First question (and I believe I know the answer but want to be sure) what were the year models and motor sizes that ford made THE spark plug? The one that everyone is breaking.

Second, and im sure this will be highly debatable, what plug to use? What's the best plug for performance? What the best for longevity? Are they one in the same? I've always used NGK iridium (not in this truck and as long as I can remember) and have had no issues. Never torqued, never used anti-seize, just installed by feel. But I've never had a v8 either, always 4-bangers.

Like to hear some thoughts...

 

2004-2008 5.4L in the F-150. There was a mid-year design change for 2008 that finally gave them a standard spark plug.

I'm not usually a fan of Champion, but they make a one-piece replacement that will not break when removed. So if you use that, you won't have to worry about broken plugs next time. I don't know if other companies offer a one-piece design.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...e-all-8-a.html

Brisk makes a one piece but they need to be replaced about every 25-30k. I just got done changing mine I went back with motorcraft sp515 and used hi temp anti seize.

 

List of Affected Vehicles and Engines (per Ford TSB 08-7-6, April 1, 2008)

2004-08 Ford F-150 w/ 5.4L 3V V-8
2006-08 Lincoln Mark LT w/5.4L V-8 (3V engine only, not 4V)
2006-08 Ford Explorer/Sport-Trac/Mercury Mountaineer w/4.6L 3V V-8
2005-08 Ford F-Super Duty or stripped chassis w/5.4L 3V V-8 or 6.8L 3V V-10 All 5.4L 3V V-8 and V-10 engines built before 10/9/07
All 4.6L 3V V-8 engines built before 11/30/07

 

The best for longevity and performance in my opinion is the Motorcraft SP515. You use nickle antisieze on the sleeve and you have no breakage problem. definitly stay away from the E3 plug and if you just have to go with a one piece, go with the Champion.

If you have a 2008, check the boots connecting the COP to the plug. If they are brown, you have the revised head and breakage is a non issue.

 

best plug?....oem motorcraft sp515

That stupid plug design is in anything that has the 3 valves per cylinder from 2003.5-2008.5 ford, lincoln, mercury.....4.6, 5.4, and the 6.8 v10....

mustang was the first to get the corrected design head/plug in 2007.5

 

I must apologize, my truck is an '08 4.6. I was only asking due to my cuz looking a purchasing a newer truck and I didn't wanna let him buy the "bad one". You mentioned 4.6L 3v built before 11/30/07, wouldn't that include some '08 models? Now I have a concern for my truck! I need to go check my production date real quick!

 

the f150 never had the 4.6 3v until 2009-10.......up until then it was the 4.6 2v....

 

Yep, I remember being told that once before, now. I just confused myself there a bit! :/

 

Now that we know you have a 4.6 2v......your choices are motorcraft, ngk, denso ....

There now I cornfused you some more...

 

Hummm....what to do, what to do.....

 

Stock Motorcrafts work just fine in the 2V.