Bossgame

2007 F150 4.6 2V RCSB 4x4 80k miles

Time for a plug change and I have done a lot of searching on it, but I have some questions that I have not been able to find straight answers for. I have found answers, but all conflicting. I know what I need as far as plugs and tools go.

I bought 8 Motorcraft SP-493 plugs, and I have an assortment of extensions, swivels, and sockets for accessing around fuel rails, and cylinders 4 and 8 COP's and plugs.

I know the original ford torque suggestion for these plugs is 11 ft/lbs. However I have read since then it has been suggested to go up to 28 ft/lbs. I know the issues that the 2 valves have are different, and my main concern is the plug backing out or blowing out of the head taking the threads with it. (this happened to me when I test drive an 04. Didn't buy it) I want to be really careful because I know these are aluminum heads and with too much torque can damage the heads and too little has the potential to also.
What is best torque number?

Now that leads me to is that torque number dry? Or with nickel anti-seize? Do you suggest I even use ant-seize on these plugs? (I know they don't have the breakage issues the 3 valves do)

COP's-
I plan on buying new boots and using dielectric grease properly where needed per MGD's directions I found researching. Is that all I need to do for COP's? Any other recommendations?

I'm not having a miss or anything, just like to stay on top of maintenance. And now that my truck sits all week since I now have a company car, I want it to be in tip top shape for when I drive it on the weekends. Thanks for reading and all help is greatly appreciated.

MGD

Hi.

Yessir - 28 ft/lbs DRY - NO a/s. Those plugs are nickel-plated.

Please read FAQ's # 51 & 52 here:

http://www.blownoutsparkplug.com/faqs.htm

These guys already did the testing - this should alleviate your concerns.

As for the COPs - if they are healthy ( and from what you stated they appear to be), yer good to go with the dielectric.


Side note: if there is a next time, consider Denso Iridium IT-16's for yer engine - these are the King Snake of spark plugs for the 2V's.

Good luck!

Bossgame

Just the man I wanted to hear from! Thank you for your help. Gonna see what I can't do to maybe change out for those Denso's. Thank you again. I'll let you know how it goes.

jshillin

iTrader: (1)

I just changed mine a couple months ago. It really wasn't horrible, but I did use a variety of 3/8" and 1/4" extensions, universals, etc to make it easier. As long as you have a good assortment of tools you'll be fine. Having a magnetic swivel plug socket helps too. I also used Motorcraft SP-493 that I picked up for like $28 from Advance Auto. Make sure you have a 3/8" torque wrench to tighten the plugs also!

Bossgame

Ya I'm expecting to run into some issues getting in there. I have a pretty good assortment of extensions and sockets. I'm going to be using a 1/2" torque wrench with a 1/2" - 3/8" fitting. It goes from 20-150 ft/lbs. What did you torque yours down to? Any anti seize? How are the plugs performance?

MGD

G'Mornin' thar, Boss;

Here's a couple good reads - to help ye with ye task:

http://mattstruck.com/sparkplugs/sparkplugs.html

http://www.f150online.com/forums/art...ange-pics.html

Best o' luck!

MGD

jshillin

iTrader: (1)

Installed the plugs dry and torqued them to 28 ft/lbs. I changed the plugs as soon as I got the truck at 95k miles and it definitely smoothed out the idle and it felt more responsive. I have put a couple thousand miles on the truck since I changed them and did gain back about 2 mpg. I will say that I changed the Fuel Filter at the same time too. If you haven't done that yet, I would put it on your list.

Bossgame

Thank you for the help here MGD and jshillin. Gonna be a couple weeks before I get it done but I'll put any more questions I may have back in here.

08silverbullet

Are the denso plugs a colder plug? Better for 93 octane? Mine is about due for a plug change that's why I ask

MGD

No - they are standard heat range - suitable for all normal usage and octanes (save forced induction). You don't need colder plugs just to run 93, with a tune, on a stock engine.

Colder heat ranges are IT-20 and IT-22 - for built/ high-perf /boosted applications.

http://densoiridium.com/sparkplugspecs.php

Have at it.

MGD