Spark plugs

[coolcol]

Thinking of changing spark plugs does anyone know what type of plugs will fit 4.3 v8 vantage
many thanks

[Beoon]

NGK-IFR7N-10
Gap 0.9 - 1.0mm
Page 12.2 in the V8 Vantage handbook

[BravoV8V]

Vergis said:

How often do Spark Plugs need to be changed?

It is a 7 year/70k miles service item.

However, the experts will tell you that the mileage is more important than the calendar time. (ie a 7 year, 30k mile car probably doesn't need them changed yet).

[Biggriff]

And reading them bed time stories....

For the price I'm changing mine at the 5 year anniversary service even though car is only on 23k. All things degrade with time and I've been caught out before with dodgy plugs causing a misfire in a Porsche.

[BravoV8V]

Biggriff said:

For the price I'm changing mine at the 5 year anniversary service even though car is only on 23k.

Interesting. Why not just wait and do it within the AM service schedule?

[8Tech]

Modern plugs on unleaded fuel are self cleaning so they should never be cleaned with a wire brush as the tip can get damaged and they are long lasting because they are Iridium tipped plugs, so they will not require gapping due to erosion either.

The only reason to change them early, and a good reason in my experience, is that they can corrode into the head and strip the threads when trying to remove them.

I personally change them every 3-5 years as they are not a major expense, and just touch the threads with a small dab of copper grease during instalation to aid removal later.

Ford had a huge problem with shearing the plugs off in the head during removal a few years back and they changed the service interval down to 3 years from 6 years.

A sheared or seized plug was also not covered under warranty despite the recommended service period being followed, not sure how AM would view it though.

8Tech.

[F1 NDW]

I agree with 8tech, however there is information on the GKN spark plug web site that say's the threads come with a special coating on them and they should be fitted as they come.

[8Tech]

F1 NDW said:

I agree with 8tech, however there is information on the GKN spark plug web site that say's the threads come with a special coating on them and they should be fitted as they come.

Thats great info that I was not aware of, thanks.

Old habits die hard though and clearly, from my experiences, noone told Ford to use the coating on their OEM "Motorcraft" plugs.