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-   -   Motorcraft Fine Wire Platinum Plugs (https://www.f150-forums.com/engine-talk-maintenance-8/motorcraft-fine-wire-platinum-plugs-129/)

Takeda 01-20-2011 02:14 PM

Motorcraft Fine Wire Platinum Plugs
 
I changed the Motocraft Fine Wire Platinum plugs in my Ranger with 103K miles on them. They were all gapped about 0.062", well beyond the 0.044" spec, but it was still running great.
You can see the effect of opposite polarity spark from Ford's EDIS. The GND electrode is eroded on the passenger's side, and the center electrode is eroded on the driver's side.

1
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...5_sAfq6-X3.jpg

2
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...7_n4xGw-X3.jpg

3
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...6_tSLcg-X3.jpg

4
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...4_Tw7rK-X3.jpg

5
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...9_fYUjC-X3.jpg

6
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...6_N88JQ-X3.jpg

7
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...8_tHhmh-X3.jpg

8
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...2_GjA49-X3.jpg

9
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...0_BS7Nw-X3.jpg

10
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...3_rucFy-X3.jpg

11
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...7_UoWrv-X3.jpg

12
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...9_sTnEy-X3.jpg

13
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...6_FYyve-X3.jpg

14
http://bob-ayers.smugmug.com/Other/M...9_LxdjU-X3.jpg

danthurs 01-20-2011 02:26 PM

You do realize all those plugs have ash fowling on them.
http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg..._ashfouled.jpg


A build-up of combustion deposits stemming primarily from the burning of oil and/or fuel additives during normal combustion ... normally non-conductive. When heavier deposits are allowed to accumulate over a longer mileage period, they can "mask" the spark, resulting in a plug misfire condition.

Takeda 01-20-2011 02:41 PM


Originally Posted by danthurs (Post 1156)
You do realize all those plugs have ash fowling on them.
http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg..._ashfouled.jpg


I disagree!

If you look closely at my plugs, compared to your photo, the insulators on my plugs are clean. Also, I never had a miss-fire with them, so by
definition, they aren't fouled. With a foul, there will be a miss-fire.


Check out the top (normal) plug in this link. This is what my plugs look like, except my photos are a higher magnification:

http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/t.../diagnosis.htm

danthurs 01-20-2011 02:49 PM

Ya they are. Your is just very slight. That example is a extreme example. This is how a plug should look.

http://www.gmforum.com/howto/tech-in...4/P8280002.jpg

Clean, with a whitish to slight tan color, clean electrodes, sharp edges.

danthurs 01-20-2011 02:51 PM

Let me add this. It's not something I would be overly concerned about. But something I would keep a eye on. That could be a indication of your valve seals getting a little worn.

Takeda 01-20-2011 02:53 PM


Originally Posted by danthurs (Post 1160)
Let me add this. It's not something I would be overly concerned about. But something I would keep a eye on. That could be a indication of your valve seals getting a little worn.

Again I disagree, there is no oil consumption, and no blue smoke after sitting.

Takeda 01-20-2011 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by danthurs (Post 1159)
Ya they are. Your is just very slight. That example is a extreme example. This is how a plug should look.

http://www.gmforum.com/howto/tech-in...4/P8280002.jpg

Clean, with a whitish to slight tan color, clean electrodes, sharp edges.


You must have missed the point in my OP, that these plugs have 103K miles on them, beyond the recommended 100K miles.

danthurs 01-20-2011 02:59 PM

You did say you have 103k on them. Over that time it takes very little. Have you used any fuel additives? That can also cause a build up like that. If not ash fowling, what would you say it is? It's possible I'm mistaken, but from where I'm sitting, it sure looks like it to me.

Takeda 01-20-2011 03:06 PM


Originally Posted by danthurs (Post 1163)
You did say you have 103k on them. Over that time it takes very little. Have you used any fuel additives? That can also cause a build up like that. If not ash fowling, what would you say it is? It's possible I'm mistaken, but from where I'm sitting, it sure looks like it to me.

Never use any fuel additives! What you are seeing are normal deposits from the combustion process.

You are mistaken, because these plugs are not fouled, like the example you showed.

Did you open the link for the "NORMAL" plug example?

danthurs 01-20-2011 03:22 PM

I just looked at the link, and what it shows does look very much like what you have. Here are the examples I go by. http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg...colorchart.htm And here normal is clean. I guess it comes down to personal preference. I learned that plugs are clean, if not you find out why. Plugs can tell you just about everything about your engine, if you just know what to look at. I really like your observation about the electron flow and wear on the electrodes. And as I said, it's not something I would be worried about. But if I were to say pull my valve covers for some reason, I would change out valve seals. But that's just me. :thumbsup:


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