Spark plugs - I'm a little confused about what to buy

[postwick]

I've got a 2007 Expedition with 185k miles and need to replace the plugs and coils. Consensus seems to be it would be unlikely the original two piece plugs are still in it. Either way, I'll have the extractor tool on hand when I do it just in case I need it.

So my question is.. What the hell spark plugs do I buy? Looking on Amazon etc all I see is ones that look exactly like the OEM crap plugs. I want something that won't be an issue to remove down the line if it's ever needed.

Doing some reading I think the Champion plugs are one piece.

So, these are what I want?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IEAAX3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_962MJ7RV19S4RSX56Z6A

 

[postwick]

Oh and I suppose I should also ask... Which coils are recommended?

 

[postwick]

BTW, the reason I figure I need to change the plugs and coils is when I'm driving at expressway speeds at a constant speed, especially on a slight decline, I can feel the engine stutter. Very noticeable using the cruise control, when it's at that point where it's just giving a little throttle to maintain speed. Under power when accelerating or going uphill I don't feel it.

 

[Trainmaster]

Your coils should last the life of the truck. If you want to change them by throwing parts at it rather than diagnose your problem, and have $320 to burn, buy Motorcraft. Sure, you can buy eight those neon-green Chinese coils on Amazon for $35, but you'll be chasing a miss until you sell the truck.

I'd install Motorcraft (SP-546) spark plugs and be done with it. They are $9 each and are no longer the two-part nightmares the truck was built with. Probably any major brand will do, but avoid the counterfeits that are often found on line.

Change the plugs. The gaps are worn too large. If the problem persists, seek out and replace the offending coil. I'll bet the plugs solve the problem and the coils are fine.

And see what others chime in about this...

 

[Hamfisted]

Champion ? Yuck. I don't even use them in my lawn mower anymore. The Motorcraft SP-546 is what you want. See what the condition of your coil boots are. They usually give up before the actual coil does. Like Train said, Motorcraft if you need them. Anything else is a Chinese crap shoot.



Sparkplugs: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2007,expedition,5.4l+v8,1433530,ignition,spark+plug,7212

Sparkplug Sockets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EGK4/ref=emc_b_5_i

7mm FlexHead Coil Bolt Wrench: https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-WRN57...1613780574&s=hi&sprefix=7mm+,tools,202&sr=1-3

 

[JExpedition07]

SP-546 Motorcraft plugs. Most auto parts stores will carry them.

 

[postwick]

Champion ? Yuck. I don't even use them in my lawn mower anymore. The Motorcraft SP-546 is what you want. See what the condition of your coil boots are. They usually give up before the actual coil does. Like Train said, Motorcraft if you need them. Anything else is a Chinese crap shoot.



Sparkplugs: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2007,expedition,5.4l+v8,1433530,ignition,spark+plug,7212

Sparkplug Sockets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EGK4/ref=emc_b_5_i

7mm FlexHead Coil Bolt Wrench: https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-WRN57107-Flex-Head-Ratcheting-Combination/dp/B01F5122NQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=12QOC0U3A1DS5&dchild=1&keywords=7mm+ratcheting+wrench&qid=1613780574&s=hi&sprefix=7mm+,tools,202&sr=1-3

Why put in the two piece plugs that are an enormous problem to get out? This is why I'm confused. My understanding is there are better plugs available now (14 years later).

 

[Thunderbirdsport]

I put SP509 in mine.

(Must be model year differences...the 509s were recommended OEM replacements for mine. They are not the 2 piece. Mine's an '11, so probably differences. Carry on.)

 

[Thunderbirdsport]

Why put in the two piece plugs that are an enormous problem to get out? This is why I'm confused. My understanding is there are better plugs available now (14 years later).

The 546 is a one piece plug

This THREAD may clear the air a little..

 

[Hamfisted]

Why put in the two piece plugs that are an enormous problem to get out? This is why I'm confused. My understanding is there are better plugs available now (14 years later).

I really shouldn't bad mouth Champions. They've been around a long time. Accel offers some 1-piece plugs too, but they're straight copper instead of platinum or other magic metal.
Haven't heard of the SP-546s breaking off in the heads like the old original designs did. Here's a Ford TSB on replacing the plugs. They recommend a nickel anti-seize on that lower section. http://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_08-7-6.pdf
I gave you a link to a 5/8" sparkplug socket set earlier. But your plugs are 9/16" hex, sorry.

https://www.amazon.com/LEXIVON-Swivel-Enhanced-Magnetic-LX-123/dp/B07M9ZB15D/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2NHXGXAYDATN4&dchild=1&keywords=9/16+spark+plug+socket+magnetic+deep&qid=1613784330&sprefix=9/16+spark,aps,171&sr=8-21

