Spark Plug Change, CAI, 91+ Octane Gas
12-04-2012, 03:31 PM
#11
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,491
12-05-2012, 11:12 AM
#12
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Palm Beach to South Carolina
Posts: 1,567
Okay, here's my question. What effect, if any does, the CAI, FR tune, and higher octane gas have on carbon build-up? Does it tend to promote carbon build up? Does it tend to inhibit carbon build up? Or nothing at all? I'd like to know what to expect, as I won't attempt this "fun" little project if the CAI, tune, gas, tend to promote the problem.
I was surprised at the amount of oil blow-back that I had in my intake when I installed my CMDPs - which would be a big part of carbon build-up on the plugs. I changed my plugs a week or so before the CMDPs and my plugs looked nasty with only 40k miles. It was then I decided that a catch can would help keep the intake, valves, and plugs cleaner...
12-05-2012, 08:04 PM
#13
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,491
A catch can is an excellent mod, but that carbon is going to build up on the plugs regardless of whether or not you are running one. The normal combustion process creates a ton of carbon, burning oil just makes it worse.
12-05-2012, 08:41 PM
#14
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 11,278
If the average American didn't demand the cheapest possible price for everything, then we wouldn't have all these Chinese products. Unfortunately most people are cheap and on top of that they expect the very best for cheap.
12-05-2012, 11:06 PM
#15
After reading many threads about the 2-piece spark plugs, I'm seriously debating replacing the plugs per the Ford TSB. I'm the original owner, 2007 convertible, 26,500 miles. At 11,000 miles, I installed a Ford Racing CAI, have been running a Ford Racing tune, and using 91+ octane gas (usually Shell brand). I understand that carbon builds upon the shield of the Motorcraft plugs which may cause them to stick to the cylinder head. When removing the plugs, due to the poor 2-piece design, the plugs have a tendency to break.
Okay, here's my question. What effect, if any does, the CAI, FR tune, and higher octane gas have on carbon build-up? Does it tend to promote carbon build up? Does it tend to inhibit carbon build up? Or nothing at all? I'd like to know what to expect, as I won't attempt this "fun" little project if the CAI, tune, gas, tend to promote the problem. I plan to keep the car for a quite a while longer (did anyone notice how much MRSP has gone up in the last 5 years?), and I'm figuring that if I put this off, I will seriously regret not having tackled this issue sooner. Thanks in advance for your views.
Okay, here's my question. What effect, if any does, the CAI, FR tune, and higher octane gas have on carbon build-up? Does it tend to promote carbon build up? Does it tend to inhibit carbon build up? Or nothing at all? I'd like to know what to expect, as I won't attempt this "fun" little project if the CAI, tune, gas, tend to promote the problem. I plan to keep the car for a quite a while longer (did anyone notice how much MRSP has gone up in the last 5 years?), and I'm figuring that if I put this off, I will seriously regret not having tackled this issue sooner. Thanks in advance for your views.
But, I'm not sweating it too badly. I got my nickel anti-seize, 9/16" spark plug socket, and the Lisle tool in the mail from amazon.com on Monday, a set of Motorcraft plugs coming in the mail from American Muscle tomorrow, and I've even got a can of the Motorcraft PM-3 cleaner in a Tousley Ford order that I put in this weekend. I'll be taking my time and prepared for most contingencies. Hopefully my patience will be rewarded, and your patience will too!
12-06-2012, 07:16 AM
#16
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 410
I'm sure the stock coils are made in China and they have a pretty good rep. China doesn't have to = crap if you you have a company that is checking their product for quality.
If the average American didn't demand the cheapest possible price for everything, then we wouldn't have all these Chinese products. Unfortunately most people are cheap and on top of that they expect the very best for cheap.
If the average American didn't demand the cheapest possible price for everything, then we wouldn't have all these Chinese products. Unfortunately most people are cheap and on top of that they expect the very best for cheap.
12-06-2012, 07:36 AM
#17
I went with the champions last spring and have had no problems to date.
IMO the piece of mind the one-piece design gives me, has no price tag!
and to anyone changing their plugs I would have this to say...PB blaster is your friend!!!
12-06-2012, 06:53 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 29
12-08-2012, 01:03 PM
#19
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location:
Posts: 3,319
Thanks for the posts. I have a torque wrench and planned to use it. As to the plugs, I will probably install new Motorcraft plugs. I've read that Champion makes a one-piece plug, but they are more expensive. Hopefully the anti seize will have done its job the next time it's time to replace the plugs. I am open to suggestions, however.
01-12-2013, 09:16 AM
#20
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 155
I'm planning to change my plugs to Champion 7989 (I think). I love PB Blaster but I hear it is excellent for rust but not so good for dissolving carbon. What about using Throttle body or Carb Cleaner instead as they are designed to dissolve carbon buildup?