Community Forums

PeoriaGuy · 02-05-2018, 07:06 PM

I'm a new F-53 chassis owner. It's a 1999 with only 51k miles, but I have zero information of any previous engine issues. The insert kit is a good idea, but should I check the torque on the plugs now? Is so, does anyone know the torque specs for a used plug in an original head? I've heard it's usually just a couple cyl. #'s that blow, but will check and retorque all 10.
Thanks for any help!

PeoriaGuy · 02-05-2018, 07:10 PM

I have heard that gentle tapping on the top of the ratchet while applying force to remove the plug works.

nothermark · 02-05-2018, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeoriaGuy

I'm a new F-53 chassis owner. It's a 1999 with only 51k miles, but I have zero information of any previous engine issues. The insert kit is a good idea, but should I check the torque on the plugs now? Is so, does anyone know the torque specs for a used plug in an original head? I've heard it's usually just a couple cyl. #'s that blow, but will check and retorque all 10.
Thanks for any help!

I think the consensus is to leave the plugs alone unless there is a problem.

mrt_1111 · 02-05-2018, 08:58 PM

Does 100,000 mile plug mean to replace the plug at 100 000 miles or to gap/inspect the plugs at 100,000 miles?

avfordguy · 02-05-2018, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrt_1111

Does 100,000 mile plug mean to replace the plug at 100 000 miles or to gap/inspect the plugs at 100,000 miles?

Replace, although i have seen v10's go way over 200k with no issues on the original plugs

Waiter21 · 02-06-2018, 05:14 AM

PeoriaGuy;

When we bought our "New-to-Us" 1999 Soutwind last spring, it had 50 k miles on it and I'am well aware of the spitting issue ( I owned a 2001 F53 before this). I visually looked at the plugs and CAPS, they appeared to be OEM and never touched, so I decided to leave them alone.

They should run 100k easily, so this should give me 6-8 years of service. If I start having any misfires, I'll replace the plugs and caps. Until them, I'll leave them alone.

Since you have a 1999 F53, you might be interested in some of the F53 work I've done on mine. Take a peek at my blog sight for a lot of writeups on TSBs a and maintenance issues on the F53.

1999 Southwind 35S – Southwind by Fleetwood – sporting its new paint job

..

ga traveler · 02-06-2018, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeoriaGuy

I'm a new F-53 chassis owner. It's a 1999 with only 51k miles, but I have zero information of any previous engine issues. The insert kit is a good idea, but should I check the torque on the plugs now? Is so, does anyone know the torque specs for a used plug in an original head? I've heard it's usually just a couple cyl. #'s that blow, but will check and retorque all 10.
Thanks for any help!

Since it seems to usually the be the #4 cylinder, You might check the #4 torque. If it is loose, then do all the cylinders. If you do this, torque to 28 ft lbs. The cylinders are numbered 1 thru 5 on the passenger side of the engine and 6 thru 10 on the drivers side.

Randalpho · 02-06-2018, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I visually looked at the plugs and CAPS, they appeared to be OEM and never touched, so I decided to leave them alone.

They should run 100k easily, so this should give me 6-8 years of service. If I start having any misfires, I'll replace the plugs and caps. Until them, I'll leave them alone.

..

FYI, the original OEM spark plugs will have a dot of paint on the very top of the plug. If you remove the spark plug wire or ignition coil you should be able to see if there is paint or not. Your color may vary.......

Russ Silber · 02-10-2018, 01:40 PM

68000 on 1999 Dutchstar. 0 problems wuth plugs. Had all exhaust bolts changed due to rust. Went well about 225 cost. Also had pysh to start button installed to bypass all of Fords no start safety crap and switches. Works great .just turn key to run and push button instant start. Also have reat brakes serviced. They tend to lock up a around
65000 miles and repack front bearings abd frobt brake skiders greased.
321 9994555 if you wish to talk.

ga traveler · 02-10-2018, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ Silber

68000 on 1999 Dutchstar. 0 problems wuth plugs. Had all exhaust bolts changed due to rust. Went well about 225 cost. Also had pysh to start button installed to bypass all of Fords no start safety crap and switches. Works great .just turn key to run and push button instant start. Also have reat brakes serviced. They tend to lock up a around
65000 miles and repack front bearings abd frobt brake skiders greased.
321 9994555 if you wish to talk.

Did you read my first post? Plug blew at 68,537 miles. No problems before that. Since it seems to usually be the #4 plug, I would advise folks to check #4 plug for torque. It is about the easiest plug to reach.