Coil and plug recommendations

[HawaiiFiveOh]

2016, I’ve got a misfire on cylinder 2. I replaced the coil with one from the local parts store and the problem is still there. Going to move coils around to see if I can move the problem.

I’m probably going to order a motorcraft coil but was curious if anyone recommends any other brands, noticed an NGK coil when looking on Rockauto.

Plugs replaced about 20k ago but we did pull a camper a decent amount this year so I’m thinking about new plugs also. Are the NGK ruthenium the go to plug nowadays?

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

2016, I’ve got a misfire on cylinder 2. I replaced the coil with one from the local parts store and the problem is still there. Going to move coils around to see if I can move the problem.

I’m probably going to order a motorcraft coil but was curious if anyone recommends any other brands, noticed an NGK coil when looking on Rockauto.

Plugs replaced about 20k ago but we did pull a camper a decent amount this year so I’m thinking about new plugs also. Are the NGK ruthenium the go to plug nowadays?

I would only use OEM Motorcraft coils and plugs.

No matter what brand of vehicle I have owned, I have always used OEM parts for critical components.

 

[Trainmaster]

I naturally agree with Coupe. Motorcraft, especially with coils and plugs. There may be some good aftermarket parts out there but every day it seems former good brands are turning to imported garbage, especially for older models.

 

[JasonH]

Check the gap on your plugs. Towing is hard on plugs since the engine runs more boost and elevates cylinder pressures. Even if you recently replaced the plugs, the gaps may not have been set properly at the factory or may have opened up. It's the easiest and cheapest way to resolve a misfire. I think the correct range is .028 to .030.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Check the gap on your plugs. Towing is hard on plugs since the engine runs more boost and elevates cylinder pressures. Even if you recently replaced the plugs, the gaps may not have been set properly at the factory or may have opened up. It's the easiest and cheapest way to resolve a misfire. I think the correct range is .028 to .030.

GM has issued a TSB instructing people to NOT change the gap on new iridium spark plugs - as the adjustment can damage the iridium coating on the tip. The TSB instructs mechanics to check the gap, and if not correct, return the spark plug (as they are pre gapped during manufacturing).

I’d suspect the same caution would apply to any Motorcraft spark plug with an iridium tip, even if it was removed from an engine after use to be checked.

 

[StephenOsborne1]

IME, mod motors and Ecoboost only like Motorcraft plugs. Coils are ok to use Denso or whatever stock replacement is available at the parts store.

 

[ArtGon6]

I just fixed this same issue. You have to go with Motorcraft plugs and coils. Aftermarket replacements don't cut it for Ford.

 

[wk99]

I agree with most on here. The Motorcraft plugs are your best bet. I'm in the process of changing mine and went with the Motorcraft Double Platinum plugs. I have over 100k on the current set and gas mileage and performance have suffered. Although it could be my 33" tires and 4.56 gears lol. I've already taken the old ones out and they don't look bad but do have quite a bit of build-up on them. I watch https://www.youtube.com/@FordTechMakuloco this dude on youtube and he recommends using OEM ford parts, especially coil-on plugs. He showed where an Ecoboost F150 had replaced their OEM coils with either aftermarket Accel or NGK coils and one of them went bad pretty quickly. Guy was getting a misfire on one of his cylinders. He put the OEM coil back in and it ran smoothly. I was thinking of going aftermarket with coils since I have 171,000 miles with the current ones but changed my mind after watching the video. After pulling my originals out, the boot looks practically brand new. I'll just clean up the tops before re-installing them. Like one gentleman mentioned before, hard to know what aftermarket stuff is good anymore. Not to mention most of the stuff they claim might be sales gimmicks. I'm in the mindset that if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it. I'll stick with Ford Coils and replace them as needed. Seems like the consensus is stick with Ford parts. Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Ford has identified counterfeit OEM Ford parts, including spark plugs and ignition coils, being sold through retailers such as Amazon: https://fordauthority.com/2022/10/ford-files-trademark-infringement-lawsuit-over-counterfeit-parts/

For those that buy OEM Ford parts - make sure you trust the place you purchase them.

I buy my critical OEM parts from a dealer and a Motorcraft jobber - to ensure I get the real deal.

 

[plumcolr]

Did you pull and check the plug? Look for tracking on the plug porcelain? Check the coil boot carefully? All of the above should be done before throwing parts at it.

 

[muskytom]

Ford has identified counterfeit OEM Ford parts, including spark plugs and ignition coils, being sold through retailers such as Amazon: https://fordauthority.com/2022/10/ford-files-trademark-infringement-lawsuit-over-counterfeit-parts/

For those that buy OEM Ford parts - make sure you trust the place you purchase them.

I buy my critical OEM parts from a dealer and a Motorcraft jobber - to ensure I get the real deal.

I'll second that and read a similar article a while back. I specifically recalled the counterfeits with plugs and also bagged components. Also reiterate with the rest here to stick with OEM/Motorcraft. While my previous non-Ford vehicles might have been more accepting of aftermarket, my 3 Expeditions got nothing but Motorcraft from parts to especially fluids (except oil/filter). Cost is sometimes a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but I know I won't have to go back and do it a second time. As for avoiding the counterfeits (and for best price), I've been treated well with R*auto for parts

 

[jcdeal]

Definitely check your plugs. I ended up with counterfeit ones. I bought Motorcraft plugs on amazon for my fusion hybrid. 7k miles later I had a misfire. I was swapping coils between cylinders and scratching my head. Checked the plugs and gap had went from 0.05 to 0.08 in those 7k miles. All plugs were almost that bad. I actually re-gapped and ran without issues for a few days until I could get good plugs. Compared them in detail to known good Motorcraft plugs and the only visible difference I could see was a green paint dot on the top. I am guessing the paint was an indication of inspection or something else.

On another note I tow with my 2017 expedition and I would say after ~30k miles the idle is rougher and new plugs has addressed it twice now.

 

[Motorcity muscle]

OEM coils are very durable, keep them if good, watch the springs inside boots they can corrode. Rock Auto is the source for parts, no issues.