SPARK PLUGS

[DBADA004]

Hi Explorers! I need to change my spark plugs on my Explorer 5.0L V8 Limited. Do you recomend Iridium/Platinum or Platinum? Or others?
Thanks in advance

 

[Fix4Dirt]

IIRC OE was double platinum so I'd go double plat again. DP is good for waste spark.

 

[C420sailor]

And motorcraft

 

[DBADA004]

IIRC OE was double platinum so I'd go double plat again. DP is good for waste spark.

I'll try Double platinum, because last time I put Iridum and now my truck doesn't start properly even with a new battery, oil filter and oil. I also have trouble accelerating, it looses power and struggles

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I'll try Double platinum, because last time I put Iridum and now my truck doesn't start properly even with a new battery, oil filter and oil. I also have trouble accelerating, it looses power and struggles

Hmmm... to be honest sounds to me like a fuel pump. Have you checked fuel pressure? Is this issue exascerbated when hot?

 

[410Fortune]

Agreed spark plug type will not cause hard starting unless something went wrong with the install or wires

Always run platinum or double platinum
Plugs, motorcraft or Autolite only
Double Platinum is stock plug and they last 150k or so

Long crank/ hard start first thing to do is check fuel pressure and scan the pcm for any trouble codes

 

[DBADA004]

Hmmm... to be honest sounds to me like a fuel pump. Have you checked fuel pressure? Is this issue exascerbated when hot?

I've replaced my fuek pump and check engine pressure, everything is normal, but my truck has been struggling when accelerating because the engine chokes and misfires.

 

[DBADA004]

Agreed spark plug type will not cause hard starting unless something went wrong with the install or wires

Always run platinum or double platinum
Plugs, motorcraft or Autolite only
Double Platinum is stock plug and they last 150k or so

Long crank/ hard start first thing to do is check fuel pressure and scan the pcm for any trouble codes

I've scanned it but it doesn't show any code, but my check engine light keeps turning on every time regardless the car choking or just driving along

 

[Fix4Dirt]

I've scanned it but it doesn't show any code, but my check engine light keeps turning on every time regardless the car choking or just driving along

If the CEL is on there should be code. Perhaps your scanner doesnt support certain enchanced codes? Not too sure Jamie is our resident expert on all things diagmostic

 

[amj441]

is the CEL flashing?

 

[DBADA004]

is the CEL flashing?

No, it just turns on when the car struggles to start or when accelerating. I unplug the battery to reset it but whenever the struggles the CEL turns on

 

[amj441]

No, it just turns on when the car struggles to start or when accelerating. I unplug the battery to reset it but whenever the struggles the CEL turns on

with your code scanner. Is it the super simple one? the one that just gives you a code number and nothing else? if so, double check your cigarette lighter fuse and see if it is blown. your scan tool will not talk to the vehicle otherwise.

 

[wollimann]

Maybe wrong firing order?

https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/attachments/firing2-jpg.24180/

Spark plugs not seated strong enough.

 

[410Fortune]

Sounds like the check engine light is acting normally… when the engine is started it starts to miss choke and die you will get all dash lights… that doesn’t necessarily mean there is a trouble code causing things.. it just means the engine quit running

The dash resets everything the engine stops turning

You really need to check your fuel pressure
Just to rule it out

How are plug wires? 90% of engine misses on these trucks is due to crappy ignition wires or wires melted or old or cheap

A misfire in the ignition will not give you a trouble code
From what you describe
Sounds like you have a dead miss that gets worse as demand is up