E3 Plugs in a Ford Contour

[Propflux01]

I have a 96 Ford Contour I got for my Son. I was doing routine maintenance to it and fixing little odds and ends, when I went to pull the plugs to see how they were. I found 4 E3 plugs installed. Yes, the car runs, but I am not really keen on these plugs, I have heard both good and bad on them. My question is, should I just trash them and go with a standard double platinum or iridium plug, or just leave them. I understand these cars are notorious for low idles, and this one is no different. Any suggestions?

 

[mailman74]

Put back the brand that was in it new same part number you can't go wrong with that.

 

[Eddie]

+1 WITH oem PLUG

 

[redbone3]

I can remember 50 years ago there were spark plugs of the same design as the E3. My dad bought a set for his Chevy 6. They didn't work well and he took them out after a couple of weeks. I'd stick with a conventional plug.

 

[endeavor to persevere]

Yeah, no matter how many electrodes they have electricity follows the path of least resistance and will make only one spark.

These plugs come and go. I remember back in the late 50s early 60s they had a plug called fire injectors with outlandish claims. They never lasted. Went away as soon as people found out they were pure hype.

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[GMBoy]

Agree with everyone - trash the E3's! Get a good long life platinum or iridium plug and not worry about the next 75-100k miles.

 

[babyivan]

OEM

 

[Propflux01]

Cool. Done deal then. Out with the E3's!!

 

[EricF]

go with Motorcraft or NGK, don't look back!

 

[mechtech2]

You have a waste spark ignition - the spark has to jump both ways the same.
Use double plats with their nice extended tip.

Really - forget about those others. Even if you bought them, ditch them.

 

[Propflux01]

Cool. Done deal then. Out with the E3's!!

 

[Propflux01]

Removed....

 

[Whimsey]

I have a 1996 Contour with the 4 cyl Zetec. I replaced the factory plugs at ~50,000 miles with OEM Motorcraft double plats. I now have ~100,000 miles and the engine still runs real smooth with great pick up and fuel mileage. Stick with the double plat OEM Motorcrafts.

Whimsey

 

[PandaBear]

Those plugs seems to be either in the wrong heat range or makes the car run rich. Those porcelains are very dark.

Like mechtech2 said, use double platinum and call it a day.

 

[Propflux01]

My thoughts exactly. Replaced them with double plats.