Best Spark Plugs for a 1997 3.0L V6 ?

[97Blues]

I have a 1997 3.0L V6 XLT Ranger and I am keeping it alive one problem at a time. I have heard about different spark plugs offering more/less performance and was wondering what TRS experts had to say on the subject!

I have been using Bosch Plat4 no gap and was told years ago by the dealership that they were no good. I hate the dealership so I kept using them...

On a related topic: My spark plugs do not come out as easily as I seem to remember... any tips/suggestions there? I am afraid to torque them too much due to having a cheap one break off in my engine block in 2001...

Thanks in advance!!

-97blues-

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I've personally had bad experiences with Bosch plugs in my 3.0. I stick to the proper Motorcraft plugs, and in a pinch Autolite double platinums.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Your engine has probably received substantial damage from running those plugs. Motorcraft or Autolites that are recommended for that truck, nothing else!
Reguardless of what anyone else says, Different plugs will ONLY damage the engine, They will not give you ANY advantage. I've seen this proven.

 

[88gt]

yes, i run double platinum tip plugs in my truck and they work good, even wear in all cylinders, like the mutant pony and 4x4rangerguy said, motorcraft or autolite all the way!!!

 

[Ozwynn]

I only run bosh original plats or champion gold truck plug and nothing else. btw the bosh plats in my mini van (3.8L Chrysler) have over 35,000 miles on them and still runs smooth as glass.

 

[Bob Ayers]

Bosch plugs were the reason I was getting a misfire with my 3.0L Ranger, which the previous owner had installed at 36K miles. Replaced them with
Motorcraft double platinums, and haven't had a misfire since! Bosch plugs and Ford's DIS / EDIS ignition systems do not work well together. Either use Motorcraft double platinums, or fine wire platinums.

 

[ick]

I used to have the Bosch +4 and they were decent plugs. Problem with the platinum is that they have a tendency to burn up inside the insulator nose and can cause other problems (misfires ect). I recently rebuilt the top end of my motor and went with the 1.59 autolite copper plugs. I may have to replace them twice as often, but to me it's worth not having to worry about it.

 

[Bob Ayers]

I used to have the Bosch +4 and they were decent plugs. Problem with the platinum is that they have a tendency to burn up inside the insulator nose and can cause other problems (misfires ect). I recently rebuilt the top end of my motor and went with the 1.59 autolite copper plugs. I may have to replace them twice as often, but to me it's worth not having to worry about it.

With Bosch plugs, the center platinum electrode can fall out of the insulator, get caught between the piston and cylinder wall, and score the cylinder wall!!

Why didn't you go with Motorcraft double platinums, or fine wire platinums?
Do you enjoy changing plugs?

 

[97Blues]

That is why The Ranger Station is the best! Finally removed all of the Bosch Plat4 and they were fried... I know it is an older truck but...

I think I am going to go with the Motorcraft replacements!

On a side not when I removed the plugs that the Dealership put in... there was not even a trace of anti seize... Just one more reason I will continue to hate the Ford garage in Va Beach! Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[fixizin]

On a related topic: My spark plugs do not come out as easily as I seem to remember... any tips/suggestions there? I am afraid to torque them too much due to having a cheap one break off in my engine block in 2001...

You touched on it yourself--anti-seize compound on the threads.

 

[JohnnyO]

Bosch plugs and Ford's DIS / EDIS ignition systems do not work well together. Either use Motorcraft double platinums, or fine wire platinums.

What Bob said. The Ford ignition and multi-tip plugs do not get along (although on most other vehicles they are fine).
Motorcraft or Autolite double platinums with a pinch of anti-seize.

 

[240cubes]

if you dont mind me asking, and if you remember, where did you buy those bosch plugs?
stores like autozone and advance autoparts get SPIF's when they sell certain products, usually bosch plugs so they will try to sell them to every tom dick and harry that walks through the doors