Ecoboost Performance Forum

Ecoboost Performance => Troubleshooting, Maintenance, TSB Articles => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: avidmotion on April 20, 2019, 01:17:17 AM

Title: Spark plugs
Post by: avidmotion on April 20, 2019, 01:17:17 AM
I have a 2013 +pp, GH tune n intercooler,  stock thermo, stock airbox drop in dry panel filter. I have sp-534 plugs at stock gap. Plugs have 35,000 miles. I was getting ready to change them and wanted to see the best plug for my car. I live in nj. I looked on rock auto. They have copper, platinum,  iridium and now for 1 buck more then iridium these new plugs.......
Ruthenium HX
NGK Spark Plugs is introducing the latest technology in high ignitability spark plugs to the automotive aftermarket: NGK Ruthenium HX. Today's efficient engine designs create more power while using less fuel and this has shortened the life of traditional Iridium and Platinum spark plugs. In response, NGK's patented Ruthenium technology is used for maximum durability and performance in newer engines where efficiency is demanded.

Features & Benefits:
DFE (double fine electrode) and PSPE (projected square platinum electrode) tip designs. DFE maximizes ignitability while reducing emissions for low heat (non-turbo) engines, and PSPE provides the best ignitability and service life for high heat (turbo and supercharged) engines.
Superior oxidation resistance and enhanced blistering/anti-peeling to provide the most optimal durability at high temperatures in various driving conditions.
Advanced high-ignitability technology that provides more complete fuel burn than other precious metal spark plugs, resulting in quicker throttle response, smoother idle, and better cold starts.
Anyone heard of this metal or these plugs?
Are the sp-580 the new number for the sp-534 still the go to plug. What would my gap be for my po particular combo be?
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 01:39:21 AM
Yes the sp580 is the updated part.  Same gap 0.030.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 4sfed on April 20, 2019, 07:48:06 AM
Interesting find.

Here's something on working with the metals.

https://www.mgsrefining.com/blog/2015/10/01/Ruthenium-vs-Iridium-in-Platinum-Alloys

And here's something on the scientific properties.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/metals.comparenature.com/en/ruthenium-vs-iridium/comparison-61-33-0/amp

It SOINDS like the gap of the ruthenium plugs won't increase over time as much as the iridium plugs will.  So that might be the gain from these plugs. However, if you change your plugs every 20 or 30, 000 miles, the plug gap increase might not be an issue for you.


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Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 08:52:51 AM
Look at this video of a tuned SHO with SP534's and watch preignition.  Now watch how it isnt an issue with SP542's.  This video is the reason why I will be ditching my SP534 that only have 3k miles on them to the SP542. 

https://youtu.be/Zqz8AdJMxTY
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 09:26:31 AM
There are different levels at which different spark plugs are called for.  So, dont throw away the old plugs until you see quantifiable benefits with the new ones.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 09:29:58 AM
Quote from: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 09:26:31 AM
There are different levels at which different spark plugs are called for.  So, dont throw away the old plugs until you see quantifiable benefits with the new ones.

Good call
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:18:13 AM
Which plugs are the stock plugs ? 534s? Or 542? I forget . I put stock plugs in at .028
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:24:35 AM
Sp534 I believe...or I actually thought this to be an upgrade per LMS' site.  They list it as an upgraded plug.  And SP542 is a step colder than SP534.  So I don't believe either are stock...not 100% on that
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 10:28:26 AM
Sp534 is stock, replacing the sp528 that had issues with cracked insulators.  Sp542s are "upgrades".
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:39:37 AM
Quote from: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:24:35 AM
Sp534 I believe...or I actually thought this to be an upgrade per LMS' site.  They list it as an upgraded plug.  And SP542 is a step colder than SP534.  So I don't believe either are stock...not 100% on that

