Spark plugs other than Autolite

[SenorNoob]

Like it says. What are (or would) you use now that Autolite isn't readily available?

AC Delco?
Bosch?
Champion?
NGK?
Something else?

 

[Bird76Mojo]

With my experience in the Japanese motorcycle world, I'm a big fan of NGK plugs. Never had one fail on me in over 30 years unless the bike was a serious oil burner. Even then, I could let them cool, clean them up, and they'd still function fine for a while longer. I have had a lot of other brands crack the porcelain on me causing mystery misfires over the years.

I stay far away from Champion plugs anymore.

I only buy spark plugs from local parts suppliers or online retailers like JEGS or Summit Racing. There are a ton of counterfeits on the market. The same goes with fuel injectors.

 

[mtnrgr]

You're talking about ford engines? I've only used motorcraft spark plugs in my 3 rangers. My 88 2.3 5spd i had from 89-98, it had motorcraft plugs. My 94 3.0 5spd i had from 94-25, it only had motorcraft plugs. My 97 3.0 5spd, it had motorcraft plugs put back into it. Those have been in there for a year now. Other than autolite plugs, not fond of. Can't give any information on other brands for use.

 

[Roert42]

I’ve learned from bad experiences that it’s not worth the money to use anything else.
We’ll see what happens.

Modular engines were very susceptible to poor running due to non autolite plugs.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve heard that some motors are temperamental a bit about plugs. Since I heard that it’s been only Motorcraft or Autolite in my Fords and I’ve used AC Delco in Lisa’s Chevy.

Usually I try to go NGK or Bosch in small engines, but I’ve run my share of Champions in those too. I got some no-name China special in a tune-up kit for the one chainsaw and the darn thing wouldn’t make a spark brand new out of the box.

 

[JohnnyO]

I used NGK Iridium in my old 4.0 Sport Trac and NGK Ruthenium in my 2020 Ranger. Never had an issue.

 

[19Walt93]

Autolite used to be a Ford brand but the name was sold years ago. I use Motorcraft only.

 

[sgtsandman]

Engines can be rather picky about spark plugs. NGK seems to be a safe universal sparkplug if you can't get Autolight or Motorcraft.

At least in Honda engines, Bosch plugs often had issues.

I wouldn't even put Champion sparkplugs in my small engines, let alone a vehicle. They used to be an ok spark plug, but anymore. Sure, a lot of small engines, mostly Briggs and Stratton, still come with them, but I think it is more of a "that is what we've always used" and a price point thing.

I've never used AC Delco. I know their batteries are decent, but I've never used their spark plugs.

 

[Roert42]

I’ve had problems with NGK plugs running poorly and missing in a few ford engines. 2v 4.6 and 4.0sohc.

Changed to motorcraft plug and ran fine.


Not sure how you can have that issue, considering a spark plug not very complicated. If the gap is correct and it’s not broken I wouldn’t think it would matter.

 

[sgtsandman]

I’ve had problems with NGK plugs running poorly and missing in a few ford engines. 2v 4.6 and 4.0sohc.

Changed to motorcraft plug and ran fine.


Not sure how you can have that issue, considering a spark plug not very complicated. If the gap is correct and it’s not broken I wouldn’t think it would matter.

I agree, but for some reason, it does. It makes no sense.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Nearly all manufactures of spark plugs have a spark plug for everything. They fit into a category of "close enough" to what was in your engine was designed to use.

My strategy with spark plugs... I put back into it what came out of it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've had good luck with Bosch and motorcraft. Autolite... eh. There's motorcraft in the 4.0 right now. Engine doesn’t seem to care what it gets.

 

[cbxer55]

I use Motorcraft in my 98 Ranger, but NGK in my 2004 Lightning. The Lightning is running more boost than stock, a different blower, entirely different intake from MAF to TB, EGR, EVAP and cats eliminated. The NGK racing plugs, gapped smaller, since more boost tries to blow the spark out. Never had any issues in my modular motor. 5.4 boosted.

 

[Curious Hound]

Spark plugs are like batteries and tiresall other car parts, these days. They seem to cost way too much. I remember when Champion was a good brand and they were only about 75cents each.

I've been running NGK for the past few years.

 

[19Walt93]

I’ve had problems with NGK plugs running poorly and missing in a few ford engines. 2v 4.6 and 4.0sohc.

Changed to motorcraft plug and ran fine.


Not sure how you can have that issue, considering a spark plug not very complicated. If the gap is correct and it’s not broken I wouldn’t think it would matter.

Motorcraft plugs are designed for Fords, the aftermarket plugs often have heat ranges that are close but not quite right.