Plugs and Ford's Maintenance Schedule
02-22-2018, 09:52 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Plugs and Ford's Maintenance Schedule
Still new here, trying to learn about these Fords, and newer engines in general. I decided to change my plugs because I was getting what felt like an occasional misfire, even though I wasn't getting codes. Only 79,830 on the vehicle, doesn't burn oil, the oil doesn't even get brown fast. Stays new looking. Edit at 85,000 miles - it does burn some oil and the oil does get dark.
The drivers side plugs had the platinum electrodes completely burned away, and the passenger side was just nubs. The gap on the driver's side was .064". You can see the effect of wasted spark, pretty interesting, with the positive and negative electrodes switched, causing different wear.
Just thought I'd add some entertainment. I was planning to stick to the 100,000 mile schedule, but glad I didn't. I bought it with 75,000 miles so would guess the plugs are from the factory. On the way back from the auto parts store the SES light came on but I didn't check the code. A short while ago I had a PO174 code and cleared it after cleaning the MAF, so it might have come back. Don't know if over-gapped or worn-out plugs could cause that.
The drivers side plugs had the platinum electrodes completely burned away, and the passenger side was just nubs. The gap on the driver's side was .064". You can see the effect of wasted spark, pretty interesting, with the positive and negative electrodes switched, causing different wear.
Just thought I'd add some entertainment. I was planning to stick to the 100,000 mile schedule, but glad I didn't. I bought it with 75,000 miles so would guess the plugs are from the factory. On the way back from the auto parts store the SES light came on but I didn't check the code. A short while ago I had a PO174 code and cleared it after cleaning the MAF, so it might have come back. Don't know if over-gapped or worn-out plugs could cause that.
Last edited by BareBonesXL; 09-13-2018 at 05:45 PM.
02-22-2018, 10:18 PM
#2
Senior Member
New plugs are always a good idea. If that code comes back check vacuum hoses, I recently had that code and it turned out to be a hole in an elbow hose.
02-22-2018, 10:21 PM
#3
Senior Member
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BareBonesXL (02-22-2018)
02-22-2018, 10:49 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Your sig says EcoBoost Twin Turbo, didn't realize you had an older V6 also. I was wiggling hoses and even put a new clamp on the brake booster hose during the plug job, but haven't figured out what's what on the engine yet. I'll check that hose for sure. Thanks for that link.
Funny, I've used carb cleaner for vacuum leaks on older engines, but was leery on this one with all of the plastic, and I see in your other thread that it's ill-advised. Might still try MAPP gas just to see if I can find it. It seems like a vacuum leak, and I really don't want to get in to those parts inside the intake manifold that tend to leak. Too soon.
Speaking of sigs, I should add that mine's a 2003 F150 with the 4.2L V6.
Funny, I've used carb cleaner for vacuum leaks on older engines, but was leery on this one with all of the plastic, and I see in your other thread that it's ill-advised. Might still try MAPP gas just to see if I can find it. It seems like a vacuum leak, and I really don't want to get in to those parts inside the intake manifold that tend to leak. Too soon.
Speaking of sigs, I should add that mine's a 2003 F150 with the 4.2L V6.