Well I'll be getting out the spark plug socket again . Brad was saying my symptoms after flashing the E30 tune were abnormal and something doesn't seem right . That may be symptoms of LSPI , I still time to time feel slight hesitation on light take off around town etc
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:41:37 AM
SP534's sold as an upgrade?  For nothing other than a precision gap?  Hence the confusion on whether they are stock or not.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 11:01:48 AM
I do not see the word "upgrade" in the pic above.  Because plugs from factory arent always matched evenly, becaused boosted applications are more sensitive to plug gap, and because gapping them properly is a challenge with the tiny center electrodes, LME provides the service to eliminate the headache for the customer.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on April 20, 2019, 12:38:37 PM
True but they are a performance shop selling upgrades not stock replacement parts.  For the beginner such as myself I as well as many others would find it suggestive to say the very least of a upgraded spark plug when it is only a stock plug that has been precision gapped.  For a beginner as well gapping a plug is entry level or 1 wrench in difficulty...so to buy stock plugs and pay nearly double bc they are "precision gapped" seems ridiculous and are probably out of gap during shipping for all we know.  Just my opinion.  I find it to be misleading and all the times I boasted about my performance pack I bought....intake, thermostat, plugs and tune....if I only knew I was boasting about replacing it stock plugs with stock plugs...
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on April 20, 2019, 01:34:03 PM
Quote from: 18SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:18:13 AM
Which plugs are the stock plugs ? 534s? Or 542? I forget . I put stock plugs in at .028
The only Spark Plugs recommended Gapped @ 0.028 are the NGK (6510) LTR7IX-11 IIRC! The rest line of the NGK Re-branded Motorcrafts are @ 0.030 Gap size. Z
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 20, 2019, 08:33:39 PM
Quote from: ZSHO on April 20, 2019, 01:34:03 PM
Quote from: 18SHO on April 20, 2019, 10:18:13 AM
Which plugs are the stock plugs ? 534s? Or 542? I forget . I put stock plugs in at .028
The only Spark Plugs recommended Gapped @ 0.028 are the NGK (6510) LTR7IX-11 IIRC! The rest line of the NGK Re-branded Motorcrafts are @ 0.030 Gap size. Z

Most tuners are recommending even with the 534s and 542s to run .028 to .30 I'm going to run .028 with a little wiggle room for the gap to expand slightly over time , very common
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 20, 2019, 08:59:59 PM
Looking forward to the results!
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 24, 2019, 02:17:30 PM
How long should I wait until I swap plugs from a drive about 2 hours? I usually wait until cars cold but if I had time today has anyone done a swap while motors still a little warm but not hot?
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SM105K on April 24, 2019, 02:48:19 PM
You can change them anytime even with the motor blazing hot....it depends on how much heat you can take....
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 24, 2019, 02:55:38 PM
Quote from: SM105K on April 24, 2019, 02:48:19 PM
You can change them anytime even with the motor blazing hot....it depends on how much heat you can take....

Oh good , wasn't sure if with the aluminum heads there was a necessity for being cold only. I bet hood open for an hour with coils off will make it bearable 
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SM105K on April 24, 2019, 03:04:05 PM
Quote from: 18SHO on April 24, 2019, 02:55:38 PM
Quote from: SM105K on April 24, 2019, 02:48:19 PM
You can change them anytime even with the motor blazing hot....it depends on how much heat you can take....

Oh good , wasn't sure if with the aluminum heads there was a necessity for being cold only. I bet hood open for an hour with coils off will make it bearable

If that was the case, nitrous guys wouldn't be pulling plugs directly after runs.  Just make sure you use anti sieze on the threads, and I always use dielectric grease as well.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 24, 2019, 04:05:49 PM
Ideally warm to the touch is warm enough to change plugs in aluminum heads.  Just take your time removing the plugs and installing them to avoid crossthreading.  Antiseize is typically not necessary with modern plugs, if you choose to use, use sparingly so as to not alter torque values.  If you are re-installing the old plugs, definitely use antiseize.

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/ (http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/)
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 24, 2019, 05:49:57 PM
Quote from: SHOdded on April 24, 2019, 04:05:49 PM
Ideally warm to the touch is warm enough to change plugs in aluminum heads.  Just take your time removing the plugs and installing them to avoid crossthreading.  Antiseize is typically not necessary with modern plugs, if you choose to use, use sparingly so as to not alter torque values.  If you are re-installing the old plugs, definitely use antiseize.

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/ (http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/anti-seize-spark-plug-threads/)

Thanks for the replies , I'll probably use a slight dab on upper threads , says on box between 7.2 lb ft to 14 lb ft torque value . 10 lb ft sounds like perfect to me
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: SHOdded on April 24, 2019, 08:09:46 PM
There is a detailed howto in the ... HOW TO ... section :) should you need more info to look up.
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: avidmotion on April 26, 2019, 10:53:15 PM
......so now I am confused, should I upgrade to the sp542 or the sp 580.? Or that new super metal plug and change it a little less often......? Any specific vendor have deals on either plug, 580 vs 542? Thanks leaning towards the sp580 and be done with it. ..
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on April 27, 2019, 08:50:01 AM
The MOTORCRAFT- SP542  is a better overall Spark plug and 1 step colder spark plugs specially @ this price-point. Z

FYI- The MOTORCRAFT SP534 CYFS12YT3 is the Stock OEM Spark plug which most recently was superseded with the SP580 Iridium spark plug! Z

