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

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postwick

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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
 
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postwick

postwick

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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

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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

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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



SP546-ZZ1__ra_p.jpg
 
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postwick

postwick

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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



SP546-ZZ1__ra_p.jpg


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

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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.)
 

Hamfisted

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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
 
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