Motorcraft spark plugs - which ones?

[762mm]

Hi, I posted this as a part of another thread (with a diffrent title and slightly diffrent topic) a few days ago, but I would really like to know what Motorcraft (original Ford) spark plugs are best for a '99 4.0 SOHC. I bought and installed some Bosch +4's not long ago, but after reading up on them in these forums, I can see that there's an assumption that they may cause cylinder damage because of a lower teperature tolerance of these plugs (which causes them to melt?!? Holy crap! )

What I'm looking for is basically the best spark plug Ford has to offer today for that model/engine Explorer, I don't mind paying a few extra $ for something that will last longer, perform better and give me a peace of mind (I ordered some new performance wires for it, so I might as well change the melting plugs while I'm at it, lol ).
I saw the new F-150 commercial that says Ford invented some sort of a new spark plug (looks good, but not much details though) with that truck, and a new V8 - just wondering if they also invented one for a V6 Explorer!

Thanks in advance everyone, any help would be greatly appreciated.. I'm probably gonna go to the dealer tommorow and get six plugs for the truck - I prefer to ask here before I do, because the parts clerks at the dealer usually need guidance themselves in ordering the right part.

 

[CDW6212R]

There is a plug which I have heard recommended more than any others. I am not sure which it is, possibly the NGK iridiums? Run a search for spark plugs, and find that answer.
I can say from pulling my 99 SOHC plugs, that they are hell to remove(plugwires).

Do your best to choose a plug which will last a good 30-50,000 miles. I don't plan on ever not checking plugs for longer than that. Good luck,
Don

 

[MONMIX]

I recently put in Ford platinums.
Purrs like a kitten.

I chose those because 98% of the people here told me they were the way to go.

 

[762mm]

Thanks for the replies. NGK might be a good buy, but I'd rather stick with what the truck was designed with - with all the electronic switches/relays and computers controlling the engine, I just want to make sure it gets the right resistance/heat tolerance, etc.. from the plugs themselves (I've read that Fords were special in that way and that it actually does matter).

As for the plugs and plug wires, I already removed them a few moths ago (to install the Bosch plugs) and yes, they were a pain to remove. I lubricated the inside of the wire boots with spark plug petroleum gelly before putting them back on the new plugs, so I expect it to me much smoother this time. I actually found that the boots were the hardest part, the old plugs let go on their grip on the first try when I removed them from the engine block - the engine was still quite warm when I did it though, so it might have helped (I saw some anti-seize spark plug compound sold at a local parts store, I might get that for the new Motorcrafts - you put it on the thread before screwing in the plug and it's supposed to keep it easy to remove next time).

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Don't shaft yourself by going to Ford and paying $6 per plug when you can go to almost any parts store and get them for just over $2 each. Check your owner's manual for the correct plug.

 

[762mm]

Don't shaft yourself by going to Ford and paying $6 per plug when you can go to almost any parts store and get them for just over $2 each. Check your owner's manual for the correct plug.

Yeah, I know they're going to charge more probably, but the reason why I want to go to the dealer is because I want the latest and the best compatible Motorcraft plugs for that engine. My owner's manual is from 1999 and will state the standard factory plugs the car came with in 1999, and I'm postive that in 2005 there are better ones out there, if someone is willing to pay a few bucks extra.
My whole point is that I want to upgrade to something better and more recent! :roll:

 

[00XLS]

So motorcraft plats are the way to go? 00 4.0 OHV with 50K on the clock. How long are the wires good for? For 2$ a plug, that isn't bad at all.

 

[762mm]

So motorcraft plats are the way to go? 00 4.0 OHV with 50K on the clock. How long are the wires good for? For 2$ a plug, that isn't bad at all.

According to what I read in here before changing my plugs the first time, the wires last approx 60k miles... I have 100k kilometers on my 4.0 SOHC (more or less 60k miles) and the motorcraft plugs seemed finished when I pulled them out (rounded/used up electrodes). The wires are still kicking, but I tore a boot a little bit when I was trying to get it off one plug during the plug change a few months ago, and it could be causing the occasionnal rattling at low RPM's, so now I'm changing the wires too along with the infamous Bosch plugs.

 

[MONMIX]

762 knows it.

Change at 60k.
Do plugs and wires at the same time.
I will guarntee you will destroy some boots and wires in the removal process.

If it is a 4.0 put the front end up in the air and remove the wheels and fender liners.

 

[00XLS]

I'll keep that in mind, but at first look it doesn't look bad. no worse than my blazer anyways. I'll wait till 60K to do 'em if I can.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Here are some part numbers for 4.0L SOHC (may work with OHV):

Motorcraft Platnium Part Number: AGSF22FMF8
Motorcraft 8mm Wire: WR5944



Hope that'll help, another one of my threads might help you as well - but its with a 3" body lift, but it's the same ordeal:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128068

 

[762mm]

Thanks for the replies

Thanks everyone for the replies. I went to my local Ford dealer, and got the price on a Motorcraft Double-Platinum spark plug for a 99 Explorer 4.0L SOHC:

$11.25 CDN, approx. $9 USD per plug.

Prices are said to be the same at all dealerships by the guy at the desk (standard price). I would have bought them, but they only had 4 left... I sure hope their next client drives a Focus!