usafstud

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if my sparks plugs are in need of replaces for tune up. I don't know when it was the last time it was replaced. I don't want to do something that can potentially lead to future problems which seems to be the case for these trucks and how long it takes to do replace all of them (4-6 hrs). There is no timing miss. It only seems to provide lower than normal MPG of 11-13 mpg.

1997 F150
164K miles
4.6L V8
Auto

Here is pics of one of the easy to get to plug.

Thanks guys.

ahrmike

from the look of those threads, I'd go and change all 8 unless you want seized plugs later on. Get a good iridium plug so you don't have to change it often... Trust me, your truck plugs can't be as bad as the camaro I used to own. Some owners used to drop the entire engine to just change plugs

innovation

the tip seems normal to me. general rule of thumb is "a light tan/gray color tells you that the spark plug is operating at optimum temperature and that the engine is in good condition"

run it through a gauge and see if its within the gap range for that car. if not then replace

hypforlife32

I would replace either way...they look very old.

Billman250

They aint that bad to change, I've done them quite fast. At that mileage, its definitely time if they have never been done.

Those fords run big gaps, I think .052-.056. Gap should be on the underhood sticker. If the gap is far out, change them all. Little wd-40 on the threads will help install, and prevent galling.

Make sure you use double platinum plugs. That truck will eat any other plug. If the truck is allowed to run with big worn gaps, it will eat coilpacks.

If you change them, set the gap at the lowest number of the range. (.052 for example)

zeroptzero

It looks like the ground electrode has worn down a bit, not bad for that mileage.

rrounds

If you plan to keep the truck for a long time I would use these plugs, NGK Laser Iridium Long Life ITR5F-13 Gap .054 SOHC
I have a car that its very hard to change the plugs and I went with the same type of NGK pulg for my car and I took them out at 150k miles and they looked like a brand new plug, no wear on the plug(but since I had they out I changed them). I know these are the last plugs that this car will see because it will have over 400k miles on it and I don't think the engine will last that long.

ROD

usafstud

thanks for the input guys. i'll change out the plugs soon. i did a vaccuum test today and that was solid.