Spark Plugs

[DRW1000]

I was in my local auto parts store yesterday and I noticed a new line of Champion double Platinum plugs. I looked at the packages and they specifically mention that they are platinum on both the centre and the ground electrodes. Perhaps this will be a 3rd option besides the Motorcrafts and the Autolites. They were $13.49 CDN per pair. I paid about $8.00 per for the Motorcrafts from Ford and the quote I had for the Autolites was about the same.

[phil-l]

Did you get a look at the plug electrodes? Yes, double plats have the distinctive 'nubs' of platinum on the ground electrode.

Yes, it'd be nice if there was another quality supplier of double-plat plugs. If anyone has tried them out, we'd love to hear what you think of them.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by phil-l

Did you get a look at the plug electrodes? Yes, double plats have the distinctive 'nubs' of platinum on the ground electrode.

Yes, it'd be nice if there was another quality supplier of double-plat plugs. If anyone has tried them out, we'd love to hear what you think of them.

Yes I should have mentioned it. I did look at them and on the top of the ground (facing the centre) electrode there was the small cylinder of Platinum.

[Death to Ford]

I have just put in the NGK iridium spark plugs and wires and they are fantastic. The van runs so good and starts everytime and I feel so much more power just from these plugs and wires. I personally like NGK products made in Japan over the motorcraft ones which are designed by bosch.

[cacique]

Did you put the plugs in yourself. My pesonal mechanic had a difficult time uninstalling and installing the plugs and the wires.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

I was in my local auto parts store yesterday and I noticed a new line of Champion double Platinum plugs. I looked at the packages and they specifically mention that they are platinum on both the centre and the ground electrodes. Perhaps this will be a 3rd option besides the Motorcrafts and the Autolites. They were $13.49 CDN per pair. I paid about $8.00 per for the Motorcrafts from Ford and the quote I had for the Autolites was about the same.

Save the champion for cry/dodge/jeep/and certain import
Ford just loves OEM motorcraft.
And remember OEM parts only hurt one time.
Go to switching around and you may get bit in the rear many times.
The only time you need double plat is when you have neg. and pos. firing cylinders.
MT

[phil-l]

Originally Posted by cacique

Did you put the plugs in yourself. My pesonal mechanic had a difficult time uninstalling and installing the plugs and the wires.

I did mine myself - but I'll admit that the 3 rear plugs were a pain. Very difficult to reach.

[Death to Ford]

I had a hard time with the back ones too but only the first time changing the spark plugs is a little tough if I were to change them again it would be very easy. I prefer myself doing them over a ford dealer charging me a heck load of money to do it

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

.
The only time you need double plat is when you have neg. and pos. firing cylinders.
MT

Which is exactly what Windstars do

[Blue Bowtie]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

Which is exactly what Windstars do

Exactly right. Oddly, when the wasted spark systems were first introcuded, Ford had two different part numbers for their plugs on opposite sides (electrically) of each coil. One had a platinum center electrode, and one had a platinum side electrode. They continued this for several years, and finally discovered that it was more efficient and foolproof to simply stock double platinums and avoid the confusion. I've run into those odd sets on several 3.8s, and it's always confusing.

Additionally, and it's just my opinion, but there is nothing wrong with Champions in almost any engine, provided they have the correct heat range, reach, and metallurgy. What is NOT my opinion is that the only plug manufacturers making plugs with FAA approval are Auburn and Champion. Good luck finding Auburn plugs for your car, so the only available brand good enough to fly but made for your car might be Champion.

NGK has a very good ceramics and metallurgical R&D center, and produces a reasonable quality plug. Plain steel AC/Delco (non platinums), Bosch (including the +4s), Autolite (no longer Ford but purchased and cheapened by Allied Signal - the group responsible for Fram crap), and all those designer brands (like SplitFire) are maybe just good enough for a lawnmower - Maybe. That IS an opinion, but I'll stick to it.

[ModMech]

I would NOT use anything but OE Ford/Motorcraft plugs.

"Will fit" is not the same as "Designed for".

[Blue Bowtie]

No doubt that if you want OEM reliability, OEM parts are hard to beat.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Exactly right. Oddly, when the wasted spark systems were first introcuded, Ford had two different part numbers for their plugs on opposite sides (electrically) of each coil. One had a platinum center electrode, and one had a platinum side electrode. They continued this for several years, and finally discovered that it was more efficient and foolproof to simply stock double platinums and avoid the confusion. I've run into those odd sets on several 3.8s, and it's always confusing.

I pulled out two different types in my 99. The 2 types were installed in the factory. From what I understand is they are only available at the factory and dealers only stock the double platinums.

[Blue Bowtie]

The two part numbers are still available? That's almost senseless, but I suppose they get requests for them once in a while.

Double platinums will work very well. As long as there is a platinum electrode on the negative polarity terminal of the plug (which is different on different sides of each ignition coil) the plugs will last just as long - Perhaps even longer. I've done the switch to full (double) platinums on quite a few 3.8s with no problems over many subsequent miles.

[wiswind]

FORD says to use the double platinum plugs.
The single platinum plugs.....platinum on alternating sides....are used at the factory.....I guess they save some money....with no impact on performance of the plug.
Stocking 1 part number, double platinum, spark plugs for each application makes a LOT of sense.