spark plug issues on S197

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spark plug issues on S197

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Mustang Forums >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Saleen, Roush and Boss Mustangs >> spark plug issues on S197

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spark plug issues on S197 - 5/3/2008 9:32:21 AM

tim281

Posts: 58
Joined: 3/16/2006
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I see a bunch of information online stating that the S197 spark plugs get stuck in the heads due to carbon build up and no antisieze on the plugs. Have you all removed your plugs and applied antisieze on them to prevent future problems?
There is a special service procedure instructing how to remove them properly to try and prevent the breakage of the plug in the heads. They even have a special tool to remove the broken plugs so you know this has got to be a big issue.
I am guessing I should probably do mine since I have about 14k on the clock.

What are peoples thoughts on the champion plugs? I think they can't break off in the head like the factory ones.

_____________________________

Tim
05 S281 #122 (brakes and chrome), Saleen S/C, 3.4 JDM tune & intake

Post #: 1

RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/4/2008 8:21:09 AM

07_427R

Posts: 228
Joined: 3/23/2007
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I gather you are refering to the Champion 7989 plugs? They would be a great replacement for any car that runs the stock plugs and stock heat range. They aren't recommended for the supercharged cars that may require a colder heat range plug.

(in reply to tim281)

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/4/2008 8:57:42 AM

S281 E

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For supercharged cars the ford autolites are good.

(in reply to 07_427R)

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/4/2008 9:18:48 AM

07_427R

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Joined: 3/23/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: S281 E

For supercharged cars the ford autolites are good.

He's not refering to a particular brand but a newly designed plug that takes care of the issues that are cropping up with some higher mileage 3 valve engine plug removal. TSB 08-7-6. All the current OEM plugs including the autolites are of a 2 piece design. These newly designed Champion plugs are specifically built to fix the design flaws of the OEM plugs and Ford has designed their heads for mid 2008 with a different plug design. The TSB covers issues on how to remove the OEM plugs, coat them with antiseize and also how to remove broken plugs if that occurs. The Champion 7989 plugs will eliminate the breaking issues seen with the OEM plugs. Problem is Federal Mogul doesn't have any plans to build any other 'alternate' colder heat range one piece plugs that supercharged cars need. Brisk sells a one piece one colder heat range plug. Several guys that work in dealerships have said for the most part the bigger plug breaking issues are on most cars/trucks with 50,000 or more but I have seen several guys on forums pull theirs with less then 30,00 and they are breaking them. Not sure if its operator error or the plugs but it is happening.

Broken plugs

Too much antizseize

TSB 08-7-6

(in reply to S281 E)

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/4/2008 5:54:32 PM

tim281

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Joined: 3/16/2006
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great info.

I may have to go with the Champion 7989 plugs. I am thinking about going to the 3.6" Saleen pulley for higher boost and I think that pulley size is about the limit for the stock heat range plugs??

I know JDM has some autolites that are one heat range colder and they can pre-gap them.

_____________________________

Tim
05 S281 #122 (brakes and chrome), Saleen S/C, 3.4 JDM tune & intake

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/4/2008 9:28:15 PM

cbgammel05

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i had this problem when changing out my plugs for colder ones...antiseize ftw

pain in the butt getting them out tho!

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2006 S-281 SC #1244
"So you have enemies? good, that means you stood up for something at some point in your life."

(in reply to tim281)

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/5/2008 4:12:21 AM

sowaxeman

Posts: 3897
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Indianapolis, IN
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Man guys, thanks for this info

This is the first I have heard of this....I will be pulling mine out and replacing them with the Champs next winter! With only 4k on the clock I'm hoping I won't have any breakage issues to worry about

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Saleen Club Of America - Central Region Director
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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/5/2008 3:51:10 PM

07_427R

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Joined: 3/23/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: tim281

I know JDM has some autolites that are one heat range colder and they can pre-gap them.

Those probably are the old two piece design. I'd call them before you make a purchase.

The only two plugs that I know of that have the new solid/one piece design that eliminates the breaking issue are the Champion 7989 plugs for normally aspirated cars and the Brisk 3VR14S for 450+- HP supercharged cars. I'm sure there will be others coming to market in the future.

Brisk one piece plug design: Notice from the threads all the way to the electroide is all one piece. The Autolites and other factory plugs are crimped where that beveled area is and thats where its breakling when you try to remove it.

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/9/2008 10:46:03 PM

S281 E

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Thanks for the clarification. I think I'll change mine before I run into any breaking issues in the future.

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/10/2008 10:18:04 AM

slammer1

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Joined: 11/21/2006
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If anyone changes to the 1 piece Champions make sure you pull them every year and clean them up & re anti-seize them! If you leave them in to long with alot of carbon buildup below the threads you will just tear out your threads if you force them out!!!

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/10/2008 12:21:35 PM

07_427R

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quote:

ORIGINAL: slammer1

If anyone changes to the 1 piece Champions make sure you pull them every year and clean them up & re anti-seize them! If you leave them in to long with alot of carbon buildup below the threads you will just tear out your threads if you force them out!!!

How many miles per year are you calculating that advice on?

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RE: spark plug issues on S197 - 5/10/2008 1:26:37 PM

slammer1

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I would say 10-12,000 should be a safe range.

(in reply to 07_427R)

Post #: 12