, myself.

 

I like the one piece design on the Champions but my last set of Champions only lasted 22K miles. I went back to the MC's.

My 2 cents.

 

^^2 Got about 8K on the Champions...they got replaced with MC SP-515 and NOT looking back. This took place last fall (2011)

 

Would these plugs be recommended for supercharged applications? I'm currently using Brisk plugs in my Roush-charged 2008 Screw. Been getting 25,000 +/- outta them.

CW

 

Depends what yer boost is.....

 

Stick with the Brisk. 25k is about right.

 

I went with the Motor Craft plugs. Only 5 out of 8 broke. Also had a coolant flush. Paid $610 for total service. They also did a PCM update. Not to bad of a day, I guess.

 

Don't know about that.. I just checked an old ('04) plug with a vernier caliper againts a brand new 515 yesterday and they are the exact same size at .395".
The ground strap cut out is different, but that is the only physical change one can see looking at them.

 

I was told this by the service rep at the dealer. I assume you are measuring the smooth shank below the threads?

 

I had heard/seen on one of these Ford forums that the crimping on the new style plugs are done much tighter also.

 

Yes, measuring the smooth sleeve below the threads. I had heard the same thing about them being smaller also and wanted to see for my self. Nope... Same exact size.

I am convinced that if they designed them with a slight taper to the sleeve, they would come out easier because as soon as you crack them loose, now the taper would produce a clearance as soon as they moved. Simple cure for a stupid design. Hey, maybe I shouldn't have said anything and pattened a "new design". Cat's out now and I'll need to keep working till dead..

The plugs that were in the truck were the origional OEM's I figure, because 7 out of 8 broke....... Truck has 86K on it.