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Different Spark Plugs

5740 Views 92 Replies 27 Participants Last post by  VIC-TIM
This is for future reference. Today while snooping around the www.brenspeed.com website I noticed that according to Brenspeed there are 2 completly different spark plugs for the 2008 Bullitt and 2008 Mustangs. Something about before and after Feb production date. I then checked the Motorcraft website and indeed there are 2 different plugs listed. SP462 Motorcraft gapped at .054 for cars with black coil boots and SP509 gapped at .041 for cars with brown coil boots. I realize that it will be some time before any of us need plugs, but this may be a big issue when the time comes to change them. It would not be good to try to put the wrong plugs in as the threads may be different.
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onefastbob said:
This is for future reference. Today while snooping around the www.brenspeed.com website I noticed that according to Brenspeed there are 2 completly different spark plugs for the 2008 Bullitt and 2008 Mustangs. Something about before and after Feb production date. I then checked the Motorcraft website and indeed there are 2 different plugs listed. SP462 Motorcraft gapped at .054 for cars with black coil boots and SP509 gapped at .041 for cars with brown coil boots. I realize that it will be some time before any of us need plugs, but this may be a big issue when the time comes to change them. It would not be good to try to put the wrong plugs in as the threads may be different.

It has been a while since I have done it myself, but you can just regap plugs to the correct gap size though if you can't find the correct model number, right?
BB2008 said:
It has been a while since I have done it myself, but you can just regap plugs to the correct gap size though if you can't find the correct model number, right?
No there was a change in the plug, it may have a different thread (different cylinder head). I will investigate this with my local Ford dealer tomorrow.
Probably a heat-range change. That, or ground-electrode differences. Or both.
I think I read somewhere that the thread length and electrode is completely different. I'll post if I run across it. I got the impression that the new design is an improvement.
Check it out,Might have something to do with the TSB related to the plugs breaking off in the heads because of carbon buildup.Hopefully a redesign to prevent this.The TSB means that the plugs replaced get a coat of neverseize to prevent this.
onefastbob said:
No there was a change in the plug, it may have a different thread (different cylinder head). I will investigate this with my local Ford dealer tomorrow.
Thanx Bob. That info would be good for the Bullitt.08 archives.
onefastbob said:
This is for future reference. Today while snooping around the www.brenspeed.com website I noticed that according to Brenspeed there are 2 completly different spark plugs for the 2008 Bullitt and 2008 Mustangs. Something about before and after Feb production date. I then checked the Motorcraft website and indeed there are 2 different plugs listed. SP462 Motorcraft gapped at .054 for cars with black coil boots and SP509 gapped at .041 for cars with brown coil boots. I realize that it will be some time before any of us need plugs, but this may be a big issue when the time comes to change them. It would not be good to try to put the wrong plugs in as the threads may be different.
I wonder if it's just a plug change or if more has been changed. The boot color could be just an indicator, maybe not.

I suspect the plug thread will be the same.
08 Shifter said:
Check it out,Might have something to do with the TSB related to the plugs breaking off in the heads because of carbon buildup.Hopefully a redesign to prevent this.The TSB means that the plugs replaced get a coat of neverseize to prevent this.
I also think it has something to do with the poorly designed plugs that they have had so much trouble with. I want to get to the Ford dealer and look at the 2 different plug numbers.
08 Shifter said:
Check it out,Might have something to do with the TSB related to the plugs breaking off in the heads because of carbon buildup.Hopefully a redesign to prevent this.The TSB means that the plugs replaced get a coat of neverseize to prevent this.
That's it. Now where did I read it?????
onefastbob said:
I also think it has something to do with the poorly designed plugs that they have had so much trouble with. I want to get to the Ford dealer and look at the 2 different plug numbers.
Take you're camera too. :smile:
08 Shifter said:
Check it out,Might have something to do with the TSB related to the plugs breaking off in the heads because of carbon buildup.Hopefully a redesign to prevent this.The TSB means that the plugs replaced get a coat of neverseize to prevent this.
I believe that PZT1F (SP462 four pack) plugs were the fix for the TSB for the carbon build up breaking plugs, probably just a new coating like they did for the build up on the intakes a few years ago.

I couldn't really find anything on the HJFS24FP (SP509 four pack)

The new JHFS24FP may have nothing to do with the TSB but instead a different resistance maybe. That might be why they are dependant on the cop.
I went to the local Ford Dealer this morning to investigate the new spark plug issue. They did not realize there was a change. They have ordered a set of the new plugs for stock (Motorcraft SP509 or Ford HJFS24FP). They will have them in the morning. I will go there sometime tomorrow and photograph the 2 spark plugs and then try to find out which one my Bullitt has in it. I also spoke to Merle their service manager and he did not know about the change either. That was surprising cause Merle knows damned near everything about Fords. It was a neat feeling knowing something that he didn't. More to come so stay tuned.
that's interesting boB.
For the Marauder there have been a few reported Spark Plug 'changes' but they all turn out to be part number changes only. I wonder if that is what has happened here?
Hi Bob, I got my Bullitt 15th of Jan, have not looked at the plugs yet,so I don't know if they are black or brown, but can we find out if the newer plug is better ? and if so should we be going back to the dealer to get them changed ?
RCSignals said:
that's interesting boB.
For the Marauder there have been a few reported Spark Plug 'changes' but they all turn out to be part number changes only. I wonder if that is what has happened here?
Ford has had terrible problems with their spark plugs and cylinder heads on 5.4 and 4.6 3 valve engines and 2 valve engines. I think there has been a change in the head and the plug. I will find out tomorrow.
Jim08 said:
Hi Bob, I got my Bullitt 15th of Jan, have not looked at the plugs yet,so I don't know if they are black or brown, but can we find out if the newer plug is better ? and if so should we be going back to the dealer to get them changed ?
Most of our Bullitts may allready have the new style in them. I will have more info tomorrow when I inspect the new spark plug.
I have a 2004 F150 with the 4.6 which is subject the TSR. It only has 16,000 miles on it but I think I will change the plugs and replace with 1 piece spark plugs before I have this issue. I will use the 1 piece plug and use the nichel anti-seize. Hopefully Ford (or Motorcraft) will have a 1 piece spark plug, if not, I will use the Champion plugs. I understand (and hope) that the Bullitt has the issue resolved. Don't know if it was resolved with better plugs or the addition of the nichel anti-seize at the factory.
(PS I asked my local dealer and he advised it will be around $400 to change the plugs in the F150. OUCH)
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