What plugs and wires to use

murdered05X · 09-05-2010, 09:56 AM

Having miss-fire and was going to change my spark plugs and coils. What is the best choice for an explorer with 80K and its a 4.6?

CALDWELL · 09-05-2010, 03:42 PM

your best bet for plugs, is going to be sticking with Motorcraft Plugs. and if you want to improve your ignition, then maybe buy some larger wires ?

MillerTimeX17 · 09-06-2010, 12:58 AM

yeah stick with Motorcraft platinums

*Limited02* · 09-06-2010, 09:11 AM

I was talking with James Henson last week about the ignition system and he recommended stock #401-Champion Copper Plugs. As far as buying new wires, you really can't, you have to buy new boots that go on the COP's. Have you ever changed the plugs on a 4.6 before?

I've changed my plugs less than 5,000 miles ago, but I am going to be giving the copper plugs a try soon because mine hasn't been the same since I last changed them.

waskly · 09-06-2010, 09:13 AM

cop boots, they are held in with a 7mm you have no wires. also coils get water in them shorting them out. factory plugs should be good for up to 100k

and if its a 3 valve best to leave the plugs in.

mshuler009 · 09-06-2010, 09:34 AM

As far as a wastespark ignition system goes (coil pack) I suggest using double platinums. The way that ignition system works is two plugs are fired at once, one on the compression stroke, the other on exhaust stroke. One spark jumpes the conventional way (electrode to ground) and the other ground strap to electrode. The problem with using copper or single platinum plugs lies in the fact that tip erosion occurs due to wear. Well each time a plug fires a little bit of material follows the spark. Would you want standard ground strap material basically covering the platinum? I know several Ford Senior Master Techs who said they've solved a lot of driveability concerns by installing double platinum autolites. Standard distributor ignition- single platinum or copper plugs. COP ignition- it's really your choice, I'd go with platinums just for longevity.

murdered05X · 09-06-2010, 01:44 PM

ok? so copper or platinum? also why am i hearing that i shouldnt change my plugs til 100k? i figured i might as well do it since im changing some coils

waskly · 09-06-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murdered05X

ok? so copper or platinum? also why am i hearing that i shouldnt change my plugs til 100k? i figured i might as well do it since im changing some coils

factory plugs are for 100k.

mshuler009 · 09-06-2010, 02:49 PM

Copper Plugs are 30k; Anything else is 100k Just curious but why are you changing your coils? That's an expensive route to take right off the bat.....

*Limited02* · 09-06-2010, 07:31 PM

That's my understanding as mshuler009 has said. Copper plugs do not last as long, but being copper, their conductivity of electricity is better than other plugs. Iridium and and Platinum have higher melting points, allowing them to last longer(100k) I always change my plugs every 2 years anyway, so I'm going to be giving Coppers a try and see what happens.

For what it's worth, I have run Platinums and changed them out after about 30k and the little electrode tip was worn at an angle on most of them. So they would have been history before 100k.

murdered05X · 09-06-2010, 07:50 PM

i am changing them bc im getting missfire in the number 5 and 8 cylinders

mshuler009 · 09-06-2010, 07:52 PM

Actually they all conduct electricity the same; inside every plug is a resistor. The resistors vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they are there to equalize the resistance of the plug itself....that's why ignition oscilloscopes are so reliable; they count on the varying resistance in the secondary circuit to be the condition of the parts...not the design.

mshuler009 · 09-06-2010, 07:53 PM

do you have codes for cyl. 5 and 8 or did you come to that diagnosis another way? Sorry to be nosey

matt0248 · 09-07-2010, 07:58 AM

With the 4.6 and individual coils for each plug you only need single tip platinum plugs. These coil do fail and since they have to be removed to do the plugs get two new motorcraft coils and put them on #5 and #8 cylinders. I have worked on many a 4.6 with misfires and it usually ended up with the coils being bad.

murdered05X · 09-09-2010, 05:21 PM

well the code came to number 8 and i got a new motorcraft coil and a new motorcraft platinum plug because the plug was wet. she runs fine now!

