Does ford still use the 2 piece spark plugs
#12
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Wellsir, that's kinda a loaded question.
I opted for them a ways back. So far I've had no issues, but there are several things I learned:
- Quality control - seems a few of these get dropped a lot, Some gorilla at the factory I reckon, so you need to open each box at the counter and inspect them closely for cracks, etc ( that's why I don't order them online - I need the ol' Mark1 Eyeball ). You may need to sort through a bunch to find perfect ones.
- You MUST use new boots as the OEM boots will have deformed over time and will be too loose on the Champ's narrower, smooth ceramic.
- Gap to 0.045, use dielctric in the boots. NO need for hi-temp nickel A/S on the barrel, but it won't hurt. Just be SURE you use a VERY light coat - or it can migrate down and foul the plug tip. Do NOT just glop it on there, aight?
- Oh yeah - since they are now CAKE to R&R without fear of snapping them or the need fer a Lisle tol, I R&R mine every ~30K or so for peak efficiency. They come out like BUTTER. It is such a joy not having yer ***** migrate up beside yer ears doing as simple plug change!
I don't expect everyone to follow that overly-**** procedure though
![Biggrin](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Eek](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
Lastly - if yer at all unsure, just go with SP-515's. Just don't leave 'em in past 60K. Folks still break the second set.
![Drink](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/drink.gif)
MGD
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Hongstertruck (01-30-2014)
#13
![Default](https://www.f150forum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi.
Wellsir, that's kinda a loaded question.
I opted for them a ways back. So far I've had no issues, but there are several things I learned:
- Quality control - seems a few of these get dropped a lot, Some gorilla at the factory I reckon, so you need to open each box at the counter and inspect them closely for cracks, etc ( that's why I don't order them online - I need the ol' Mark1 Eyeball ). You may need to sort through a bunch to find perfect ones.
- You MUST use new boots as the OEM boots will have deformed over time and will be too loose on the Champ's narrower, smooth ceramic.
- Gap to 0.045, use dielctric in the boots. NO need for hi-temp nickel A/S on the barrel, but it won't hurt. Just be SURE you use a VERY light coat - or it can migrate down and foul the plug tip. Do NOT just glop it on there, aight?
- Oh yeah - since they are now CAKE to R&R without fear of snapping them or the need fer a Lisle tol, I R&R mine every ~30K or so for peak efficiency. They come out like BUTTER. It is such a joy not having yer ***** migrate up beside yer ears doing as simple plug change!
I don't expect everyone to follow that overly-**** procedure though
. But given the usual 60K interval for plug changes recommended on a 3V, I'm okay with it. Heck, folks are dumping perfectlyy Good Oil at 3K intervals! ![Eek](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
Lastly - if yer at all unsure, just go with SP-515's. Just don't leave 'em in past 60K. Folks still break the second set.
![Drink](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/drink.gif)
MGD
Wellsir, that's kinda a loaded question.
I opted for them a ways back. So far I've had no issues, but there are several things I learned:
- Quality control - seems a few of these get dropped a lot, Some gorilla at the factory I reckon, so you need to open each box at the counter and inspect them closely for cracks, etc ( that's why I don't order them online - I need the ol' Mark1 Eyeball ). You may need to sort through a bunch to find perfect ones.
- You MUST use new boots as the OEM boots will have deformed over time and will be too loose on the Champ's narrower, smooth ceramic.
- Gap to 0.045, use dielctric in the boots. NO need for hi-temp nickel A/S on the barrel, but it won't hurt. Just be SURE you use a VERY light coat - or it can migrate down and foul the plug tip. Do NOT just glop it on there, aight?
- Oh yeah - since they are now CAKE to R&R without fear of snapping them or the need fer a Lisle tol, I R&R mine every ~30K or so for peak efficiency. They come out like BUTTER. It is such a joy not having yer ***** migrate up beside yer ears doing as simple plug change!
I don't expect everyone to follow that overly-**** procedure though
![Biggrin](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Eek](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
Lastly - if yer at all unsure, just go with SP-515's. Just don't leave 'em in past 60K. Folks still break the second set.
![Drink](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/drink.gif)
MGD
![Thumbsup](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Is the SP-515 plug original equipment came with the truck?
#14
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Thanks!
And no, SP-515's are the 3rd-generation design and are the currently spec'd plug for any replacement job. It's no longer recommended to install any previous gen plug ( they probably are no longer sold ).
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Hongstertruck (01-30-2014)
#15
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![Thumbsup](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
It's comfort to know, and I would not have any hesitation to use them since it's 3rd generation.
My dilemma is my truck has 66K miles. The truck is running awesome! (knock on wood!)
![Biggrin](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#16
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That's exactly what I need to know and thank you again.![Thumbsup](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
It's comfort to know, and I would not have any hesitation to use them since it's 3rd generation.
My dilemma is my truck has 66K miles. The truck is running awesome! (knock on wood!)
. Should I wait or should I replace them while they're still young?
![Thumbsup](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
It's comfort to know, and I would not have any hesitation to use them since it's 3rd generation.
My dilemma is my truck has 66K miles. The truck is running awesome! (knock on wood!)
![Biggrin](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
I'd do them now, as Ford changed the recommended interval to 60K a few years ago.
And while there are no guarantees, it appears the success rate goes up the sooner you change them.
Good luck!
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Hongstertruck (01-30-2014)
#17
#18
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Just to throw this out there since you might be considering doing the spark plugs yourself. I have the Lisle tool that is being passed around to forum members (thanks to M1911) for the cost of shipping. I haven't had a request for it yet so it's still sitting in my garage. Let me know if you are interested in using it and I can ship it out and once you are done, you can pass it onto the next person who needs it.
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Hongstertruck (01-30-2014)
#19
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Just to throw this out there since you might be considering doing the spark plugs yourself. I have the Lisle tool that is being passed around to forum members (thanks to M1911) for the cost of shipping. I haven't had a request for it yet so it's still sitting in my garage. Let me know if you are interested in using it and I can ship it out and once you are done, you can pass it onto the next person who needs it.
![Thumbsup](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
It's so cold outside right now and the truck doesn't even fit inside the garage
![Eek](https://www.f150forum.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
I'm going to wait till Spring, but definitely appreciate the offer very much.