SOHV Spark plugs

[wellcraft]

My 99 explorer has only 55 miles and I want to replace the spark plugs, which are recommended?

 

[hunterdan]

Most will recommend Motorcraft or Autolite Double Platinums. I will however be dropping in a set of E3 sparkplugs soon, just to try them out.

Dan

 

[wellcraft]

what about bosh platinum?

 

[aldive]

what about bosh platinum?

Many folks report problems when using Bosh plugs in an Explorer.

I use Motorcraft plugs and recommend them.

55k miles is way too soon for a plug change.

Good luck ....

 

[hunterdan]

I thought it was recommended to change them at 60k?

Dan

 

[mikeal21]

I'd change @60K if I were you...I had 66K and thought I'd be good for a while on my 02x. But wanted to see, so I checked the easiest plug I could pull. I was glad I checked it was very worn out had a gap of .65. I think I'd check them at 50K from now on.
That was about the worst but all of them were very worn.
I replaced with NGK Iridium IX TR55IX. They seem real good, improved MPG and all. I was tempted to try E3 but I don't know enough about.
As for plug choice:
I put Autolite double platinum in 2.5l duretec for son. Car didn't respond, had some issues, not just plugs. But took to Mech. and he found 3 brand new plugs were bad. I thought to myself thats horrible 3 out of 6 bad. I know it was part bad luck but, and I could have caught with a little pre inspection. But damm can't a Mfg. sell you a decent product. I have a once burnt mentallity. I don't think I'll use Autolite again. Mech. used NKG Platinum to replace bad plugs, and the plentum seal was bad. He said he uses them all the time. They work well in 2.5l, and they use the same plugs as 4.0l my x has.
I'd go Motorcraft as second choice, and last. I once was told by Ford service tech that Bosch don't hold up to heat, and champion are no good either. So if you can't find Motorcraft @ the store go to rockauto.com they have Motorcraft there for less than $4 ea. I paid $6.99 for iridium, a bit pricey but work well so far (2 months). They seemed the best availible at the time @ Checker auto. I think they were a good choice.

 

[aldive]

I have seen plugs ( original ) go well over 100k in the SOHC and still look good.

 

[bluesman2333]

I've never had good luck with Champion plugs. I ended up replacing them really early every time. Bosch plugs are over rated and sell on perceived quality. The Autolite and AC/Delco are the ones I have the best luck with, with Autolite being best of all. AC/Delco has some QC problems though. There are all kinds of reports that the high priced plugs with weird electrode configurations are no better than the cheaper priced plugs. The cheapest ones are not the best choice however. I've never tried the plugs guys recommend here that mate up well with the high output coils.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

i went to change plugs, only had time to do the drivers side, and drove it for a month or two, then i had time to do the passenger side. i used NGK either platinum's, or double platinum's. well they didn't last a block. the truck bucked and kicked like crazy. i ended up using the motorcraft ones.