Colder plugs in Ecoboost, my experiences - with pics
11-03-2012, 06:56 PM
#51
The LTR6IX-11 #6509 are not recommended by NGK for the Eco-boost. The only spark plug we recommend for this motor is the LTR6AI-9, which are only available at Ford. The white powdery residue is typically a result from an engine running lean. The Eco-boost engines are tuned so stringent, that any modifications without proper ECU tuning can cause a drastic change in engine characteristics and performance. These are not the same motors that you may be used to seeing and installing a dual exhaust and cold air intake on(with no issues).
Best Regards,
Andrew Hauenstein
Technical Training Specialist
NGK Spark Plugs USA Inc
LT - Long thread, tapered seat type (25mm reach)
R - Resistor type
6 - NGK heat range (lower numbers are hotter plugs)
IX - High performance iridium (fine wire 0.6mm tip)
11 - factory gap spec (this requires regapping!!!. 11 means 1.1mm or .044")
The plugs the NGK rep is referring to change the following in the spec codes:
A – Special design (see note below)
I – Single iridium
9 – 0.9mm/0.036” (within high side of Ecoboost spec for spark plug gap)
The “special design” simply means OEM, and the tip and ground electrode are iridium/platinum laser welded and are “long life” to provide extended change intervals.
The last digit is the gap as shown above, set at the factory, which should be checked before installation anyway.
Either of these plugs are safe to use in your truck. I’m currently using the LTR6IX-11 gapped to .034” and have better power and fuel efficiency than the original plugs that came with the truck. The 7 heat range is really too cold and will likely result in carbon buildup over time.
Regarding the white residue on the ground electrodes, the NGK rep is correct in that it is an indication of an engine running lean. What he probably doesn’t understand is that is how the Ecoboost engine is designed to run. It utilizes a technique called Stratified Fuel Charging or Ultra Lean Burn Mode. Conventional engines run at atmospheric pressure of 14.7:1, whereas during certain driving conditions GTDI engines will vary their stoichiometry, meaning the air/fuel mixture will be much higher (lean). DI engines are also supposedly capable of injecting fuel after the spark during the power stroke, for additional power.
The following 3 users liked this post by VoiceOfReason:
02-14-2013, 11:55 AM
#52
Vandal932
Anybody have any more news on thier test with the sparkplugs truck has 50 k and im looking to putting the Autolite XP5364 on, the pictures on these posts are very convincing. are you guys still using the autolites or you all gone back to stock plugs.
02-14-2013, 12:00 PM
#53
FX4 SCrew TT'd V6
I am actually leaving work right now to go get a set of stock plugs and replace them in my 2011 ecoboost with 45,000 miles. I plan on gapping them to 0.30". Since I re-gapped my stock plugs I have had zero problems!
02-14-2013, 12:31 PM
#54
Unofficial Glass Guru
i did mine at 41k miles and gapped them to .035 and i get no more misfires at WOT
02-14-2013, 02:10 PM
#55
FX4 SCrew TT'd V6
Just changed them over lunch. The originals weren't bad. Dealer said they were gapped, but all of them were over 0.35", I re-gapped them all to 0.30".
02-16-2013, 09:31 AM
#59
Senior Member
For what is worth...
My truck just turned 55k miles and started the missing on light accel up hill with the MPG dropping 2 mpg. No CEL as I backed out of it when it would miss..
I went to dealer and bought stock plugs(53bucks) gap at factory specs and installed them. I also checked and cleaned the intake..
My missing went away on a hill. Truck is bone stock
My truck just turned 55k miles and started the missing on light accel up hill with the MPG dropping 2 mpg. No CEL as I backed out of it when it would miss..
I went to dealer and bought stock plugs(53bucks) gap at factory specs and installed them. I also checked and cleaned the intake..
My missing went away on a hill. Truck is bone stock