MKS Plug Change - Non Tuned

[Couyon]

I just purchased a used 2010 MKS Ecoboost with 48k miles and it's  in mint condition because it belonged to an 84 year old lady.  It's probably never been over 75mph and was her Bingo car! 

My question is on changing the original plugs to the preferred SP 534 without using any tuners?   I've noticed the idle isn't quite as smooth as my wife's Explorer Ecoboost.  Perhaps  I'm just looking for an excuse to change them. Haha

I may end up with a tuner later, but mainly wanting to know if there was much benefit to going to the Sp534's now?

[AJP turbo]

I would..those are the best plugs ngk makes and they are double precious metal....i want to post a few things you all should know anout the plug selection When i get around to it but have been busy

[SHOdded]

Congrats on the MKS   With an "unknown" history, and the fact that "slow" driving can be BAD for ecoboost motors (carbon buildup), a new set of spark plugs (SP534's are fine) is an excellent idea at this point.  The only question is that of the gap.  If you are DIY'ing, check & see with a feeler gauge if the plugs are already within the OEM range (0.033–0.037).  If not, CAREFULLY gap the plug bending the vertical portion of the ground strap as needed.  Then gap again to 0.030 (or tuner's recommendation) if/when you do put on a tune.

[Couyon]

Thanks guys! That's  the same thoughts and concerns that I had and will be taking the MKS on a road trip for Christmas and plan to "Exercise" it a bit and maybe clear out some carbon.  Nothing wild but drive it like it was designed.  Given where we live...the old lady couldn't have pampered it much because she would have gotten runover. Haha!  She did all of her maintenance at the Lincoln dealer so I know it wasn't neglected in that way.  I plan on doing the plug change and a fresh oil change when I get back  from the road trip.

I'm quite familiar with Tuning since I owned a 2006 F250 Diesel that I ran with tunes (SCT Innovative Diesel) for it's entire life and loved them.  The enormous power available was nice to have at times, but was mainly for mpg numbers and much better towing.  The only thing I didn't like was having to detune/retune for dealer visits along with the worry of voiding my original & extended warranty.  I bought the MKS as a CPO+Extended warranty just so I wouldn't have the worries, so I'm back on the fence about tunes.


My plans were to take some time and get to know the car a little more before altering it's personality and when that day comes I know where to find all the answers or get suggestions!

Thanks Again!

I just purchased a used 2010 MKS Ecoboost with 48k miles and it's  in mint condition because it belonged to an 84 year old lady.  It's probably never been over 75mph and was her Bingo car! 

My question is on changing the original plugs to the preferred SP 534 without using any tuners?   I've noticed the idle isn't quite as smooth as my wife's Explorer Ecoboost.  Perhaps  I'm just looking for an excuse to change them. Haha

I may end up with a tuner later, but mainly wanting to know if there was much benefit to going to the Sp534's now?he

[Scott4957]

Tune tune tune! I bought a 2013 MKS about a month ago and started tuning with Torrie recently. Just the first base tune was incredible, now I am working through several revisions and the logs keep getting cleaner and the car keeps feeling faster.

[SHOdded]

Lincoln dealerships  are usually pretty good with the EB vehicles , so fingers crossed,  all is well.