Ecoboost Spark Plug Change

[MidwestBoater]

Just an FYI to anyone with an Ecoboost Expedition who plans to wait until the 100,000 mile change interval to replace their spark plugs.
I bought a one owner (not a rental) 2016 used back in November with 57,*** Miles on it, it was only a year and a half old, and judging by the condition of it this was highway miles with no passengers and no trailer towing. Lately i've noticed an occasional miss at idle, so since plugs are only $5.99 each and looked fairly simple to get to, I replaced them this weekend. The new plugs (OEM Motorcraft replacements) were pregapped to the factory specified .030, the plugs that came out were the originals and all had a gap of about .045, which is pretty darn wide considering they only have 62,*** miles on them and recommended change interval is 100,000 miles. With the new plugs the miss at idle is gone, it accelerates smoother, and pulls harder in the upper RPMs. Two thumbs up to an early spark plug change.

 

[Muddy Bean]

So I believe the new gap specification for our EB engines is down to .028 believe it or not. When I replace my plugs, that’s what I’ll be gapping them to. I need to do this. My truck is missing at idle too.


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[DF5.4]

I bought mine used with a little over 30K miles on it. I replaced the plugs at 38K and the gaps were all over the place. I’ve seen recommendations to replace them every 30K miles. The boost in these beats on the plugs. As easy as they are to get to I’m planning on at least checked them at 60K.


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[J Ski]

So I believe the new gap specification for our EB engines is down to .028 believe it or not. When I replace my plugs, that’s what I’ll be gapping them to. I need to do this. My truck is missing at idle too.


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Ive seen this number also but only for tuned vehicles. Called ford tech ppl today and they recommended .030

 

[J Ski]

What brands have you all used?

 

[edizzle]

Livernois recommended fomoco for my explorer so I bought the pre gapped units from them. But I was wondering if it would be worth trying an E3 or the like

 

[07xln]

E3 plugs are garbage. Stick with Motorcraft Iridiums or the equivalent.

 

[lbv150]

I haven't even looked at the plugs...are they easier to change than the 5.4 ?

 

[DF5.4]

I haven't even looked at the plugs...are they easier to change than the 5.4 ?

Much easier.


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[Ltmax]

Just changed the plugs on my 2017 Ecoboost and couldn't believe at only 40k miles the gaps had eroded 5-7 thousandths and plugs were really carboned up.

Didn't bother going to the dealer to try and get warranty coverage as it was only $42 and 20 minutes time to install the Motorcraft Iridium OE replacements.

Can't believe how much better it idles now and bet my mileage goes back up again. From now on I'm replacing these iridium plugs every 30-40k miles.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Just changed the plugs on my 2017 Ecoboost and couldn't believe at only 40k miles the gaps had eroded 5-7 thousandths and plugs were really carboned up.

Didn't bother going to the dealer to try and get warranty coverage as it was only $42 and 20 minutes time to install the Motorcraft Iridium OE replacements.

Can't believe how much better it idles now and bet my mileage goes back up again. From now on I'm replacing these iridium plugs every 30-40k miles.

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I have a 2015 Expediton Limited 4x4, purchased new, now with 40,*** miles. I live in the Midwest (sub-zero winters) and have had a slightly rough idle at cold start anytime the temperature is about 30 degrees F or cooler. The rough idle goes away after 30-60 seconds. I plan to change the original spark plugs soon. Any tips or suggestions?

Do you use Top Tier fuel?

Thank you.

 

[lbv150]

Just changed the plugs on my 2017 Ecoboost and couldn't believe at only 40k miles the gaps had eroded 5-7 thousandths and plugs were really carboned up.

Didn't bother going to the dealer to try and get warranty coverage as it was only $42 and 20 minutes time to install the Motorcraft Iridium OE replacements.

Can't believe how much better it idles now and bet my mileage goes back up again. From now on I'm replacing these iridium plugs every 30-40k miles.

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I haven't even looked were the plugs are. By your experience it sounds like they are easy to change unlike the 5.4?

 

[lbv150]

I have a 2015 Expediton Limited 4x4, purchased new, now with 40,*** miles. I live in the Midwest (sub-zero winters) and have had a slightly rough idle at cold start anytime the temperature is about 30 degrees F or cooler. The rough idle goes away after 30-60 seconds. I plan to change the original spark plugs soon. Any tips or suggestions?

Do you use Top Tier fuel?

Thank you.

I only run Top Tier Premium, Shell V-Power NiTRO+ to be exact and always add Marvel Mystery Oil for fuel system lube.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

So Ford is still having problems with the ecoboost, thought they might have it figured out by now. See the newest vehicle in this thread was a '16. Have a friend that is ordering a new '18 and as you guys know, one engine to choose. Hard to believe these trucks are 70,000 plus and only choice is the eco.

 

[lbv150]

So Ford is still having problems with the ecoboost, thought they might have it figured out by now. See the newest vehicle in this thread was a '16. Have a friend that is ordering a new '18 and as you guys know, one engine to choose. Hard to believe these trucks are 70,000 plus and only choice is the eco.

Love my '16, no complaints or problems! Just going to add the extended transmission dipstick and larger capacity cast aluminum pan.

 

[DF5.4]

So Ford is still having problems with the ecoboost, thought they might have it figured out by now. See the newest vehicle in this thread was a '16. Have a friend that is ordering a new '18 and as you guys know, one engine to choose. Hard to believe these trucks are 70,000 plus and only choice is the eco.

Spark plugs aren't a problem. They are a maintenance item. They are much easier than the modular motor. Any turbo motor will be hard on the plugs. A N/A V8 would be nice. Maybe the updated 5.0 will find its way into the Expedition. I love the EcoBoost in my 15.


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[Ltmax]

I haven't even looked were the plugs are. By your experience it sounds like they are easy to change unlike the 5.4?

Plugs are right under the engine cover, and extremely easy to change unlike the older engines. Only tips I have is to use a little anti seize and boot grease on the new ones and do them every 40k or so.

Been using good fuel but with as much carbon as there was on them, I guess it might be wise to add a bottle of techron fuel system cleaner every few months.

 

[jeff kushner]

Those plugs look VERY consistent....a good sign. I will turn 40K in the next week and despite building motorcycle engines, I HATE working on cars/trucks so I will likely swap out the plugs now to prevent seized plugs in 60K.

jeff

 

[GaryH2]

Don't forget that these are direct injection engines so you're going to see carbon on the plugs (and valves).

Just changed the plugs on my 2017 Ecoboost and couldn't believe at only 40k miles the gaps had eroded 5-7 thousandths and plugs were really carboned up.

Didn't bother going to the dealer to try and get warranty coverage as it was only $42 and 20 minutes time to install the Motorcraft Iridium OE replacements.

Can't believe how much better it idles now and bet my mileage goes back up again. From now on I'm replacing these iridium plugs every 30-40k miles.

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[07xln]

So Ford is still having problems with the ecoboost, thought they might have it figured out by now. See the newest vehicle in this thread was a '16. Have a friend that is ordering a new '18 and as you guys know, one engine to choose. Hard to believe these trucks are 70,000 plus and only choice is the eco.

What post in this thread lead you to believe the Ecoboost is "still" having problems? When has the Ecoboost had any problems at all? So its better to change the plugs sooner than later. I'd hardly call that a problem. As said earlier forced induction is going to be harder on plugs then NA, its just a fact.