Topic: What type of spark plugs are best?

[oldvette]

Specifically I have a 2000 Windstar 3.8 that needs spark plugs. The original plugs are platinum motorcraft but have been told they no longer exist as they have been changed to a newer type of platinum plug. Do I stick with Motorcraft or should I go to an aftermarket type like NGK or Bosch. I have bben told the Iridium NGK plugs are firnickedy because of voltage drains from ignition system. How about the Bosch +4? Are they getter because of the 4 electrodes? They are almost the same price as original Motorcraft. Anyone have any experience with these plugs?

[articsteve]

I would stick to the Motorcraft as they should be better matched to your ignition strength.

[barrie1]

I would suggest the Delco Platinum ones which are the Hottest burning plugs out there at the moment and are also good for at least 100,000 miles. I have been useing this for a few years and engines do run much better with them in them. Darn good plug for the money. 

[PJungnitsch]

I've had the Bosch +4' s in my old truck for 4 years and 55,000 km. They've worked very well, and are still fine, but whether they are worth the extra money or not over regular platinum I don't know.

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed. The big advantage of platinum and iridium designs is longer (in some cases, much longer) change intervals. This is sometimes a very good thing, the reason I went platinum this time is when the plugs were changed previously the mechanic cross threaded one in the aluminum head, and I want to avoid changing plugs for the remaining life of the truck.

[articsteve]

I've had the Bosch +4' s in my old truck for 4 years and 55,000 km. They've worked very well, and are still fine, but whether they are worth the extra money or not over regular platinum I don't know.

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed. The big advantage of platinum and iridium designs is longer (in some cases, much longer) change intervals. This is sometimes a very good thing, the reason I went platinum this time is when the plugs were changed previously the mechanic cross threaded one in the aluminum head, and I want to avoid changing plugs for the remaining life of the truck.

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed

I disagree.  Usually the stock OEM plug on a stock OEM motor is the best choice because of things like this.  Now this may not apply to the 2000 3.8, but is an example of how weird things can get just with a spark plug.



Some time back, you answered a question about stuck spark plugs on a Windstar. I also have a Windstar and the owner's manual states: "If any spark plug needs to be removed for examination, each spark plug removed must be reinstalled in the same cylinder." Cylinders #1, #2 and #3 have a PG suffix. Cylinders #4, #5, and #6 have a P suffix. Be careful when you change them.

A-Right you are. The two banks do have different type plugs, but the G in PG stands for gold. That is what the center electrode is made of. The reason for the difference is the rate of wear. In this engine, the spark jumps from center electrode to outer electrode on three of the cylinders. The spark jumps backward on cylinders 1-2-3. To prevent premature wear, they have gold. Why aren't the others gold, too? Ford saves a little money when they build the vehicles.

PS.  if you really want to inflict pain upon yourself put a GM plug in a Ford or vise versa.   

[johngenx]

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed.

Many a Mercedes owner has learned the hard way that platinum plugs are not recommended for many models for a good reason.  They end up with short plug life and poor idle and running.  Go with the OE recommendation and you'll be happy.

[Benhaze]

I've had the Bosch +4' s in my old truck for 4 years and 55,000 km. They've worked very well, and are still fine, but whether they are worth the extra money or not over regular platinum I don't know.

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed. The big advantage of platinum and iridium designs is longer (in some cases, much longer) change intervals. This is sometimes a very good thing, the reason I went platinum this time is when the plugs were changed previously the mechanic cross threaded one in the aluminum head, and I want to avoid changing plugs for the remaining life of the truck.

In my experience the type of plug has never made a difference in how an engine performed

I disagree.  Usually the stock OEM plug on a stock OEM motor is the best choice because of things like this.  Now this may not apply to the 2000 3.8, but is an example of how weird things can get just with a spark plug.



Some time back, you answered a question about stuck spark plugs on a Windstar. I also have a Windstar and the owner's manual states: "If any spark plug needs to be removed for examination, each spark plug removed must be reinstalled in the same cylinder." Cylinders #1, #2 and #3 have a PG suffix. Cylinders #4, #5, and #6 have a P suffix. Be careful when you change them.

A-Right you are. The two banks do have different type plugs, but the G in PG stands for gold. That is what the center electrode is made of. The reason for the difference is the rate of wear. In this engine, the spark jumps from center electrode to outer electrode on three of the cylinders. The spark jumps backward on cylinders 1-2-3. To prevent premature wear, they have gold. Why aren't the others gold, too? Ford saves a little money when they build the vehicles.

PS.  if you really want to inflict pain upon yourself put a GM plug in a Ford or vise versa.   

Good post articsteve. It has to do with the ignition/coil pack design and how one coil fires up 2 spark plugs.

[barrie1]

"If you really want to inflict pain on yourself then put a GM plug into a Ford engine or viceversa." Steve do you really know anything about plugs at all as the Ford plugs do not run as hot as the GM's and never have. The hotter the cylinder is in burning the more complete the process, GM has made plugs for every make and model of vehicle for many years and they make a very good product. The GM's are actually the Hottest burning plug in the marketplace for many years now. As far as the Ford engines go GM makes their plugs in the correct heat ranges needed by them so why not learn something about the topic before you post non-truthful statments. 

[articsteve]

"If you really want to inflict pain on yourself then put a GM plug into a Ford engine or viceversa." Steve do you really know anything about plugs at all as the Ford plugs do not run as hot as the GM's and never have. The hotter the cylinder is in burning the more complete the process, GM has made plugs for every make and model of vehicle for many years and they make a very good product. The GM's are actually the Hottest burning plug in the marketplace for many years now. As far as the Ford engines go GM makes their plugs in the correct heat ranges needed by them so why not learn something about the topic before you post non-truthful statments. 