 

[postwick]

I really shouldn't bad mouth Champions. They've been around a long time. Accel offers some 1-piece plugs too, but they're straight copper instead of platinum or other magic metal.
Haven't heard of the SP-546s breaking off in the heads like the old original designs did. Here's a Ford TSB on replacing the plugs. They recommend a nickel anti-seize on that lower section. http://www.aa1car.com/library/ford_tsb_08-7-6.pdf
I gave you a link to a 5/8" sparkplug socket set earlier. But your plugs are 9/16" hex, sorry.

https://www.amazon.com/LEXIVON-Swivel-Enhanced-Magnetic-LX-123/dp/B07M9ZB15D/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2NHXGXAYDATN4&dchild=1&keywords=9/16+spark+plug+socket+magnetic+deep&qid=1613784330&sprefix=9/16+spark,aps,171&sr=8-21

My dad worked in dealership parts departments all his life. Had a Champion jacket. Used to give me a toy Champion truck every year (I figure the Champion rep handed them out). I suppose because of that I trust the brand, but that was a looong time ago and it wouldn't be the first time a once solid brand went downhill.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Change those boots and springs. I had my plugs changed at Ford and they put back the crusty old boots and I had misfires until I changed them out. False economy considering what I paid Ford.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

[postwick]

Thanks for all the advice. I tend to consider plugs and coils to be a maintenance item - peace of mind. Easy to do, and then I don't have to worry about an issue down the road considering I bought a 14 year old truck with 184k miles on it.

I figured if I have to take the coils off to do the plugs I might as well put new coils back on. I didn't know they are actually two parts - the coil and boot separate. I'll do the plugs and boots and report back here for others' reference if it solves the issue.

 

[postwick]

Change those boots and springs. I had my plugs changed at Ford and they put back the crusty old boots and I had misfires until I changed them out. False economy considering what I paid Ford.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

Springs?

Edit: never mind, I see what they are now

 

[joethefordguy]

Here are three replacements for the Ford two-piece booby trap.
FWIW, it took forever to find this - i went through almost a dozen stories about the dreaded POS plug; all talked about the problems with the two piece design, and NOT ONE mentioned a replacement.
I saw several articles talking about how to remove the broken plugs, they all began with “loosen the plug 1/4 turn”... duh!!!!! If we could loosen the plug, we could get the GD thing out!!!!

Do these asshats bother to read what they are typing?

 

[Trainmaster]

As Ham and Jamaica said, change the boots with the plugs. About $40; money well spent. When you get them out you'll see how crappy they look. Dielectric grease on each end of the contact spring and on the inside of the boot. Coils aren't a maintenance item.

 

[Robert Phillips]

Have 260+ miles on my 07 Expedition EL. I have replace and used the 546 as well. However your second statement says it stutters going down the rd. I am assuming you have the 5.4 triton?? If you are doing the work yourself then replacing at that mileage (which I did) is the first place I went to and it did not solve the stutter. At that mileage it very well could be the timing chain assembly that the 5.4 Triton Engine are know to "wear out" even if you are religious about oil changes. Don't discount the timing chain assembly from being the culprit. Your describing exactly what I went thru and some buddies that have a 5.4 went thru as well.

 

[JExpedition07]

Here are three replacements for the Ford two-piece booby trap.
FWIW, it took forever to find this - i went through almost a dozen stories about the dreaded POS plug; all talked about the problems with the two piece design, and NOT ONE mentioned a replacement.
I saw several articles talking about how to remove the broken plugs, they all began with “loosen the plug 1/4 turn”... duh!!!!! If we could loosen the plug, we could get the GD thing out!!!!

Do these asshats bother to read what they are typing?

View attachment 40498

You are so clueless I don’t even know where to start. Wow.

 

[postwick]

You are so clueless I don’t even know where to start. Wow.

Is it supposed to be helpful to call people names and then give zero actual information nor explanation?

 

[postwick]

Have 260+ miles on my 07 Expedition EL. I have replace and used the 546 as well. However your second statement says it stutters going down the rd. I am assuming you have the 5.4 triton?? If you are doing the work yourself then replacing at that mileage (which I did) is the first place I went to and it did not solve the stutter. At that mileage it very well could be the timing chain assembly that the 5.4 Triton Engine are know to "wear out" even if you are religious about oil changes. Don't discount the timing chain assembly from being the culprit. Your describing exactly what I went thru and some buddies that have a 5.4 went thru as well.

Yes it's the 5.4 Triton. When you say you had the same symptoms... Stutter only at highway speeds at minimal throttle?