Posts: 138
Joined: 9/10/2007 From: Fredericksburg, Virginia Status: offline
I have 70K miles on my 06, so I decided to take care of the plugs today. I used Sea Foam Deep Creep and followed the directions for plug removal. Once you back the plugs off 1/4 turn and cover the sparkplug hex nut with lubricant, you can see bubbles from the lubricant working its way down the plug. Although the TSB says 5-10 minutes, I let it soak at least 20 minutes each plug. All of them came out without breaking, although on one plug, the sheild was loose (I replaced it with an Autolite). It wasn't that bad of a chore. Although I have to admit, when you take that first 1/4 turn, you can hear and feel a crackling sound - like when you get a wisdom tooth pulled. Oh ya, all of them had quite a bit of carbon build up, but the Deep Creep I used turned it to a pasty subtance that I could wipe off with a rag.
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06 GT Vista Blue 64Ws Manual Sequentials 50F/35R Metallic Tint K&N Drop-in Air Filter JBA Shorty Headers JBA Exhaust BamaChips 87 Octane Tune
I looked up the one piece Champion plugs at Championsparkplugs.com for our cars and for all eight they want $152!!!! Wow! But if that would help prevent the chance of the not breaking by even 5% I think it would be plenty worth it for me. So I think Im probably gonna look into it a little more and see if there cheaper somewhere else. Also, I noticed on a bottle of Sea Foam that when you and it to your fuel its suspose to "clean carbon as you drive" so maybe it might help everyone who has high mileage I dont know though just a thought. I also got to thinking more about the plugs change myself when I read what kcmarti said about how the deep creep turn the carbon to just paste.
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2006 Vista Blue Coupe C&L CAI w/ Brenspeed SCT 92 oct tune FRPP 4.10s BMR & Spohn suspension Steeda Tri-Ax & UDP Bullet Motor Mounts Ford Racing GTA's Dennys Driveshaft
I have 70K miles on my 06, so I decided to take care of the plugs today. I used Sea Foam Deep Creep and followed the directions for plug removal. Once you back the plugs off 1/4 turn and cover the sparkplug hex nut with lubricant, you can see bubbles from the lubricant working its way down the plug. Although the TSB says 5-10 minutes, I let it soak at least 20 minutes each plug. All of them came out without breaking, although on one plug, the sheild was loose (I replaced it with an Autolite). It wasn't that bad of a chore. Although I have to admit, when you take that first 1/4 turn, you can hear and feel a crackling sound - like when you get a wisdom tooth pulled. Oh ya, all of them had quite a bit of carbon build up, but the Deep Creep I used turned it to a pasty subtance that I could wipe off with a rag.
Congrats kcmarti, sounds like you dodged a bullet on the plug with the loose shield. Hopefully you used the nickel anti-seize on the new plugs when you re-installed them. So you used Autolite HT's?
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2006 Premium GT Convertible Screaming Yellow, Black Top Black Leather Interior Upgrade Pkg. 5 Speed Side Airbags 18" "Fanblade Wheels" Shaker 500 Audio System CORSA Performance exhaust Brenspeed 87 octane tune MGW Shifter
I understand what your saying SCCAGT but I do not fully agree with you. I mean if I take my car to a Ford "certified" technician that has all the training and specialty tools for such an event as a spark plug breaking off then I believe they should have to make good on the fact that they are suppose to represent the Ford Motor Co. name, even if your warranty is up. I bet if they were cool enough technicians they could probably even help you out and bill at least some of it as being under warranty even its not. But if they did warn me about the possible outcome of the situation and it came down to me actually having to pay to get it fixed, then I sure as hell would not pay $2000 for them just to take the head off pop a couple pieces of spark plugs out and put it back on. I mean that is a down right ridiculous amount of money for some f@#ked up spark plugs. I would definitely become proficient when it came to removing and installing my own heads.
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whipple HO SC,FRPP springs, Pypes mid mufflers, Che adj. LCA, hurst, 4.10's, 1 piece DS, spec stg 2 clutch. Accel coils 12.52@117.6mph so far with a 2.01 60 ft time(pre shaft, coils, clutch).
So does anyone know the details about the champion plugs because I have looked everywhere and I cannnot find anything specific to the design, just that they are "enhanced over OE design". I would really like to know the differences. I mean I get that they are suspose to be one-piece but I still would like to know about how they went about making them one-piece. I think that I read somewhere the the OE plugs just have the shield crimped on, so it would make sense that if the Champions are a machined one-piece that they would be so damn expensive.
