This goes in a '94 Ford F-250, just wondering what a 4 Elctrode plug would do fuel econmy wise compared to a factory motocraft plug. Would just a hotter plug be my best bet?
2006-12-15 11:11:02 · 10 answers · asked by kuzycc 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If your car was a European designed to use that plug great! But since yours is not, go with the plugs it came with from the factory. There is a reason the engineers spent time to design a plug for that engine, there is a reason they chose to use that plug over any others. That reason: The engine performs best, ie; most power, durability, gas mileage, with the factory plug. Changing to any other brand or style 'cause the kid at the parts store says so is a bad idea.
2006-12-15 11:17:50 · answer #1 · answered by fwendt72 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, not so much that you would notice.
Changing from a standard plug to a platinum-tipped will make a difference - your engine will misfire a lot less if there is any carbon build-up, or oil in the combustion chamber, because the platinum will virtually eliminate plug fouling for the life of the plug.
But adding two or four electrodes to the plug is not going to change your mileage appreciably. You might be able record a fraction of a percent over several thousand miles - but you could easily gain much more than that by keeping your tires fully inflated, even 1 or 2 psi higher. Or changing your air filter every 12 months. Or switching to regular unleaded gas - not wasting $$ on mid-grade or premium fuel.
And be sure to pour a bottle of fuel-injector cleaner in your gas tank every month or so to get rid of any deposits on your fuel injectors. (Chevron Techron is one of the best.) An injector that leaks, drips or is stuck open will waste a lot more gas than a 4-electrode plug will ever save you.
A hotter plug would be good on a high-mileage engine that consumes an excessive amount of oil, or an engine that has cool-running cylinder heads (e.g. alumimum) that don't have a high heat capacity. Or if you do a lot of short distance driving, rather than highway miles.
2006-12-15 12:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the same marketing gimmick that got people to buy more razor blades by putting two - then three!- in a single razor head. Technical reports (search online) show the V splits really don't have any significant difference for power. Remember: the spark only jumps from one spot - one electrode - at any time. Plus with a split plug, the spark has more opportunity to arc instead of connecting in a straight path to the other (central) electrode.
2006-12-15 11:18:28 · answer #3 · answered by Hawk996 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does your maintenance schedule call for spark plug replacement at this time? Most modern vehicles have platinum plugs which can go up to 100K miles before changing. If Toyota does call for new sparkies at this time, just stick with what the factory recommends. The Toyota engineers know more about that engine than you or I ever will...
2016-05-22 22:06:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word… NO!
The power from a high intensity discharge can only jump one air gap at a time. There isn't enough energy to cause plasma ionization of more than one gap.
You will get the best economy and performance using the plug recommended by Ford.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas
2006-12-15 11:21:10 · answer #5 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I sell Bosch+4 spark plugs in my store. I copied and pasted this information from Bosch's website.
" Revolutionary surface air gap firing technology featuring multiple spark paths Delivers the longest, most powerful spark for ultimate engine performance
More platinum vs. Bosch Platinum Plus For smoother acceleration, top fuel economy and maximum engine power
Four yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes Provide optimum access to the air/fuel mixture for the most efficient combustion, plus the yttrium alloy ground electrodes reduce gap wear and oxidation for extended performance life
Electrode gap is factory set Provides ease of installation - never requires adjustment."
The bottom line is this: yes they can improve your fuel economy. These plugs are a bit more expensive than regular plugs, about 5.99 each, but the fuel savings over the life of the plugs should more than make up for the extra cost. Just don't expect a miracle with that gas guzzler you've got.
Hotter plugs won't do anything to improve your fuel mileage. Sometimes people will buy them to help burn the extra oil in the combustion chamber from bad valve stem seals or worn piston rings.
2006-12-15 11:29:15 · answer #6 · answered by Steven C 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
the only thing you will notice is a better start up when it is cold., when dealing with the 460 you will never find a good way to increase your gas milleage.. If you need a big block, just go to a diesel for sure. U will save a lot of money!!!
2006-12-15 11:54:38 · answer #7 · answered by bryan_w74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it all verys you dont have to go with a 4 electrode plug you can always get a platnum plug for that truck as for gas milage not really but if it has not had a tune up in a while then yes it would help to do the plugs if it was just done then no
2006-12-15 11:18:42 · answer #8 · answered by lucylue52005 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it's always best to stick with what any manufacturer wants in their product. they are the ones most benefitted by your continued satisfaction with it. you may be wise to upgrade to a platinum plug, and by now i am sure ford offers one. stick with original equipment products, no matter what type of machine it is.
2006-12-15 11:28:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
ive used them and they were junk
just my opinion
old racing trick,open up the gap ten thou or so ,it will increase power and mileage
2006-12-15 15:57:09 · answer #10 · answered by doug b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