Champion spark plug: Copper plus vs Platinum

[summerman]

Don't want to spend too much on my 12-year old Windstar (240Kkm), anybody know how difference between these two plugs regarding the performance, start time, durability etc.? Thanks in advance!

[DRW1000]

Do a search in this forum. The reasons for using double platinum plugs for the Windstar is disscussed often.

[summerman]

Seems I have to get them from the dealer, thanks a lot!

[phil-l]

Hmmm - No, there are many non-dealer sources for double-platinum plugs that will fit the Windstar. I had no problem tracking down the correct plug through the local outlet of a national-chain parts store.

Personal preference: Autolite double-platinum.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by phil-l

Hmmm - No, there are many non-dealer sources for double-platinum plugs that will fit the Windstar. I had no problem tracking down the correct plug through the local outlet of a national-chain parts store.

Personal preference: Autolite double-platinum.

I believe there are the Motorcrafts and the Autolites available. I found the plugs to be about the same price (Motorcraft from Ford and Autolite from an independent retail outlet.

[Riordan3]

I got my Autolite Double Platinums at Walmart for the 3.0 L engine just recently. Not sure about the 3.8 L engine whether they are the same plug. I put them in recently and I could tell a big difference.

[wiswind]

I just put a set of Autolite Double Plat's in my '96 3.8L.
From what I have been told, the copper plus will work just fine, but not last as long.
I would stay away from any single plat' plug, as that will cause the gap to increase more on 1 side of the engine than the other....as there is a negative spark on one side, and a positive spark on the other. This causes the ground electrode to wear more on one side of the engine, and the center electrode to wear more on the other.
Single plat plugs are platinumn on the center electrode only.
Save your money, and stay away from the Bosch plugs, they do not seem to do well at all in the windstar application.
Of course, make sure to stay in the correct heat range, and gap.
If you look online at several auto part stores, they will list the correct plug under both the copper plus and double plat.
The Autolite Double Plat' plugs that I just bought stated that you are to set the gap before installing. The correct gap is listed on the sticker on the underside of the hood.

[Gobowiec]

check here:
www.autolite.com
There are different sparks for 3.0 and 3.8l. Most people recommend single electrode and platinum.

[ModMech]

I suggest that you use Motorcraft (Ford OE) replacement plugs, or at the very least Autolite plugs.

I would NEVER ever use Champion plugs, and others are "will fit" at best, and not direct replacements.

[wiswind]

You will very easily find a Motorcraft or Autolite spark plug in either the double platinum or copper plus for your vehicle at MANY auto parts stores.

If the spark plug wires are original, then I would recommend replacing them as well.
You do not need some boutique set of wires, quality set from the auto part store (not the cheapest) should do very well for you.
I think I have a set of Autolite "professional" on mine....and they have been fine for 3 years so far....and also very easy to find, at a reasonable price.
I did get some of the nylon? dress-up covers for them....and slipped them on wherever the wire was against something.....which should reduce abrasion, and also maintain a gap between the wire cover and the ground potential of the engine.
Who cares what they look like, I was after the protection.