dloudy

My truck has about 20K on it, so I thought I'd stop by the Advance Auto while out today and grab some plugs to tune it up. I found out that the Autolite set is 11.00 each plug and the Motorcraft is 7.95 each!!!

60 -100 Bucks for a set of plugs???!!!

Think I'll wait on that.....nonetheless....what should I look for when changing these things? I have been reading the service bulletins and it sounds like these things can be a bitch.....

How long should I wait to change them, for real?

06KR

They are designed to last 100,000 miles. I would'nt even think about changing plugs till around 80,000 miles. And they can be a real PITA to change. My 06 just turned 20,000 and I have no plans to touch the plugs for several more years.

LovetheTide

I would do it more often than 100K. I myself will do it when it gets in the 60K range.

dloudy

I think that based on the cost and potential headaches, I may wait until 50 to 60K now.

What a surprise, though. It was feeling like it was idling a little rough, so I thought hell, I'd do the quick old school trick and change the plugs out for the heck of it.....maybe smooth it out some. So much for that.

Maybe when I get the intake and tune, I'll never notice it anyway.

dloudy

Otherwise, I've been pretty pleased with parts up to this point.....for basic tune ups.

I've been able to buy Motorcraft oil, Motorcraft oil filters, Fram air filter, and a fuel filter....al at the big Wal Mart. I think the most expensive item out of all of that has been the oil, believe it or not, which sells for 10.36 for a 5 quart jug. These plugs really surprised the hell out of me.....

Milleroy16

Changing the plugs can be a real pain. I tried doing it myself and the first one I tried to pull out was not a great success. I would take it to the dealership if I were u.

justperk

i dont know about the 05 but i just changed all my plugs and wires in my 97 yesterday...i think PITA is a huge understatement...i never want two do that again!!!

wesbilly

the "tune up" exists anymore. You know, most of the stuff that used to need lookin' at has long since been replaced. Now the old 30K and 60K is mostly fluids and such - maybe a few other things that are dealer specific. It used to be fun to spend all day doing the stuff, now you need a computer - hazardous waste disposal team - o-scope - book full or TSB's - and umpteen special tools - and lots of dollars.

BoatBoy1069

I got a 04 5.4L! Motorcraft single platimun sparkplugs where used which where purchased at the local murray's discount auto for under $60 w/ tax! The truck has 13k on it. I know a bit early. But I wasn't going to let it go with what I was reading. Everything came out without a problem. No penetrating oil was used. But there was some screching noise when a few were being turned out. I didn't have to remove anything except for the coils to get to the plugs but, I got a K&N Intake so I didn't have anything in the way. I think the plugs could have went a little longer! lol! I saw somewhere ford started putting anti-seize on the 05 and up models to help fix the problem but I'm not sure!

obusnizzle

the 3V engines shouldnt need to be touched at all @ the 20k mark. If you insist, Jegs sells the 3V plug spec socket.

For the 2V engines, dont bother with Platinum, get coppers for $1.50 each. Copper conducts electricity much better than Platinum.