Which Spark Plugs for the 5.4 SOHC?

[Zap Rowsdower]

I recently bought a 2004 EB 5.4. I've been searching the forums about replacing the coils and spark plugs so I aware of what entails. However I'm confused about which spark plugs I need. I brought it into the dealership today for something unrelated but I was told I have the SOHC engine.

I went to AutoZone to look at the prices of spark plugs and I couldn't get a definite answer as to which spark plugs the engine used (extended length or standard). Both options appeared on the screen.

My question to the 2nd generation community is how do I find out which spark plugs my engine uses. Thanks for any help on this matter in advance.

-Zowsdower

 

[Hamfisted]

I would go to RockAuto Parts Catalog and order a set of either the Motorcraft SP479 plugs, or the NGK or Bosch platinums. Avoid Autolite or Champion plugs. If you're not getting any misfire codes right now I imagine your coils are fine. But if you WANT to replace them they are also available from RockAuto at good prices. Get the Motorcraft or Airtex coils, avoid the Chinese crap they sell at Autozone or Advance Auto stores, they don't last. When you order the plugs might be worth it to order one or two coils as spares in case you find you need them later.



-Mike





This is a Motorcraft plug of the type used in the 2V motors ....

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

you can always pull one of the easy ones out and check it that way too.
just ensure you torque it correctly on reinstall.

PanHandler.

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

Well my whole issue is that Ford produced the 2v and the 3v 5.4 engine in 2004. With that being said how do I know for sure which V8 I have?
The guy at AutoZone said the easiest way to find out would be to pull out one of the spark plugs BUT if it is the 3v 5.4 odds are the plugs are the 2 piece motorcraft ones. If I'm not prepared then I'm kinda screwed!
Is there any number or letter in the VIN that would let me know?

-Rowsdower

 

[Hamfisted]

For the 2004 model year Ford still used the 2V motor in the Expedition. Starting with the '05 MY they went to the 3V motor. Your 8th digit in your VIN number should be "L" signifying the 5.4L 2V motor. You can find a VIN decoder from Ford here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/pdfs/VIN2004.pdf




-Mike



Ford Decoder Link: https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/default.asp

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

Awesome! Thanks for the help guys!

 

[GAINMOB]

motorcraft

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

What kind of plugs should I get if I get the ACCEL Super Coils?
From what I've read they are reliable. I'd just like to know which plugs work the best with them.

 

[Hamfisted]

What kind of plugs should I get if I get the ACCEL Super Coils?
From what I've read they are reliable. I'd just like to know which plugs work the best with them.

Don't waste your money. The new Accels are Chinese knockoffs of the old Accels. IF you need new coils just get the Motorcraft from Rock Auto.


-Mike

 

[GAINMOB]

motorcraft

+1 ^^^...what he said

 

[tallsville]

5.4l sp-479

4.6l sp-413

http://www.fordparts.com/Commerce/C...ition&initSearch=1&keyword=spark plugs#Search

 

[Whack]

+1 ^^^...what he said

+2

Motorcraft coils and plugs are what I'd recommend.

Accels might be better, but the longevity (miles they last) can be in question.

Granatelli Motor Sports makes some too, but these seems a bit more for racing and forced induction.

Also, I'm glad you chose the name of the greatest Canadian Hero I know!

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

No problem! I too wish to find the Ziox civilization just like Zap and Tory did!

I am leaning more towards getting better performance out of the 5.4 engine. Currently it has a rough idle and I am looking into doing a tune up to have a peace of mind that I've done it and from what I've read doing the spark plugs and coils will help with this.
The reason why I brought up the Accel coils is because I've read they helped with performance issues such as the idle and hesitation.

 

[Hamfisted]

Just a simple tune up will probably help with those issues. New plugs, clean the throttle body, throw in a couple cans of Berryman's Chemtool in the gas tank to clean up the fuel system too. You can find Chemtool at your local Walmart for about $3 a can. How's the air filter look ? When's the last time the fuel filter was changed? Are you getting any miss-fire codes right now? When you change the plugs inspect the coil boots and replace any boots that are cracked or torn up. Put some dielectric grease in the boot ends to seal out moisture between the plug and coil contact spring.
Accel coils aren't going to do anything for you that the stock Motorcraft coils don't do, except empty your wallet a lot faster.


-Mike

 

[Whack]

I'd look to Seafoam it too...

There are two ways to get it in:
-Introducing it to the intake
-Put in fuel tank

They make a special kit/can to get it in the intake:

Buy Sea Foam Spray Cleaner and Lube (14 oz.) SS14 at Advance Auto Parts

This allows the seafoam to do some work on the throttle body, upper intake, and runners.

Gas tank method can do a little work on injectors and do serious work the combustion chamber.

The intake method will smoke out the neighborhood so be careful.

Hamfisted's Berryman's Chemtool call would work well too... I'd go Berryman's - Seafoam - Berryman's over the next three tanks of gas.

Don't mix them in the same tank, but back to back to back tanks will do wonders on fuel system, injectors, the combustion chamber.

When done with this treatment, a replacement of the fuel filter would be a good call if it have over 20000 miles. Berryman's by it's very nature can knock stuff loose in the tank, and if it gets picked up the fuel filter can take a hit.

 

[districk81]

I have a2000 EB 5.4 and ijust changed my plugs and my intake I put in the same motorcraft plugs that came out of it. They weren't nearly as hard to change as everyone said they were going to be.

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

My first concern was that I might have the 3v 5.4 V8 with those extended length spark plugs that break. I’m glad I got feedback from the 2nd Gen Expedition community that my V8 was the 2v version. Now that I got that out of the way I’m looking forward to changing the spark plugs and coils.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

i had the dealership put in motorcraft plugs. I did this, as thats what worked good enough from the factory. are they expensive? hell yes, but IMHO they fit the best and work the best. I had the dealer do all new spark plugs, new fuel filter, new pcv and clear out codes for $350ish

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

IMHO, if you know what parts you want installed, buy them where you want first, and then have them installed. make sure you ask for your old parts in return...just saying as you never know.

PanHandler.

 

[ArtGamer60]

I am going to go with E3's from personal experience , the same reach as far I know , Ran smoother , with better mileage , and more power , there are alot of nay sayers out there , they do come w/ a 5 year / 100,000 mile warranty as well . ( $6 a piece ) I think it is more of a personal preference ...

Motorcraft plugs:
AGSF=full thread
AWSF=half thread
12,22,32,42=heat range(lower is colder)
C=Copper
P,PP,E,EE,EG=platinum
FM,FM1=fine wire platinum

Modular engine spark plugs are all the same .708" reach, 14mm thread, taper seat plugs.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20553438-Tech-E3-Sparkplugs-15000-Mile-Review