Sparkplugs

[chrisanthony]

Hi

Which type of sparkplugs do you guys think is best for a 1996 escort lx 1.9L?
I'm thinking about Champions Iridium or Platnium plugs.


Thanks

[GTP Dad]

Either is acceptable. I have autolite's in my 99 escort and have gotten good service from them.

[Davescort97]

I like the Autolite Iridiums. Have them in my 97. I'm getting 42 mpg in my
2.0 SPI engine. But like GTP says, a platinum or iridium of any make plug is a good set of plugs.

[Scrapper]

sorry i would not own another escort ngks if they make them for that? a/z don't carry them but advanced does 199 i think and car quest $3.99 for same plug.

[chrisanthony]

You guys notice and difference in horse power and start ups, with the Iridium or Platnium plugs compared to the regular copper ones?

[Davescort97]

I can only relate my own experience with different plugs. Others may disagree but that's what the forum is all about. I put a set of Autolite (I like Autolite) copper core in my 97. Startup was good. Going up a steep I had to downshift to 4th gear to maintain speed with my A/C on. I checked mileage and was getting 31. Performance was poor as acceleration response. I came back home and put some Autolite Iridiums in it. Drove the same route and didn't have to downshift to make it up the steep hill with A/C on. Checked the mileage again and got 42. The advantage of Iridium is that it is 7 times harder than a regular plug. This allows the firing electrode to be made very thin .7mm. The smaller the electrode, the hotter the spark. btw it's the heat of the spark that ignites the mixtuire, not the spark itself. Iridium is so hard that only recently has a process been developed to fuse it to the elctrode. They do this with lasers now. Iridiums are expensive $7-$11 each. BUT, it you want max power and mileage they are the way to go.

[chrisanthony]

hi all

i installed the champion Iridiums ($17 for 2pk) over the coppers. Theres not a big difference between the two. But i do get little better acceleration..

[dwbailey]

Mine has been sorta hard starting and I proceeded to pull the plugs one by one to check them out and when I got the one closest to the alternator, it got tighter the more I tried to loosen it. Finally had to muscle it out and sure enough it looks like it pulled some of the threads with it. Friend of mine coming this afternoon with his thread chaser/helicoil tap and helicoils. Hope the thread chaser fixes it. I went ahead and bought the plugs that are on the sticker under the hood which now has a new number. Motorcraft SP504. These are supposed to be the double platinum. Also bought some new wires just to be safe. One thing for sure, I learned that you HAVE TO USE antiseize on the threads. The previous owner obviously didn't use any. I found out that a spark plug in an aluminum head without antiseize is a disaster waiting to happen and it did. Will make sure I slap it on real good now.

[chrisanthony]

Originally Posted by dwbailey

Mine has been sorta hard starting and I proceeded to pull the plugs one by one to check them out and when I got the one closest to the alternator, it got tighter the more I tried to loosen it. Finally had to muscle it out and sure enough it looks like it pulled some of the threads with it. Friend of mine coming this afternoon with his thread chaser/helicoil tap and helicoils. Hope the thread chaser fixes it. I went ahead and bought the plugs that are on the sticker under the hood which now has a new number. Motorcraft SP504. These are supposed to be the double platinum. Also bought some new wires just to be safe. One thing for sure, I learned that you HAVE TO USE antiseize on the threads. The previous owner obviously didn't use any. I found out that a spark plug in an aluminum head without antiseize is a disaster waiting to happen and it did. Will make sure I slap it on real good now.

lol damn, antiseize eh..I'll make sure i'll put that on next weekend

[Ron21]

Originally Posted by dwbailey

Mine has been sorta hard starting and I proceeded to pull the plugs one by one to check them out and when I got the one closest to the alternator, it got tighter the more I tried to loosen it. Finally had to muscle it out and sure enough it looks like it pulled some of the threads with it. Friend of mine coming this afternoon with his thread chaser/helicoil tap and helicoils. Hope the thread chaser fixes it. I went ahead and bought the plugs that are on the sticker under the hood which now has a new number. Motorcraft SP504. These are supposed to be the double platinum. Also bought some new wires just to be safe. One thing for sure, I learned that you HAVE TO USE antiseize on the threads. The previous owner obviously didn't use any. I found out that a spark plug in an aluminum head without antiseize is a disaster waiting to happen and it did. Will make sure I slap it on real good now.

Wondering how you made out with this problem. I have the same problem except in cyc 2

[rhandwor]

I personally don't like helicoils but have used them.
http://www.autopart.com/tools/toolsm...ol/T_98141.htm I like this type better. Coat with greese and disconnect cam sensor and blow out anything when done. Use red permatex silicon on the thread and anti seeze on the plug.
Most parts stores sell a set like this.
Put your finger over the plug hole stop when you feel air. The valves are supposed to be closed when doing this.