Spark Plug Replacement

[Ike]

I'm changing the spark plugs in my 2016 GT, and everything I've read is that Ford and spark plug manufacturers do not recommend never seize. However, the original spark plugs I'm removing have an oily residue on the threads. Could this be from 70,000 miles of operation? The engine does not use oil.

Does anyone have access to actual Ford repair manuals that explicitly state not to se never sieze?

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[robvas]

You don't need antisieze. It will artificially increase the amount of torque you apply, and the NGK plugs already have a finish in them that doesn't need it (says so on their website)

you shouldn't even need to change them at 70k

 

[K4fxd]

I always use a dab of anti seize. Never had a plug stick since.

 

[Schuvwj]

I’ve always used a very small amount of antisieze. Never had a plug seize.
I try to change my plugs every 12,000 miles with a supercharger.

 

[17MagMetal]

+1 on overseize.

thread plug until you feel it seat on head and then apply the gudentight torque spec of another 1/8-1/4 turn via 3/8 ratchet. It’s a winning formula that has never caused me an issue.

 

[robvas]

Plugs aren't going to seize up when you change them every year..that's something that happens on plugs that are in there for like 10 years

 

[K4fxd]

Plugs aren't going to seize up when you change them every year..that's something that happens on plugs that are in there for like 10 years

These are supposed to be 100K mile plugs. You are changing every year? I started using anti seize when the heads are made of aluminum. Steel plugs and aluminum threads don't play well together. After fixing a few heads with pulled threads we use anti sieze. I don't care what NGK says. The lube hurts nothing and potentially saves me from having to heli coil the threads or worse remove the head.

 

[robvas]

These are supposed to be 100K mile plugs. You are changing every year? I started using anti seize when the heads are made of aluminum. Steel plugs and aluminum threads don't play well together. After fixing a few heads with pulled threads we use anti sieze. I don't care what NGK says. The lube hurts nothing and potentially saves me from having to heli coil the threads or worse remove the head.

Ford recommended anti-seize with motorcraft plugs on the old 5.4's

I was referring to the person above me.

I’ve always used a very small amount of antisieze. Never had a plug seize.
I try to change my plugs every 12,000 miles with a supercharger.

 

[robvas]

I'm not a mechanic so I don't work on cars every day, but the only plug I can remember not coming out in the last 20 years was something that was cross-threaded.

 

[K4fxd]

I'm not a mechanic

I am and when we started seeing aluminum heads we started ruining threads when removing spark plugs.. Anti seize fixed it.

 

[galaxy]

Not saying I'm right and anyone else (NGK) is wrong, but for a mere mortal, a dab of anti-sieze will for certain prevent more problems than it'll ever cause. And that goes for A LOT more components than just spark plugs. The only thing I agree with and account for is that you do/should take into consideration the torque value, if it's a factor. I always have, and always will, apply a small spot on plugs. Some habits!

 

[Cheatham]

Amen on antisieze, BUT leave it dry where it seats, the plug needs to be able to GROUND itself, many have had misfires after a plug change and was due to using too much

 

[WildHorse]

LOL. So now we're smarter than NGK engineers ?

 

[wingnutt]

LOL. So now we're smarter than NGK engineers ?

nah, but personal experience is greater…

im also on the dab of anti-seize wagon since the mid-80s

and if I listened to everyone smarter than me, I woulda gotten the C19 vax

 

[CrazyHippie]

This is an interesting thread. Out of curiosity, what's the consensus on spark plug replacement frequency for a stock Gen 3 Coyote? The manual says 100,000 miles, but I'm skeptical about that.

Also, is it a good idea to change O2 sensor(s) before they fail? That's a new idea that I picked up on too.

Thanks!

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