Ford Spark Plugs?

[bassman284]

Re: Ford Spark Plugs?

The problem was with the early 3 valve 4.6/5.4L/6.8L engines. From '04-'08 (according to the Ford TSB). Ford revised the head/spark plug design for the latter engines.

Current owners have to resort to changing there plugs sooner than the recommended service interval if they want the plugs to come out in 1 piece. I have read where Champion has come out with a 1 piece plug for these engines... I would have mixed thoughts on installing a Champion anything in a Ford, but I suppose if Champion engineered the plug directly for this application, it would hopefully be better than reverse engineering heat ranges/thread size to make a Champion fit in something not intended to use a Champion....

Yeah, I'm old enough to be leery of putting Champs in a Ford but wonder if maybe electronic ignitions get around the problem. Used to be that was a good way to end up a pedestrian.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Ford Spark Plugs?

It could make a guy wonder though, why would anyone dream up a 2 piece spark plug if it could be made in one piece?

 

[stackz]

Re: Ford Spark Plugs?

because it was cheaper originally for the OEM plug manufacturer to make it a two piece design. pump out two smaller pieces and simply crimp them together versus the longer single piece body that you have to force the porcelain down into.

too bad the design of the cylinder head screwed the pooch on that one.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Ford Spark Plugs?

Wonder how dependable that new variable valve timing is?

Variable valve timing ain't exactly new...

Most manufacturers have had at least a few engines that have been using VVT for a decade or more. Very reliable, as long as you adhere to regularly scheduled oil changes (5-7K miles depending on what the manufacturer recommends), and use the recommended oil (forget about using 10W-30/10W-40).