Spark Plug Question

[pfloydmaster]

To start...99 XLT 4.0L SOHC. So I've searched the forum and have seen many responses to use Motorcraft over the Bosch Platinum 2 plugs but no one has said why NOT to use the Bosch plugs.

Somebody explain it to me please.

And thanks in advance.

 

[celly]

You haven't searched enough. Lots of horror stories in the archives about bad experiences with Bosch plugs. Of course, some people have good experiences, but where there's smoke, there's fire. I won't touch them. It's not just on this site either. I've seen the same things mentioned on other Ford enthusiast sites.

I won't use anything but Autolite/Motorcraft. A LOT of others on this site (and those other sites) say the same.

Suit yourself if you want to buck the trend.

 

[pfloydmaster]

Suit yourself if you want to buck the trend.

Don't wanna do all that. Just trying to find out what issues others have had...and the search goes on...

Thanks

 

[celly]

Don't wanna do all that. Just trying to find out what issues others have had...and the search goes on...

Thanks

I don't remember specific issues. I did a lot of searching on sparkplugs a while back and Bosch is about the only brand I would NOT use. I believe in Motorcraft/Autolite, but I've used NGK which good results in the past. E3 seem "gimmicky" to me and no one can convince me they're better than Motorcraft.

Over and over you'll find good stories of people using Motorcrafts in Fords. Remember, that "Honeywell" make both Autolite and Motorcraft plugs. Of course Motorcraft parts are engineered by Ford. You can't go wrong with OEM parts in many cases....not just sparkplugs. I've also had good success with Motorcraft PCVs, IAC and MAF components are well.

Don't discount copper plugs either (Autolite make good coppers). All that Platinum and/or Iridium gives you is longer life.

 

[swetrid]

motorcraft or autolite only in Fords

 

[Joe Dirt]

Fouling, misfiring, sucking out loud... The stories are all over- just say no to Bosch in Ford vehicles. If you don't listen to us, listen to swetrid- he's a factory trained Tech.

Nobody that I know of has ever said "Man, I put those Motorcraft plugs in and my truck really runs like s**t now..."

 

[dreddog47]

I've noticed that my friends 97 SOHC with bosch plugs is taking a bit longer to start in the cold then it did before....

 

[zukman]

I use E3 all my fords, a 5.4, 4.6,V10, sami, and the explorer,91,4.0. good milage,smogs great and lots of power.

 

[Van]

I ran Bosch in my Plymouth Grand Voyager against the advise of the Chrysler dealer.
Those things burned out in less than 26k. The platinum tips were GONE!
P.I.T.A. to replace on that bugger, too!
I have Autolite double plat's in my Explorer and they are great.

 

[pfloydmaster]

Autolites it is then!

Thanks guys for all the help!

 

[Lechuga]

Funny how, depending on which side of the ocean you're living, you get a different story. Over here in Europe, Motorcraft got kicked out for being crap. They are no longer present here. AFAIK, Ford in Europe uses Bosch (at least that's what came on my cars when I bought them)

 

[SoNic67]

Bosch 4+ are good for SOHC, DOHC engines. Not so good for OHV. And no, they don't have "tips" like others, they are surface technology. I have them for 100k in my DOHC Sable. That's all to be said about them.

Motorcraft plugs where crap. They where build per Ford specs to help with automatic plug installation in mind, not with end user in mind.
Autolite XP series are 10x better for OHV engines.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That's a new one... I've known way too many people around here that pulled fouled Bosch plugs out of Explorers- both V6 and V8 OHV's, and SOHC's.

I just pulled a set of Autolite XP Iridiums out of a V8 at work two weekends ago. Solved a random misfire issue. I did use the Iridiums in my V8 SHO, but that Duratec based plant is a totally different engine.

 

[SoNic67]

I am for Autolite Iridiums (XP) too in Explorers...

Now, Bosch in SOHC Explorer it might be debatable - I read it both ways. I guess depends of the actual model (they have some 4 types).

I wanted to say that Bosch are not necesarily bad, it just depends of aplication. They are good for faster rpm's engines. Actually, I was planning to remove them from my Duratec after the 100k miles - I will post pictures.