2005-2007 vs 2008 4.6 3V Spark Plugs?
#1
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
2005-2007 vs 2008 4.6 3V Spark Plugs?
I was wondering if anyone knows for sure that Ford changed the spark plug design for MY 2008. I heard of some issues with the plugs breaking off inside the cylinder heads with the previous plug design.
#2
Shelby GT350 Member
Not sure about Ford changing the design ? I've changed the plugs myself twice and had no problems. However the part below the threads does corrode quite a bit and if you followed Fords recommendation and waited 100k , I could see how they might break off ...
#3
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Why not follow Ford's recommendation? I see no reason in a modern vehicle to have to change plugs before 100,000 miles. I've seen Toyotas, Fords, and Nissans which have gone WAY beyond that on original plugs and they look great. All this talk about breakage is probably the result of someone trying to fix what ain't broke.
#4
Service Manager
Why not follow Ford's recommendation? I see no reason in a modern vehicle to have to change plugs before 100,000 miles. I've seen Toyotas, Fords, and Nissans which have gone WAY beyond that on original plugs and they look great. All this talk about breakage is probably the result of someone trying to fix what ain't broke.
While yes...most cars don't have a problem this IS a problem and it is the shaft on the plugs below the threads that gets a buildup on it. I too have seen MANY cars go that long with no problems but this plug design and this engine DO have this problem...it's a fact and you can even look up the TSB on it if you like.
While it is MORE likely to happen if someone with no experience tries to remove them, it still happens to even the most seasoned Ford technician...go into any dealership in the country and you'll easily find someone to confirm this issue.
#5
I changed my spark plugs with less than 10,000 miles on the car to Brisk 1 piece spark plugs just to avoid the issue down the road of breaking the factory 2-piece spark plug. Cheap insurance.
Gus
Gus
#6
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
Interesting... Does anyone have photos comparing the factory 2-piece design with a 1-piece design? I may be inclined to change the plugs although I have less than 10k miles. It's almost SOP for us to change out the factory plugs early on to prevent any removal issues further down the road.
#7
The circled area is the area that can break on the factory 3V plug. The brisk plug in this area is not a separate piece and not prone to the breakage.
Its not a common occurence for the factory plug to break but the factory design does allow for that possibility and if you dont have the special tool required to get the plug out from Ford you're going to be pulling the cylinder heads off to fix it.
#8
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The circled area is the area that can break on the factory 3V plug. The brisk plug in this area is not a separate piece and not prone to the breakage.
Its not a common occurence for the factory plug to break but the factory design does allow for that possibility and if you dont have the special tool required to get the plug out from Ford you're going to be pulling the cylinder heads off to fix it.
#9
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I don't know why someone wouldn't want to change plugs every 50K, let alone 100K. Mileage, throttle response, there are plenty of reasons to have fresh plugs. A good amount of my dyno customers change plugs before the dyno just so that they have optimum spark before they come in.
CR
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#10
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I don't know why someone wouldn't want to change plugs every 50K, let alone 100K. Mileage, throttle response, there are plenty of reasons to have fresh plugs. A good amount of my dyno customers change plugs before the dyno just so that they have optimum spark before they come in.
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#11
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For an NA car, a good set of Autolite HT1's.
For supercharger, nitrous, turbo... I love the Autolite HT0's.
Even for GT500's, though we use a standard NGK TR55 for our performance packs.
CR
Tillman Speed
For supercharger, nitrous, turbo... I love the Autolite HT0's.
Even for GT500's, though we use a standard NGK TR55 for our performance packs.
CR
Tillman Speed
#13
Service Manager
I don't know why someone wouldn't want to change plugs every 50K, let alone 100K. Mileage, throttle response, there are plenty of reasons to have fresh plugs. A good amount of my dyno customers change plugs before the dyno just so that they have optimum spark before they come in.
CR
Tillman Speed
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Tillman Speed
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I've seen a brand new distributor cap installed right before a 1/4 mile run gain 1/10th....but it's not useless after that....but that first run is it's best.
Ford recommends changing oil at something like 5 or 7K miles now.....That doesn't mean that those of us who are in the know believe it's a good practice...I still choose 3K mile intervals....even on my Powerstroke...sure it's more expensive on a diesel but it's far cheaper than a new injector pump or engine!
Generally your plug change intervals need to coincide with your usage....
#14
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In this case, we all know that most of us are running at least a CAI and tune. We know that we're running different transfer functions and spark tables than factory. So I would reccommend for anyone on this board to atleast CHECK the plugs at 50K. If you're racing or spraying the car, you know you're going to be checking in more often.
CR
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#15
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
Ok, so is Autolite making the revised 1-piece factory replacement plug or are we forced to go aftermarket?
As for engine oil changes, Audi and BMW have been using 10k mile / 1 year oil change intervals in their engines for years. I would change my synthetic oil at 7500 miles max, there's no use risking the engine by stretching it longer especially with a turbo.
As for engine oil changes, Audi and BMW have been using 10k mile / 1 year oil change intervals in their engines for years. I would change my synthetic oil at 7500 miles max, there's no use risking the engine by stretching it longer especially with a turbo.
#16
Cobra Member
Why not follow Ford's recommendation? I see no reason in a modern vehicle to have to change plugs before 100,000 miles. I've seen Toyotas, Fords, and Nissans which have gone WAY beyond that on original plugs and they look great. All this talk about breakage is probably the result of someone trying to fix what ain't broke.
Most have no electrode left and the ground strap is usually worn to nothing as well. And that is on a car that was supposedly running fine. Also I have had on occasions where the plugs simply would not come out do to carbon buildup.
I highly advise against any plug being left in for 100k.
50k Tops in my book.
By the way anyone know if Denso or NGK is making plugs for our cars yet in the Iridiums?
#17
100,000 miles? I just had mine changed at 38,000 miles and 6 of them broke off. I broke 1, the dealer broke 5. I had to pay for all of them. It cost me $611.13. Good luck!
#19
Legacy TMS Member
Thread Starter
So far I haven't seen or heard of any factory replacement plugs that are of the revised 1-piece design. There's no point in changing the plugs if you're going to use the faulty 2-piece setup.
#20
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Are you saying that it costs $611 for a spark plug change?????? You've got to be kidding!
I'm hoping that is including extra labor such as removal of the broken plug pieces, etc. If thats the case I'm gonna have mine changed ASAP also. I have about 4000 miles on my car and I'm not taking any chances either.
I'm hoping that is including extra labor such as removal of the broken plug pieces, etc. If thats the case I'm gonna have mine changed ASAP also. I have about 4000 miles on my car and I'm not taking any chances either.