SKP makes iridium spark plugs for that stupid Ford 3V application

[slacktide_bitog]

Ford made 3-valve V8's in the mid 2000s with this stupid 2-piece spark plug design that is prone to breakage when you try to remove them. The ground is just a big loop over the center electrode, and unfortunately, they are only [platinum, not iridium, so they don't last as long as they could, and they're made by Autolite, which isn't the best. They were installed on F-series/F150/F250/Super Duty trucks, and another version on the Mustang and Explorer.

Champion makes a one-piece plug for these engines, but again, only platinum, not iridium, and they're even worse than the OE Autolites

Bosch, Denso, and NGK won't even touch these, and I can't blame them

But now, SKP has iridium spark plugs for these Fords. Iridium should last much longer than platinum, so you won't have to worry about broken spark plugs for a long time. If you're lucky, either the truck will rust before you have to replace them again, or better yet, real spark plugs will finally become available

While SKP isn't the best, they can't be worse than Autolite and Champion

So, has anybody here tried the SKP iridium on a 3V Ford?

Here is a picture:

 

[2EHA]

autolite and champion slander

lol

 

[PimTac]

Never heard of them.

 

[Trav]

Ford made 3-valve V8's in the mid 2000s with this stupid 2-piece spark plug design that is prone to breakage when you try to remove them. The ground is just a big loop over the center electrode, and unfortunately, they are only [platinum, not iridium, so they don't last as long as they could, and they're made by Autolite, which isn't the best. They were installed on F-series/F150/F250/Super Duty trucks, and another version on the Mustang and Explorer.

Champion makes a one-piece plug for these engines, but again, only platinum, not iridium, and they're even worse than the OE Autolites

Bosch, Denso, and NGK won't even touch these, and I can't blame them

But now, SKP has iridium spark plugs for these Fords. Iridium should last much longer than platinum, so you won't have to worry about broken spark plugs for a long time. If you're lucky, either the truck will rust before you have to replace them again, or better yet, real spark plugs will finally become available

While SKP isn't the best, they can't be worse than Autolite and Champion

So, has anybody here tried the SKP iridium on a 3V Ford?

Here is a picture:

It seems these SKP parts are the lowest of the low white box crap. I wouldn't put those in a lawnmower. check out the LCA from SKP.

Rockauto SKP Front Lower Control Arm JUNK

Ordered/Received Rockauto SKP Front Lower Control Arm. Long story short, on install, noticed the ball joint spindle digging in to the CV joint. Of course, the castle nut screws all the way down to the bottom of the threads way below the cotter pin hole. Took it all back apart and started...

www.terrainforum.net

 

[Brons2]

The Motorcraft plugs have been redesigned to single piece. I will be going back with OEM on mine.

 

[Astro14]

Just because they say, "Iridium" doesn't mean that they're better...

"Iridium" is the new "Turbo" - if the product has the word in the title, it must be super, laser, boosted, awesome!

 

[Kruse]

Replace your 3V plugs with recently-made Motorcrafts.

 

[cb_13]

I’ve never had a problem taking out any but the OE plugs. The heat range was allegedly changed on the Motorcrafts to prevent the carbon build up.

Also by taking them out with an impact on a warm engine I think I’ve only ever broke one. Before I was told to try that it was rough going though.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I’ve never had a problem taking out any but the OE plugs. The heat range was allegedly changed on the Motorcrafts to prevent the carbon build up.

Also by taking them out with an impact on a warm engine I think I’ve only ever broke one. Before I was told to try that it was rough going though.

This I didn't know!

Too bad Autolite doesn't have a defined part numbering system like the others do where you can get the heat range from
(the long part numbers NGK, Denso, Bosch, and Champion all have--even Torch has a structured part numbering system)

 

[ctechbob]

Just because they say, "Iridium" doesn't mean that they're better...

"Iridium" is the new "Turbo" - if the product has the word in the title, it must be super, laser, boosted, awesome!

Don't forget 'ceramic', I'm surprised that no one has figured out a way to blow that word up for marketing spark plugs. 'Laser Irridium with Nanotech Technology Ceramic Insulation!!!'

 

[Sam_Julier]

I use NGK plugs on all 3 cars. Conservative change intervals. Spark plugs are among one the least expensive maintenance items.

Trying to save money on them is beyond me.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I’m personally a fan of Autolite but for this application I feel Motorcraft is the best thing to get. When I done my friends plugs in one he originally purchased NGK plugs but they were incorrect so he had to go back and ended up getting Motorcraft. I’ve done a few on these engines and I’ve broken some too. My method was loosen a bit spray penetrating oil, tighten a little, loosen a little more until they are out. Then put some anti seize on for all of them on the installation of new ones. Anything with the SKP name on it I’ll pass. I’ve used it and have not had any luck.

 

[The_Eric]

I use NGK plugs on all 3 cars. Conservative change intervals. Spark plugs are among one the least expensive maintenance items.

Trying to save money on them is beyond me.

They're a good plug, but we're talking Ford 3v stuff here and they don't offer one for it.

 

[Brons2]

They're a good plug, but we're talking Ford 3v stuff here and they don't offer one for it.

There are few options for the early 3Vs from start of production in 2004 to mid 2008.

The plugs were redesigned mid year in 2008. NGK offers 3 different plugs for the later 5.4 3V from mid-2008 on to the end of production - a single platinum (1698), a double platinum (5507) and an iridium (372). This is the engine that I have.

I don't know if the later plugs can be used in the earlier engine. The coil boot is longer on the later engines, so if it were possible, you'd also have to change the coil boot to accommodate the slightly shorter later plug.

 

[The_Eric]

Yeah, the 08ish and up 3v takes a different plug, but it's a 12mm thread and the older 3v takes a 14mm, and that's the one I was referring to and the one that is the subject of this thread.

 

[blupupher]

If you change the original 2 piece plugs and replaced them properly (using the Motorcraft or Champion once piece plugs with nickel anti-seize on the barrel) you should have no further issue with changing plugs in the future.
I would hope by now all the '04-07 5.4 3v (the '08+ do not have as bad an issue) have had their original two piece plugs removed and new one piece plugs correctly installed.
If the owner has not replaced the plugs in 15-17 years, they probably also did not change the oil properly and have already grenaded the engine due to bad phasers/VCT solenoids