09-05-2010, 09:56 AM	#1
murdered05X Wannabe Elite Explorer greenville ,sc 2005 xlt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 81 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	What plugs and wires to use Having miss-fire and was going to change my spark plugs and coils. What is the best choice for an explorer with 80K and its a 4.6? __________________ Slowly murdered out 2005 xlt 4.6 getting murdered. 2.5/2inch rb lift 17x9 black moto metal 951 with 265/70/17 96 cobra 48000 0riginal miles. built by rick @ ats. putting 898/745 down on t-trim at 23#

09-05-2010, 03:42 PM	#2
CALDWELL Wannabe Elite Explorer Philadelphia Airport, PA 2005 V6 Silver XLT Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,894 Vehicle Specs	your best bet for plugs, is going to be sticking with Motorcraft Plugs. and if you want to improve your ignition, then maybe buy some larger wires ? __________________ DANNY#2 SILVER 05 XLT Stage 2 Intake ~ Exhaust ~ Henson Performance Tunes ~ Luminic's Bulbs ~ Sound System ~ Bull Bar ~ Black Headlight Housings ~ 20% Tint ~ FD Lights/Siren ~ Remote Start

09-06-2010, 12:58 AM	#3
MillerTimeX17 Wannabe Elite Explorer Firestone, CO 05 XLT Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 490 Vehicle Specs	yeah stick with Motorcraft platinums __________________ mods:Full Intake w/ K&N Filter, Electric Fan, FM 50 SUV, 3" Body, 2.5" Truxxx, 16x8 Vision Wheel 375 Warriors, 285/75/16 Cooper Discoverer STTs, 4 pairs of HIDs and full LED Swap, Alpine IXA W407 7" Double Din Touchscreen, Alpine 6.5" components, 2 12" Type R's, 1180w rms total Elite Registry

09-06-2010, 09:34 AM	#6
mshuler009 Wannabe Elite Explorer Centerville, Ohio 1998 Explorer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 168 Vehicle Specs	As far as a wastespark ignition system goes (coil pack) I suggest using double platinums. The way that ignition system works is two plugs are fired at once, one on the compression stroke, the other on exhaust stroke. One spark jumpes the conventional way (electrode to ground) and the other ground strap to electrode. The problem with using copper or single platinum plugs lies in the fact that tip erosion occurs due to wear. Well each time a plug fires a little bit of material follows the spark. Would you want standard ground strap material basically covering the platinum? I know several Ford Senior Master Techs who said they've solved a lot of driveability concerns by installing double platinum autolites. Standard distributor ignition- single platinum or copper plugs. COP ignition- it's really your choice, I'd go with platinums just for longevity. __________________ '98 4.0 OHV Explorer Ford Certified Technician NASCAR Technical Institute Alumni

09-06-2010, 01:44 PM	#7
murdered05X Wannabe Elite Explorer greenville ,sc 2005 xlt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 81 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	ok? so copper or platinum? also why am i hearing that i shouldnt change my plugs til 100k? i figured i might as well do it since im changing some coils __________________ Slowly murdered out 2005 xlt 4.6 getting murdered. 2.5/2inch rb lift 17x9 black moto metal 951 with 265/70/17 96 cobra 48000 0riginal miles. built by rick @ ats. putting 898/745 down on t-trim at 23#

09-06-2010, 09:11 AM	#4
Limited02 Wanna Race? Gardner, KS '02 Limited V8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,091 Vehicle Specs	I was talking with James Henson last week about the ignition system and he recommended stock #401-Champion Copper Plugs. As far as buying new wires, you really can't, you have to buy new boots that go on the COP's. Have you ever changed the plugs on a 4.6 before? I've changed my plugs less than 5,000 miles ago, but I am going to be giving the copper plugs a try soon because mine hasn't been the same since I last changed them. __________________ "Spending money I don't have, on parts I don't need, to impress people I don't know" 2002 4.6 4x4, K&N CAI, Henson tuned, FM70 and 20" Boss 306's My Built-in Cabinet EXPLORER FORUM LICENSE PLATE FRAMES!!!

