Tune-up time : spark plugs

[gspete]

Consumer Advisement

Ford recommends replacing the sparkplugs every 60k and that's where I'm at. So, all parts are from Ford: sparkplugs $16 each and sparkplug boots $23 each. Here's the kicker, coil packs are only $24 including the sparkplug boots.

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[Dan M.]

Yes you’re due for a spark plug change if you have a power outlet in the bed of the truck. I still don’t really understand why a change is needed because of a power outlet in the bed.

 

[hotrodmex]

Yes you’re due for a spark plug change if you have a power outlet in the bed of the truck. I still don’t really understand why a change is needed because of a power outlet in the bed.

Maybe it's because it's assumed that if you bought this, you're doing more idling than "normal?" Not sure you could say any lower trims have any less workload.

Real question is what's the interval for trucks without the outlet? lol also 60k?

 

[Mosey]

WOW, you have 60k miles already!

 

[Dan M.]

Maybe it's because it's assumed that if you bought this, you're doing more idling than "normal?" Not sure you could say any lower trims have any less workload.

Real question is what's the interval for trucks without the outlet? lol also 60k?

Spark plug change on trucks without a bed outlet is 100,000 miles.

 

[RedTXV]

I‘m so lost with this thread.

 

[parkerdog]

Consumer Advisement

Ford recommends replacing the sparkplugs every 60k and that's where I'm at. So, all parts are from Ford: sparkplugs $16 each and sparkplug boots $23 each. Here's the kicker, coil packs are only $24 including the sparkplug boots.

Do the coil packs say motorcraft on them? That's a no-brainer for those. They will probably be back ordered or up to $100 a piece by the time I get to 60,000 miles.

Just dawned on me.... what engine?

 

[Icecoldak]

no ned for coil packs at all----just plugs

 

[gspete]

Do the coil packs say motorcraft on them? That's a no-brainer for those. They will probably be back ordered or up to $100 a piece by the time I get to 60,000 miles.

Just dawned on me.... what engine?

All OE stuff. The coil packs say FoMoCo. 3.5

 

[Buyer2021]

.... and sparkplug boots $23 each. Here's the kicker, coil packs are only $24 including the sparkplug boots.

Lol, 'bundle pricing' is a funny thing, eh?

So I guess if ya feel the need for new boots the smart buy is to accept the 'windfall' of ending the job with 6 used coil-packs for backup

 

[discothan]

Lol, 'bundle pricing' is a funny thing, eh?

So I guess if ya feel the need for new boots the smart buy is to accept the 'windfall' of ending the job with 6 used coil-packs for backup

MacGyver would figure out something to do with the coil-packs especially to save the day!

 

[Calson]

It might make sense to replace the coil packs and boots at 100k, although it is not mentioned in the owner manual. Unless you are idling for long periods the 60k change interval is not needed. More of a concern with having the engine idling to provide an expensive generator option is that these engine hours are not reflected in the odometer readings. One should change the motor oil more frequently if using the bed plugs to power tools for long periods of time.

 

[EricR]

Quite a few years back we had a spark plug seize in an aluminum head at 60,000 miles or so. The threads stripped out and we had to have a heli-coil put in.

No way I'll run to 100,000 without changing the plugs.

Since then all of my spark plugs have been changed early - with anti-seize compound on the new plugs.

 

[imnuts]

with anti-seize compound on the new plugs.

Using anti-sieze on threads, you're more likely to over-torque the spark plugs which can lead to exactly the problem you're trying to avoid. Here is a page from NGK, but I've seen it for other plug manufacturers as well.

 

[EricR]

Using anti-sieze on threads, you're more likely to over-torque the spark plugs which can lead to exactly the problem you're trying to avoid. Here is a page from NGK, but I've seen it for other plug manufacturers as well.

Interesting read. Thank you. I will avoid the anti-sieze going forward and just change the plugs every 40,000 miles or so as cheap insurance against an expensive repair.

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