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2006 Vista Blue Coupe C&L CAI w/ Brenspeed SCT 92 oct tune FRPP 4.10s BMR & Spohn suspension Steeda Tri-Ax & UDP Bullet Motor Mounts Ford Racing GTA's Dennys Driveshaft
Posts: 138
Joined: 9/10/2007 From: Fredericksburg, Virginia Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Goldenpony
quote:
ORIGINAL: kcmarti
I have 70K miles on my 06, so I decided to take care of the plugs today. I used Sea Foam Deep Creep and followed the directions for plug removal. Once you back the plugs off 1/4 turn and cover the sparkplug hex nut with lubricant, you can see bubbles from the lubricant working its way down the plug. Although the TSB says 5-10 minutes, I let it soak at least 20 minutes each plug. All of them came out without breaking, although on one plug, the sheild was loose (I replaced it with an Autolite). It wasn't that bad of a chore. Although I have to admit, when you take that first 1/4 turn, you can hear and feel a crackling sound - like when you get a wisdom tooth pulled. Oh ya, all of them had quite a bit of carbon build up, but the Deep Creep I used turned it to a pasty subtance that I could wipe off with a rag.
Congrats kcmarti, sounds like you dodged a bullet on the plug with the loose shield. Hopefully you used the nickel anti-seize on the new plugs when you re-installed them. So you used Autolite HT's?
I dodged the "sparkplug broke off in the head" bullet. But found out today that two additional plugs, while not visually damaged (nor could I twist the heat sheild like on the one I replaced) were not working correctly - it felt like I was running on 6-7 cylinders and kept getting P0353 and P0354 codes. So I replaced all the plugs ( and yes I did use the anti-seize as advised) and now everything is back to normal.
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06 GT Vista Blue 64Ws Manual Sequentials 50F/35R Metallic Tint K&N Drop-in Air Filter JBA Shorty Headers JBA Exhaust BamaChips 87 Octane Tune
Posts: 138
Joined: 9/10/2007 From: Fredericksburg, Virginia Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: CBSTANG
So does anyone know the details about the champion plugs because I have looked everywhere and I cannnot find anything specific to the design, just that they are "enhanced over OE design". I would really like to know the differences. I mean I get that they are suspose to be one-piece but I still would like to know about how they went about making them one-piece. I think that I read somewhere the the OE plugs just have the shield crimped on, so it would make sense that if the Champions are a machined one-piece that they would be so damn expensive.
The Champions are indeed one peice and more expensive. They (Pep Boy, Advanced Auto, and AutoZone) now have them lsted in their computers for $16.98 each - compared to $10.98 and $11.98 for the Autolite Platinum and Double Platinum. Only Pep Boys could order, but that would have been a weeks wait and my GT is my DD.
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06 GT Vista Blue 64Ws Manual Sequentials 50F/35R Metallic Tint K&N Drop-in Air Filter JBA Shorty Headers JBA Exhaust BamaChips 87 Octane Tune
So does anyone know the details about the champion plugs because I have looked everywhere and I cannnot find anything specific to the design, just that they are "enhanced over OE design". I would really like to know the differences. I mean I get that they are suspose to be one-piece but I still would like to know about how they went about making them one-piece. I think that I read somewhere the the OE plugs just have the shield crimped on, so it would make sense that if the Champions are a machined one-piece that they would be so damn expensive.
The Champions are indeed one peice and more expensive. They (Pep Boy, Advanced Auto, and AutoZone) now have them lsted in their computers for $16.98 each - compared to $10.98 and $11.98 for the Autolite Platinum and Double Platinum. Only Pep Boys could order, but that would have been a weeks wait and my GT is my DD.
Consider yourself lucky. I went to Pep Boys and they could not tell what plugs of ANY BRAND would fit my '08 GT. Time to punt I thought, so I went to the dealership. They also could not tell me what plugs were correct for the '08 GT. Nothing yet in the computer, but PROBABLY the same plugs as the '07, but just an educated guess. They then tried to sell me a set of the Motorcraft SP-462's, which fit the '07 and will probably turn out to be correct for the '08 as well, but at $16.80 each, I chose to seek my fortunes elsewhere.
What a predicament, my new car has less than 300 miles on the clock, and it's covered up in the garage because I'm afraid to drive it until I can pull the f!@#$%^& plugs and install a new set with antisieze because of a design flaw. I've bought seven(7) new Ford vehicles in my lifetime and still own three of them, two of which are 3V's. After today I'm considering trading them all in on a couple of MOPAR's, a place I've never been before, but it couldn't be worse than this Clusterf@#$!
Apparently Carburetor Cleaner is now specified instead of Aerokroil and the engine is to be at room temperature (instead of warm).
Have a set of the new Champion plugs on order and will use this revised TSB. I only have 11,000 miles on my '06 so I am hoping plug change will be uneventful.
ORIGINAL: cadillo They then tried to sell me a set of the Motorcraft SP-462's, which fit the '07 and will probably turn out to be correct for the '08 as well, but at $16.80 each, I chose to seek my fortunes elsewhere.
Advance Auto Parts has the Motorcraft SP-462's for about $7 each. I just bought 8 of them for about $56. I'm not using anything that isn't factory recommended while I'm in warranty.
Apparently Carburetor Cleaner is now specified instead of Aerokroil and the engine is to be at room temperature (instead of warm).
Have a set of the new Champion plugs on order and will use this revised TSB. I only have 11,000 miles on my '06 so I am hoping plug change will be uneventful.