09-06-2010, 09:13 AM	#5
waskly Wannabe Elite Explorer Crooklyn NY! Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,190 Vehicle Specs	cop boots, they are held in with a 7mm you have no wires. also coils get water in them shorting them out. factory plugs should be good for up to 100k and if its a 3 valve best to leave the plugs in.

09-06-2010, 02:49 PM	#9
mshuler009 Wannabe Elite Explorer Centerville, Ohio 1998 Explorer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 168 Vehicle Specs	Copper Plugs are 30k; Anything else is 100k Just curious but why are you changing your coils? That's an expensive route to take right off the bat..... __________________ '98 4.0 OHV Explorer Ford Certified Technician NASCAR Technical Institute Alumni

09-06-2010, 07:31 PM	#10
Limited02 Wanna Race? Gardner, KS '02 Limited V8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,091 Vehicle Specs	That's my understanding as mshuler009 has said. Copper plugs do not last as long, but being copper, their conductivity of electricity is better than other plugs. Iridium and and Platinum have higher melting points, allowing them to last longer(100k) I always change my plugs every 2 years anyway, so I'm going to be giving Coppers a try and see what happens. For what it's worth, I have run Platinums and changed them out after about 30k and the little electrode tip was worn at an angle on most of them. So they would have been history before 100k. __________________ "Spending money I don't have, on parts I don't need, to impress people I don't know" 2002 4.6 4x4, K&N CAI, Henson tuned, FM70 and 20" Boss 306's My Built-in Cabinet EXPLORER FORUM LICENSE PLATE FRAMES!!!

09-06-2010, 07:50 PM	#11
murdered05X Wannabe Elite Explorer greenville ,sc 2005 xlt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 81 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	i am changing them bc im getting missfire in the number 5 and 8 cylinders __________________ Slowly murdered out 2005 xlt 4.6 getting murdered. 2.5/2inch rb lift 17x9 black moto metal 951 with 265/70/17 96 cobra 48000 0riginal miles. built by rick @ ats. putting 898/745 down on t-trim at 23#

09-06-2010, 07:52 PM	#12
mshuler009 Wannabe Elite Explorer Centerville, Ohio 1998 Explorer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 168 Vehicle Specs	Actually they all conduct electricity the same; inside every plug is a resistor. The resistors vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they are there to equalize the resistance of the plug itself....that's why ignition oscilloscopes are so reliable; they count on the varying resistance in the secondary circuit to be the condition of the parts...not the design. __________________ '98 4.0 OHV Explorer Ford Certified Technician NASCAR Technical Institute Alumni

09-06-2010, 07:53 PM	#13
mshuler009 Wannabe Elite Explorer Centerville, Ohio 1998 Explorer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 168 Vehicle Specs	do you have codes for cyl. 5 and 8 or did you come to that diagnosis another way? Sorry to be nosey __________________ '98 4.0 OHV Explorer Ford Certified Technician NASCAR Technical Institute Alumni

09-07-2010, 07:58 AM	#14
matt0248 Wannabe Elite Explorer Chicago 02 XLT V8 Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 762 Vehicle Specs	With the 4.6 and individual coils for each plug you only need single tip platinum plugs. These coil do fail and since they have to be removed to do the plugs get two new motorcraft coils and put them on #5 and #8 cylinders. I have worked on many a 4.6 with misfires and it usually ended up with the coils being bad.

09-09-2010, 05:21 PM	#15
murdered05X Wannabe Elite Explorer greenville ,sc 2005 xlt Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 81 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	well the code came to number 8 and i got a new motorcraft coil and a new motorcraft platinum plug because the plug was wet. she runs fine now! __________________ Slowly murdered out 2005 xlt 4.6 getting murdered. 2.5/2inch rb lift 17x9 black moto metal 951 with 265/70/17 96 cobra 48000 0riginal miles. built by rick @ ats. putting 898/745 down on t-trim at 23#