SP-542- CYFS092YPT $6.11 ea

SP580 -CYFS12YT3 - $7.35 ea

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/motorcraft,SP542,spark+plug,7212 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/motorcraft,SP542,spark+plug,7212)

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5931324&jsn=3 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=5931324&jsn=3)

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2013,taurus,3.5l+v6+turbocharged,1503823,ignition,spark+plug,7212 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2013,taurus,3.5l+v6+turbocharged,1503823,ignition,spark+plug,7212)

Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 18SHO on April 28, 2019, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: avidmotion on April 26, 2019, 10:53:15 PM
......so now I am confused, should I upgrade to the sp542 or the sp 580.? Or that new super metal plug and change it a little less often......? Any specific vendor have deals on either plug, 580 vs 542? Thanks leaning towards the sp580 and be done with it. ..

580 same as OEM , 542 one step colder better for more boost and tuned cars
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: avidmotion on May 01, 2019, 11:25:23 PM
Ok,  I think some sp 542 have my name on them. I am only getting 35,000 out of my iridiums. ...
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on May 11, 2019, 11:27:39 AM
New Motorcraft SP-542- CYFS-092-YPT  Spark plugs arrived today and were gapped very close to 0.030 out of the box. Z  :)


(http://i64.tinypic.com/fn45sl.jpg)
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: 802SHO on May 11, 2019, 03:20:07 PM
Quote from: ZSHO on May 11, 2019, 11:27:39 AM
New Motorcraft SP-542 Spark plugs arrived from www.RockAuto.com (http://www.rockauto.com) all pre-gapped @ 0.028 . Z  :)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/fn45sl.jpg)

Do they all come pre-gapped at .028 or did you ask for them to be pre-gapped for you? 
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on May 11, 2019, 03:50:32 PM
Quote from: 802SHO on May 11, 2019, 03:20:07 PM
Quote from: ZSHO on May 11, 2019, 11:27:39 AM
New Motorcraft SP-542 Spark plugs arrived from www.RockAuto.com (http://www.rockauto.com) all pre-gapped @ 0.028 . Z  :)

(http://i64.tinypic.com/fn45sl.jpg)

Do they all come pre-gapped at .028 or did you ask for them to be pre-gapped for you?
I stand corrected and the Gap was closer to 0.030 . Z
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: avidmotion on May 12, 2019, 05:55:24 PM
Is stock gap .030 for the sp-542, I ordered the 542s and the pro gapper for 3 bucks, with tax and shipping 6 plugs and gapper was 51 bucks...now just need those 2 front O2s, I think rock had them for 61 bucks, which I saw same ones listed elsewhere for 120 ea! I have a tune, GH intercooler, is .028 the right sauce for this combo?
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on May 12, 2019, 06:52:14 PM
Quote from: avidmotion on May 12, 2019, 05:55:24 PM
Is stock gap .030 for the sp-542, I ordered the 542s and the pro gapper for 3 bucks, with tax and shipping 6 plugs and gapper was 51 bucks...now just need those 2 front O2s, I think rock had them for 61 bucks, which I saw same ones listed elsewhere for 120 ea! I have a tune, GH intercooler, is .028 the right sauce for this combo?
The Combo sounds about right IMO But would always Confirm with your TUNER PRIOR! Z
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: FiveLeeter918 on May 15, 2019, 01:22:00 PM
Just FYI for anyone interested, we at Ortiz Performance stock the SP-542s pre-gapped to 0.026 for only $59.99 shipped to your door. Let me know if we can help!
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: ZSHO on May 15, 2019, 02:42:08 PM
Quote from: FiveLeeter918 on May 15, 2019, 01:22:00 PM
Just FYI for anyone interested, we at Ortiz Performance stock the SP-542s pre-gapped to 0.026 for only $59.99 shipped to your door. Let me know if we can help!
Nice options! FWIW Might want to post in the vendor section for reference! Z  :)

https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/board,248.0.html (https://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/board,248.0.html)
Title: Re: Spark plugs
Post by: avidmotion on May 19, 2019, 09:57:27 AM
So I was changing plugs not so much that I thought I needed them, just checking gap and condition. Saw a couple was that was beat up so I decided if pulling to look might as well change them. Glad I did. MPG has been down but new intercooler ,change of seasons etc thought no big deal. I have 34,000 on new sp 534@.030.... On the plugs I pulled they were beat up pretty good, @.035+ gap on all of them and one the insulator around the tip was eroded and chipped. Otherwise the color was good if a little hot/lean ...whitish tan light brown color, no oil etc. Started to have a very light stutter that only I could feel during light part throttle acceleration.
New plug sp-542 @.028 going in, will report after I take for ride , get gas and wash car....
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