Drophead08

How did this thread finally resolve? What caused the bent electrode on that spark plug? This is like reading a novel with the final chapter missing. :-)

2007StangV6

Simple solution really. I returned the NGK plugs to the store and got my money back. Went out to the local dealership and picked up a new set of OEM Motorcraft plugs and wires. Gapped all the plugs and installed everything. Car ran good, which was a big relief at the time, and still runs like a champ today.

As far as what caused the bent electrode, I have no idea. I ran these new plugs for about 1,000 miles and pulled the #3 cylinder to see if it was bent, but it was fine and still gapped correctly. What I am guessing what happened is that I didn't put the plug in straight and bent the electrode as I was putting it in.

Drophead08

Great news! The reason I read this thread is I am about to change my own plugs and I wanted to see what others are doing. Sounds like the Motorcraft plugs are the way to go.

Is it necessary to change the wires at the same time? I have about 75K on the car?

Thanks.

2007StangV6

Everywhere I have read has told me to stick with Motorcraft plugs, and nothing else. I'm sure others have had success with other plugs, but I'll just stick with OEM from now on with this car.

As far as changing the wires at the same time, I would. You might as well do everything at the same time since they go hand in hand.

Drophead08

Thanks; I'll put a new wire set on my list.

Glad it all worked out well for you in the end.

bfunke

Not sure if the V6 has those crappy 2 piece plugs that tend to break when removing causing expensive repairs but be careful removing old plugs.

Goldenpony

No, I don't think the 6 shooter uses the 2 piece plugs, only the 3V V-8

JimC

No, the 4.0 does not use the 2 piece plugs like the GT.

When you are putting the plugs in, thread them in by hand first. If you try to use a wrench you will likely cross thread then have to have the head worked on with a heli coil. Also, it is very easy to mix up the wires when you put them back on if you do more than one plug at a time. One side of the coil is in numerical order and the other side is not. Very often someone changes plugs and then posts about how their car is running rough - and usually it is simply the wires are crossed.

I found the back plug on the passenger side the most difficult on the 4.0. Not only are you working blind, but it angles back to the firewall.

Drophead08

I bought some plugs for it today and they are "real" plugs, like we all grew up with. Watched a video of a guy removing a broken two-piece plug like in the V8s and it was pretty scary. Glad to have the V6 now.

Drophead08

Thanks, Jim, for the tip on the plug wires. I looked at an after-market set that was not numbered and I think I will stick to wires with the plug numbers on them just to be safe. I'll make a diagram, too. :-)