Elusive Motorcraft Double Platinums

[DontCome2MyHouse]

Can't seem to find Motorcraft double platinum spark plugs for my 2003 Windstar, only single platinum. So...would the next best choice be the Autolite (APP104) or Champion (7940)?

I've read that the Bosch aren't true double platinum, so those are out.

What's REALLY odd is that the Autolite calls for a gap of .044" while the Champion says .054". Confused as hell here

[olopezm]

Hi!

I've heard and had good experiences with Autolite's APP104 with both my Windstar and Lincoln.

About the gap, AFAIK the smaller spec is for the 3.0 vulcan engine and the .054" is for 3.8 engines.

Oscar.

[12Ounce]

I use the Champion doubles. They've gotten my '99 3.8 from about 216k to the current 322k miles just fine.

[DontCome2MyHouse]

Originally Posted by olopezm

Hi!

I've heard and had good experiences with Autolite's APP104 with both my Windstar and Lincoln.

About the gap, AFAIK the smaller spec is for the 3.0 vulcan engine and the .054" is for 3.8 engines.

Oscar.

On the Autolite website it says, "Gap new plugs as recommended in your owner's manual"...which in my case with the 3.8L is .054". Strange that is says .044" for the 3.8L on various auto-parts websites.

[wiswind]

I recommed that you use the AutoLite double platinum plug that is listed for your motor/year.
These will be the closest (if not identical) to the Motorcraft plug listed for your vehicle.
I would not stress over the difference between gap listings, the specification is a range.
It is more important that they all be gapped the SAME and be within specification.
I would go with the gap that is listed on the emissions sticker under the hood.

[DontCome2MyHouse]

Originally Posted by wiswind

I recommed that you use the AutoLite double platinum plug that is listed for your motor/year.
These will be the closest (if not identical) to the Motorcraft plug listed for your vehicle.
I would not stress over the difference between gap listings, the specification is a range.
It is more important that they all be gapped the SAME and be within specification.
I would go with the gap that is listed on the emissions sticker under the hood.

Thanks. I just installed the Autolites and gapped them all @ .054". Runs like a champ.