I have never, ever, seen, nor I'm sure any other persons on this planet have seen AC Delco plugs in BMW, Porsche, MB, AUDI, Lexus; you name it. 

The GM's are actually the Hottest burning plug in the marketplace for many years now.

How many years would that be EXACTLY.   

Just for this very once why don't you post a link or a reference to support your GM fantasies. 

[Benhaze]

I don't know about spark plugs but Delco does make oil filters for other car cars than GMs. Could be true with spark plugs too.

[barrie1]

No Steve you started the statement so you back up all of your GM slagging once and for all. Anybody can call a dealership and will be told on the phone if they request the info so go ahead and prove me wrong and qoute which dealership says it. Youi have nothing to do with this make of vehicle yet continue to slag them at every opportunity that you can. Maybe you should drive one for a while and really figure it out. Maybe then you will really learn something about vehicles then as you don't impress me at all with the knowledge you spout about certain makes and models here. I also know I am not alone on this view so Prove it or slow down with the slagging as you are not looking very good right now with all your cheap shots.  I already know its only your opinion on almost all of the questions answered as you really don't have a clue on fixing the GM's at all.  It seems your mouth or fingers know more then your mind does.

[mdxtasy]

NGK for me and the Miata.  MDX hasn't needed a change yet.

[articsteve]

No Steve you started the statement so you back up all of your GM slagging once and for all. Anybody can call a dealership and will be told on the phone if they request the info so go ahead and prove me wrong and qoute which dealership says it. Youi have nothing to do with this make of vehicle yet continue to slag them at every opportunity that you can. Maybe you should drive one for a while and really figure it out. Maybe then you will really learn something about vehicles then as you don't impress me at all with the knowledge you spout about certain makes and models here. I also know I am not alone on this view so Prove it or slow down with the slagging as you are not looking very good right now with all your cheap shots.  I already know its only your opinion on almost all of the questions answered as you really don't have a clue on fixing the GM's at all.  It seems your mouth or fingers know more then your mind does.

No Steve you started the statement so you back up all of your GM slagging once and for all.

Actually Barrie you did. 

I would suggest the Delco Platinum ones which are the Hottest burning plugs out there at the moment and are also good for at least 100,000 miles. I have been useing this for a few years and engines do run much better with them in them. Darn good plug for the money.

AC Delco have no listing for a spark plug for a 2000 Windstar 3.8L and for good reason. 

http://198.208.187.182/internet/Search.jsp?selectedfld=productline&application=Car%2FLight+Duty+Truck&year=2000&make=FORD&model=WINDSTAR&engine=V6+3.8L+232cid+GAS+FI+N+Engine+VIN+%3D+4++++++&productline=25


What's more insane is that when you use this parts finder it will list the same AC Delco plug for a 98 Volvo S70 and a 2000 BMW 540i.   41-800   That's madness.    The OEM plug for a Volvo S70 N/A is a 3 electrode Bosch.    There is no listing for a 2000 S70 and I expect a few hundred other vehicles as well. 

Try posting a reference occasionally.

[mrthompson]

Though other manufacturers offer a spark plug for the 4.0L I-6 in the Cherokee, Jeep forums suggest using a good ol' Champion.  Why?  The old-tech engine does not require a hi-po spark plug.

[oldvette]

I went to Ford dealer today and the plugs have been changed to a new number that uses the same platinum plug for all six cylinders. Yes the factory originals do have 3 plugs for 4,5,6 and a different 3 plugs for 1,2,3, cylinders. I will let you know how the new ones perform when I get a chance to install them. By the way, a freind just took his Ford  F 150 pick-up ( 78,000 km) in to a non dealer shop because of rough running they found it was the spark plugs. They replaced them with AC delco plugs because they said they are a superior plug to Fords.His truck runs perfect!!

[safristi]

Damn Barrie lookes good fer anuffer MOHAWK...!!!!! buddy can ya spare a PLUGged nickel??

[articsteve]

Though other manufacturers offer a spark plug for the 4.0L I-6 in the Cherokee, Jeep forums suggest using a good ol' Champion.  Why?  The old-tech engine does not require a hi-po spark plug.

The alternative plug on a 98 S70, as per the owners manual, is a normal single electrode Champion.  I was surprised, but used them just the same.

Older Chrysler vehicles  do like their Champions. 

[barrie1]

You have to remember that GM has more then one design of sparkplug for most engines. Not all are the Platinum ones as the standards which have a shorter lifespan do a great job as well for less money. Wow you found one model they don't produce for Steve "Whoopi Doo" but did you find 100's for other models as I know there are. 

[ktm525]

Without fail I run NGK. Their cold rolled threads tend to reduce nasty sticking surprises.

I have run NGK's in:

Honda 2 stroke dirtbikes
Suzuki 2 and 4 stroke dirtbikes
KTM 2 and 4 stroke dirtbikes.

CARs/Trucks

4 cylinder Datsun truck (2)
Buick LeSabre
Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Toyota Supra
Toyota 4*4 truck V6 EFI
Toyota 4Runner V6 EFI
Dodge Dakota 318
Dodge Dakota 4.7
VW Passat 1.8T

I have never experienced any rough idling/operating. I always run the basic plug and change about 3 years/48k kms. Perhaps going to the "exotic" type plugs causes more issues?

[gta_driver]

Sometimes its wise to sick to whatever the manufacturer recommended sparkplug is. Especially in higher performance cars. I found out the hard way with my Infiniti, when I replaced the Nissan OEM NGK's with another brand and had all sorts of engine problems. Switched back to the manufacturers recommended plugs and everything ran like new.