Plugs

[frankie_b11]

I know there are a number of threads but I have a couple questions.
Anybody using NGK? any good?

I want a one piece plug what are your recommendations?

Thanks

 

[GOLDENPONY]

NGK doesn't make a plug for our 3 V engine yet. They are working on one. If you're NA, I'd recommend Champion #7989 plugs gapped at .045". Just my $.02 worth.

 

[frankie_b11]

OK so I just talked to the mechanic at my ford dealer and I think they are still using 2 piece plugs when changing them out.

He also told me that they have never had any break.

So what makes the plugs break for us regular folks is it carbon or a small hole for the plug in the head?

 

[kooldawg6]

OK so I just talked to the mechanic at my ford dealer and I think they are still using 2 piece plugs when changing them out.

He also told me that they have never had any break.

So what makes the plugs break for us regular folks is it carbon or a small hole for the plug in the head?

The carbon build up wins the battle against the factory plug two piece design It will be intersting to see what happens with mine since the original plugs are still in there and I'm just over 95K miles

 

[Rob72]

Years ago no one used champions except in Mopars and lawnmowers. Seems like they're trying to move up the food chain. Brenspeed sells a brand called Brisk that appears to be a one piece. Wish E3 made um. They make them for the V6 but not the V8 for some reason.

 

[NastyStang113]

How many miles are on the car? If less than 30,000 than go ahead and pull them without a doubt. Install Autolites and remove them periodically, check gap, and reinstall. I've removed countless plugs from 3Vs including F150s and Mustangs without a broken plug. I've removed plugs from a F150 5.4L 3V which are a little bit more notorious for plugs breaking with more than 60,000 miles on it and they all came out just fine. I didn't even follow the TSB, just pulled them, nothing special. It's fairly easy to change plugs as well. It only takes about an hour taking your sweet time. A lot of people cry "chicken little" but it's not the end of the world. One thing I have noticed with some guys who are breaking the plugs is that they are using the wrong socket. The Autolites are about the most reliable thing when they are removed periodically. The Brisks have been known to burn up quicker than the Autolites, especially in forced induction and nitrous cars.

 

[Rob72]

Someone posted on Cj Pony parts how to remove them using Motorcraft tune up cleaner

 

[btorlv]

How many miles are on the car? If less than 30,000 than go ahead and pull them without a doubt. Install Autolites and remove them periodically, check gap, and reinstall. I've removed countless plugs from 3Vs including F150s and Mustangs without a broken plug. I've removed plugs from a F150 5.4L 3V which are a little bit more notorious for plugs breaking with more than 60,000 miles on it and they all came out just fine. I didn't even follow the TSB, just pulled them, nothing special. It's fairly easy to change plugs as well. It only takes about an hour taking your sweet time. A lot of people cry "chicken little" but it's not the end of the world. One thing I have noticed with some guys who are breaking the plugs is that they are using the wrong socket. The Autolites are about the most reliable thing when they are removed periodically. The Brisks have been known to burn up quicker than the Autolites, especially in forced induction and nitrous cars.

Wich socket is the right one to use? Do you still work them in and out ro do you just pull them out? My local dealer states they have only had 1 plug break off in the last 3 years on a 150.

 

[NastyStang113]

The correct socket is 9/16" in 3/8" with a 10-12" extension. It really depends on the mileage. Cars with less than ~20,000 miles I just put an easy, slow tension on the ratchet until they break lose. Don't ever use more force than is needed with these and that will help you greatly. Some cars I'll use the Kroil penetrating oil and work them, just depends on the car really, just use your judgment.

 

[Rob72]

My car has 4300 miles. I think I'll replace them at 10,000 to be on the safe side.

 

[The Fang]

Plug sockets have a lil rubber up in em. You know what they say, practice safe wrenching.

 

[longalan2]

for stock ignition i use the ngk iridium. for hotter ignition systems i use the bosch fussion plugs.

 

[GOLDENPONY]

for stock ignition i use the ngk iridium. for hotter ignition systems i use the bosch fussion plugs.

These plugs won't work in our 3V motors. Only plugs for us are Motorcraft, Autolite, Brisk or Champion. NGK is working on a plug but it is still in development.

 

[bdcardinal]

They make them for the V6 but not the V8 for some reason.

the only thing thats related between the 4.0 SOHC and the 4.6 3v is that they are made by Ford, run on the Otto cycle, and have cams in the cylinder head. beyond that they are completely different animals.

 

[AutoXRacer]

For removing our 2-peice plugs, if you are really worried about breaking them, just buy a can of Deep Creep (by Sea Foam) and spray up to the nut (where the ceramic and metal join) on the spark plug. Then loosen the spark plug an 1/8 of a turn, just break it loose...be gentle and let it sit for 15 mins or so...more the better.

Then just work each of them out slowly. If you feel resistance, just tighten and untighten until they loosen up and they are out. That Deep Creep will turn the carbon into mud and allow you to remove your plugs without damage.