Whats your spark plug? And why? 4.6L

[mountaineer02]

Hey guys, finally makin the switch or mod to K&N CAI. WAs thinkin of changing plugs while I was at it. Wanted to know what you guys were runnin and why? Thanks for responces.

 

[gforceman]

well i changed mine to autolite double platnum , ( 03 4.6 ) thought they will last longer than 100k and the electrode wont wear

 

[techieman33]

well i changed mine to autolite double platnum , ( 03 4.6 ) thought they will last longer than 100k and the electrode wont wear

I don't understand this desire to run spark plugs forever. They wear out no matter how much platinum or iridium or whatever is on them. The engine may still run at 100k miles but it's not going to run nearly as well as it would with a fresher set of plugs. I think that's part of how they convince people that their new gimmick plug of the year works. Of course they it's going to run better when your replacing plugs that are usually so far out of spec you wonder how they were producing a spark at all.

 

[mountaineer02]

Im not sure what the benefits are, thats why i started this thread. Do platinum and iridium disapate heat better? Do they stop the plug from changing its set gap? Are double or even four points beneficial?

 

[matt0248]

Changed mine to Autolite double platinums. I will be changing them again soon to single tip platuinums. On our engines there is no benefit to double tipped platinums as the spark current only travels in one direction across the plug gap. On a waste spark system like the 4.0 v6 has 3 plugs fire across the gap in one direction, their mate cylinder fires across the gap in the other direction. Therefore having double tip platinums negate having two different plugs with the platinum on one end or the other.

Plus, the 4.6 came from the factory with single tipped platinums, I forgot this when I bought my double tips. Oh well.

Some people have issues with the "magic" spark plugs like Bosch +4's and others. Some have had no problems. I like to keep this factory. Ford engines seem to like Ford/Motorcraft parts.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Run simple, single platinum plugs. Champion is a good brand, and only a buck or two per plug. Autolite has gone down the tubes just like Fram.

 

[mountaineer02]

Thats awsome, thanks for the replys guys

 

[MillerTimeX17]

I run motorcraft platinums in mine. So far they have been great and I haven't had any problems

 

[gsmornot]

Motorcraft Platinum because they worked for 100k without any issues. No need for anything fancy.

 

[mountaineer02]

sounds like a done deal, single platinums it is this weekend! After the ladys oil change ofcourse lol!! Thanks for discussion gentleman

 

[NHarris]

Motorcraft Platinum all the way! No problems so far.

Mountaineer02...
Enjoying the crappy air in SLC? It plugged up my 2 month old air filter.

EDIT: Glad to see you're getting a CAI on your mounty

 

[Limited02]

I'm running Champion Copper Plus #401. That is what James Henson recommended so that's what I went with FYI, I have a V8.

 

[2002GreyHD150]

the entire concept of "no maintenance for 100K" is crazy to me. Don't you WANT to know what's going on with your engine? Platinum/iridium anything is the "ostrich head in the sand" approach to caring for your engine.

In the 5.0 pushrod world of Mustangs & Explorer's I have been on the dyno. 7hp-9hp Good 'ol NGK V-power copper plugs over platinum. Before everyone starts crying foul...

2001, Mountaineer 5.0L AWD, 65,000 drove to the Dyno location. Dyno'ed on OE plugs for base line. Put in Brand new Motorcraft Platinums. Dyno'ed: picked up 2 hp. Put in NGK V-power, good 'ol fashioned plugs, 7hp MORE for a total of 9hp over the 65K mileage stock platinums.

So what did I learn...

1.) 2-3-4-5-20 prong "E-3Diamond power" blah-blah is crap the 2-3hp they claim is from just fresh plugs alone.

2.) Platinum/Iridium etc are endurance materials NOT performance materials, they make owners lazy.

3.) if you are modified, especially tuned or power added, you WANT to watch your plugs.

Heck, on a 4.6L Expy/Monty the plug change takes, what 45 minutes if beer is involved? its easy. My 7 year old has done half the plugs in the Monty in under 15 minutes... give me a break.

NGK V-power plugs are in every vehicle in the house... 5 total of all different types & styles.

Get back to basics.

Rob

 

[04 EDGE]

I just put these in my 4.6

NGK Iridium IX 7164

I like the fine wire plugs. quicker starts and smoother running.