I have an 03 expedition with 60K miles. It is throwing code P0302 so the number 2 cylinder is misfiring. I am thinking it is just the coil on plug. Since I'm replacing that I figured I might as well do my spark plugs now too. Some questions concerning that process.
1. Do you agree it is probably the COP? What else could it be if not that? Do those COPs tend to go out with regular frequency or do they tend to last a lot longer than my 60K miles worth?
2. I plan to change all 8 cops and 8 plugs while in there. Planning to use oem motorcraft cops and autolite APP103 plugs. Any issue with the APP103 plugs? I have seen some say these come off the same line as the motorcraft ones. The issue I am more concerned about is if the metal at the threads and any finish on them is the same as the motorcraft ones??? This is to eliminate any dissimilar metal issues and links up with my next question.
3. Should I use any anti sieze on the plug threads? I am concerned about two things. One, is there any dissimilar metal issue between the plug threads and aluminum head that necessitates this? Secondly, how does this influence my torquing of the plugs?
4. What torque should I use for the plugs? I have seen 13 ft lbs. What about with any anti sieze?
5. What about grease on the plug boots? I have never worked on a vehicle with coil on plug design. Do the new boots come with grease and or should these boots be greased inside and should there be grease put on the plug porcelain as well? Any particular grease recommended?
6. What temp should the engine be when changing plugs? I was planning to do it warm to the touch but I've seen others recommend hot or cold.
7. Does the 03 expedition have the lower count of aluminum threads on the heads or was it revised by this point. Some are saying like only 4 threads but I've seen other posts saying it was revised and fixed by this time. Of course there is the whole other issue of plugs sticking and breaking off on the newer 3 valve engine. Not sure which is worse!
8. Is it bad for me to drive it like this at all before my parts come in? Just 6 miles to work and back for a few days? I actually already did yesterday and today. The car still runs but just not smoothly. I wasn't sure if the injectors keep spraying fuel in the cylinder and if it doesn't ignite if there is any risk of hydrolock or anything. Dumb question perhaps but I don't know the ins and outs of how everything works and figured I'd ask. Cars are not my forte but I'm not afraid to turn a wrench.
If you have any other feedback or links to good write ups on this procedure please post those as well.
Thanks!
1. Do you agree it is probably the COP? What else could it be if not that? Do those COPs tend to go out with regular frequency or do they tend to last a lot longer than my 60K miles worth?
2. I plan to change all 8 cops and 8 plugs while in there. Planning to use oem motorcraft cops and autolite APP103 plugs. Any issue with the APP103 plugs? I have seen some say these come off the same line as the motorcraft ones. The issue I am more concerned about is if the metal at the threads and any finish on them is the same as the motorcraft ones??? This is to eliminate any dissimilar metal issues and links up with my next question.
3. Should I use any anti sieze on the plug threads? I am concerned about two things. One, is there any dissimilar metal issue between the plug threads and aluminum head that necessitates this? Secondly, how does this influence my torquing of the plugs?
4. What torque should I use for the plugs? I have seen 13 ft lbs. What about with any anti sieze?
5. What about grease on the plug boots? I have never worked on a vehicle with coil on plug design. Do the new boots come with grease and or should these boots be greased inside and should there be grease put on the plug porcelain as well? Any particular grease recommended?
6. What temp should the engine be when changing plugs? I was planning to do it warm to the touch but I've seen others recommend hot or cold.
7. Does the 03 expedition have the lower count of aluminum threads on the heads or was it revised by this point. Some are saying like only 4 threads but I've seen other posts saying it was revised and fixed by this time. Of course there is the whole other issue of plugs sticking and breaking off on the newer 3 valve engine. Not sure which is worse!
8. Is it bad for me to drive it like this at all before my parts come in? Just 6 miles to work and back for a few days? I actually already did yesterday and today. The car still runs but just not smoothly. I wasn't sure if the injectors keep spraying fuel in the cylinder and if it doesn't ignite if there is any risk of hydrolock or anything. Dumb question perhaps but I don't know the ins and outs of how everything works and figured I'd ask. Cars are not my forte but I'm not afraid to turn a wrench.
If you have any other feedback or links to good write ups on this procedure please post those as well.
Thanks!