Hey guys I have a 97' 4.2 and am getting ready to replace the spark plugs and wires. I have been reading a lot that ford has a problem with the spark plugs breaking off and causing a whole bunch of problems, it seems to be mostly in the V8's but I want to be able to avoid this problem anyway possible. So do I have to worry about this with my truck? It has 114,000 miles on it and sat over the summer so I don't know if that will have any effect. Also, any recomendations on what brand plugs and wires? Thanks alot for the help guys!

 

that problem is only in the earlier 3V 5.4L motors.

 

If you want to be safe about it all here's what I would do. Unscrew each plug a little ways then spray some penetrating oil on them, let that sit for a good minute or two. After that take out each plug and replace them right away one by one remember that the plugs are under the intake so if you have an air blower with either a long tip on it or if not put on a long piece of vac hose on the end to stick in each hole to blow the dirt or moisture out if there is any there. Don't take them all out right away then put them all in (it helps keep any dirt out that you might knock in there). When you're putting them in keep in mind to put an anti-seizing compound on the threads. As for what kind of plugs to use go with stock plugs either motorcraft or autolite plugs. Wires, now that's totally up to you, I would look for wire that have a lifetime warranty on them just in case, me i went to the local NAPA store and put on a set of Belden Max wires which do have a lifetime warranty on them. Just some tips.

 

Do not use anti-seize compound on the thread of a spark plug it screws up it's designed heat rating, increases the chance of pulling out the threads on an aluminum head because of thread jamming. Read below for the straight dope from Autolite on this subject.

We welcome the opportunity to be of service.
We do not recommend the use of any anti seize products for installing
spark plugs. Anti seize compounds are typically composed of metallic,
electrically conductive ingredients. If anti seize compounds come in
contact with the core nose of the plugs, it can lead to a misfire condition.
Anti seize compounds can also have a torque multiplying effect when
installing plugs. This can lead to thread distortion and thread galling
resulting in cylinder head damage. Autolite spark plugs are nickel plated
to resist the effects of corrosion and seizing. However, plug seizure is
aggravated further when steel plugs are installed into aluminum cylinder
heads for a long period of time. According to our data, the ATi64 is
the Titanium spark plug recommendation for the 1990 Volvo 740 2.3L FI engine.
The inclusion of Titanium in spark plug design was chosen for it's anti seizing properties.
You may want to consider the ATi64 along with periodic inspection of the plugs
to reduce the likelihood of plug seizure during extended plug service intervals.


Thank you for choosing Autolite spark plugs.


I have only used Bosch Platinum plugs, which have nickel plated threads, for many years and have never had any trouble getting them out. Nickel plated spark plugs are now made by all manufacturers so if you have a preference brand wise you are covered. With a modern hot ignition you can't beat a Bosch Platinum plus 4. I will install these plugs on my F150 when it get out of the body shop, I notice Bosch presently has a mail in rebate on their spark plug line the Iridium plug has a 2 dollar per plug rebate, a dollar off on the Plus 4 and so on.

 

I just purchased 8 of those plugs for my truck. I have a 97 5.4l, and I've been reading through all the spark plug replacement threads and I don't hear too much about them. I know that typically a spark plug will not boost performace at all, but I am looking for a more efficient and hotter spark. My question is though, will this produce too hot of a spark for my aluminum heads? Also, just a note, I am replacing all the coils with the Accel coils as well. They were cheaper at my local auto parts store than the OEM motorcrafts, so I got them instead. Thanks in advance for all your help.

Shawn

 

No a hot plug in the way you mean it will not have any affect on your heads. Back when they first started to use aluminium in pistons, we are talking about the 1950's here, they did have pitting on the piston crowns under to position of the spark plug, even then it was a rare thing, This was caused mostly by the aluminium alloy of the pistons used at the time. This as not been a problem at all sence the early 1960's so you have nothing to worry about.

 

I DO NOT!!!! like Bosch plat plugs. They suck. Autolite or even NGKs. I am a Bosch service center and none of my techs will install Bosch spark plugs in any vehicle.

 

or even Motorcraft, which I believe is made by Autolite anyways.

 

<<<Stoopid...

 

^^^^^
stoopid A-hole