Kat, yes, those are the only one-piece plugs

 

but the ones with the updated heads(late 08 to 2010) have one piece plugs already in them right?

 

Wow! $100 for a do-it-yourself spark plug change. I guess I'm out of touch, last time I did my 70 Dodge Challenger it was $10.

 

Correct but it's most cars built in 2008 that have the new updated design. My car was built in November 2007 and I've got the old design. Pretty lucky, right?

Times are changing..

 

Ah, if only this car could do anything for $10 besides a 1/4 mile worth of gas....

 

I put Champion #7989 plugs in my '06 GT 25K+ miles ago. Hasen't missed a beat yet. I am very happy with the results. I'll NEVER put one of those crap 2 piece plugs in my engine again.

 

For those who reinstall a two piece plug apply the anti-seize on the metal sheath that is below the threads. Anti-seize on the threads is important too, but the threads are not the reason why these plugs break.

 

It's important to note that you want to use nickle anti-seize and nothing else. Also be very careful that none gets on the electrode otherwise you're going to have problems.

 

I really don't see what the big fuss is all about...when it's time to replace the plugs (which will probably be in another 4-5 years...I have 20K miles on her now), I will take it to the Ford Dealer and have them do it. If they break a plug, then it's up to them to remove it...and I should only have to pay what it costs for a routine plug change out...

 

I've read too many threads where Ford charges the extra hours to extract your broken plug - maintenance items are not under warranty either.
If you're going to think that way, don't wait so many miles to have Ford do it so the carbon doesn't build up.

 

They probably break them on purpose to get paid extra - doesn't seem right that they charge you for something they broke.

 

Unfortunately it's not the dealers fault the plug breaks, there not gonna spend 3 hours on it and fix it for free.

 

There's nothing wrong with the Motocraft 2-piece plugs. In fact, from what I have heard, they are probably the best quality plugs you can get for the S197.

Just remove the plugs before 20k miles appears on the speedo, and replace with a brand new set of Motocraft plugs... but this time, add the correct anti-sieze as shown in the TSB.

I've done this and have had no problems at all.

Cheers
Dazza

 

Exactly. I'm no dealer fan, but why should they have to eat the cost of hours of labor because of a problem with Ford's product? Ford should man up and pay for it just like any other defective product, but they won't. Thus the need to swap out their crappy spark plugs for a one piece and be done with it.

BTW, I just removed the stock plugs for the second time - first time was at 25K miles. I didn't have the Champions at that time, so I put in new stock plugs with anti-sieze. They were a b*tch to get out the first time - very choppy when turning the torque wrench, creaked like an old barn door. Luckily, none broke (followed the TSB). This time, at 48K miles, they came out easy - smooth as silk. So the anti-sieze seems to make a difference. Put in Champions this time - running great, no longer have to think about it. I did put a little anti-sieze on the barrel just in case.

 

So... With everything I have been reading... Today sweaty and shaking I decided to change my plugs. I was so nervous (and hoping to cause had I broke a plug I convinced myself I was getting new heads) that a plug was going to snap but they actually cam out really easy. Broke them loose and turned them out by hand. What a relief!

 

phew!!!

 

I just bought an '06 GT with 14,000 miles and have been following this thread with much interest. I checked my car and it has the AB suffix on the label. My car was built in December '05. What's up. I sure hope it does indeed have the one-piece plugs.

TJ

It has black boots on the COP's also

 

All 05/06's are 2 piece plugs I think.

 

Yup. The changeover on the line was Dec 07 for 08 models. The brown plug boot is the new 1 piece plug. The black plug boot is the old 2 piece.

 

So, the AA or AB suffix on the cam cover label is not significant?