Probably folks were locking the engine with the other stuff. Carb cleaner goes down easy.
********Another thing worth mentioning is that the TSB is for engines built BEFORE 10-07 which suggests anti seize was used on newer engines*****************
< Message edited by GidyupGo -- 3/5/2008 11:22:33 AM >
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, 3.31, Auto, 18" Fanblades, Interior Upgrade, Active Anti-Theft, Side Bags, Leather, K&N Drop-in, Splash Guards, 14" Antenna, Rolled Tips, Born on date...3/07
I feel a lot more comfortable with the instructions in this revised TSB. Wasn't thrilled previously with soaking the plugs with Aerokroil and taking the change of it possibly screwing up the engine. Carb clean, hey no problem.
I am though uncertain about the required gap. On the sparkplugs.com site, they list an OE gap of .045" for the Autolite plug and .054" for the new Champion plug. I guess I would have thought that a gap for a particular application would be exactly the same for any manufacturer's plug listed for that application. I am assuming this thinking is incorrect and that I should use the listed .054 gap on the Champion plugs.
quote:
ORIGINAL: GidyupGo
quote:
ORIGINAL: Kryten
Looks like there is a revised TSB for plug removal (superseeds TSB 06-15-2):
Apparently Carburetor Cleaner is now specified instead of Aerokroil and the engine is to be at room temperature (instead of warm).
Have a set of the new Champion plugs on order and will use this revised TSB. I only have 11,000 miles on my '06 so I am hoping plug change will be uneventful.
Probably folks were locking the engine with the other stuff. Carb cleaner goes down easy.
********Another thing worth mentioning is that the TSB is for engines built BEFORE 10-07 which suggests anti seize was used on newer engines*****************
I feel a lot more comfortable with the instructions in this revised TSB. Wasn't thrilled previously with soaking the plugs with Aerokroil and taking the change of it possibly screwing up the engine. Carb clean, hey no problem.
I am though uncertain about the required gap. On the sparkplugs.com site, they list an OE gap of .045" for the Autolite plug and .054" for the new Champion plug. I guess I would have thought that a gap for a particular application would be exactly the same for any manufacturer's plug listed for that application. I am assuming this thinking is incorrect and that I should use the listed .054 gap on the Champion plugs.
quote:
ORIGINAL: GidyupGo
quote:
ORIGINAL: Kryten
Looks like there is a revised TSB for plug removal (superseeds TSB 06-15-2):
Apparently Carburetor Cleaner is now specified instead of Aerokroil and the engine is to be at room temperature (instead of warm).
Have a set of the new Champion plugs on order and will use this revised TSB. I only have 11,000 miles on my '06 so I am hoping plug change will be uneventful.
Probably folks were locking the engine with the other stuff. Carb cleaner goes down easy.
********Another thing worth mentioning is that the TSB is for engines built BEFORE 10-07 which suggests anti seize was used on newer engines*****************
Thanks for the info. Be sure and let us know how those Champions work. A lot of us are considering them next plug change. As for gap, I'd use whatever it says in the owners manual, regardless of the brand. Good luck buddy!
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2006 Premium GT Convertible Screaming Yellow, Black Top Black Leather Interior Upgrade Pkg. 5 Speed Side Airbags 18" "Fanblade Wheels" Shaker 500 Audio System CORSA Performance exhaust Brenspeed 87 octane tune MGW Shifter
Posts: 411
Joined: 11/6/2006 From: Kansas City Status: offline
I put this in the other thread about changing plugs, but thought I would add it here since this thread is staying on top. Its been my experience at my shop, along with other shops, that Champions do not work well in Fords. I dont have a clue as to why, I mean jeez, its just a plug. But the several times I used Champions, all came back about 2-3 months later with misfires. Found out after that, it is a common occurance. I no longer use Champions in Fords. If this plug does not do that, great. That means we have a better designed replacement plug for our cars. All I know is, they wont be going in my Stang until many others have proven otherwise. Sorry if it seems I am smashing everyones hope over this. I honestly hope they work well.
As far as worrying about hydrolocking using certain penetrants, you can always give the car a turn of the key without plugs installed, and whatever fluid is in the cylinders will come out.
ORIGINAL: SCCAGT As far as worrying about hydrolocking using certain penetrants, you can always give the car a turn of the key without plugs installed, and whatever fluid is in the cylinders will come out.
I've read that before, but for some reason it scares me. It's safe to do that? How long should I turn the key for? The fluids will come out of the spark plug hole?
Yes, the fluid will come out, but you need to pull the fuel pump fuse before hand. It won't take more than a second of cranking the engine to clear the cylinder. It really takes more than you would think. 1/2 teaspoon is completely safe. Someone who has a 10-07 or later engine build needs to chime in and tell us if they have anti seize on their stock plugs.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, 3.31, Auto, 18" Fanblades, Interior Upgrade, Active Anti-Theft, Side Bags, Leather, K&N Drop-in, Splash Guards, 14" Antenna, Rolled Tips, Born on date...3/07
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RE: Scary Plug Change - 
