Originally posted by DemonSVT:
So what you are saying is...

The Ford waste fire ignition system now magically does not reverse fire the opposite bank just because Ford has decided to use a less expensive spark plug. (single vs double)

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BTW - on top of that you do realize that technically the fine wire tip will wear quicker then a standard platinum tip will.

Now I do think the fine wire tip's advantages are worth it myself but then again I don't mind if I have to change plugs more often either.



No, I mean that the single, fine wire platinum electrode does not wear as fast as the older style plug, therefore it will last as long as the older style.

Last fall, this was discussed on the SHOForum. The following is the response received by a Ford enthusiast from a Motorcraft engineer:

Quote:


...Fine wire means a .030" to .040" dia platinum nickle alloy rivet welded to the end of the center electrode. There is about three times the precious metal than what is found on a 'P' level enhancement. The P's are made by crushing and welding a small special lump of Platinum nickel so that it is a disc about .003" thick.

The effect of the point on the center electrode is reduction of required firing voltage and that aspect slows down the erosion of the sidewire. Consequently, we can use a single 'finewire' enhancement to replace the double 'p' designs for service and get the same durability.

Some auxiliary advantages of the reduced firing voltage is less stress and therefore better life of coils and wires, etc. and cold foul misfire is improved. Don't go crazy getting some because our systems are robust without it and the improvement is modest and mostly unrecognizable except for special cases. We use it in production as a durability measure for those engines that wear out plugs fastest.



Hopefully, that explains the reason that Ford has moved to the fine-wire design for the replacement plugs for many Ford engines.


Steve



98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car 89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles 94 SHO ATX - 190K 1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K. ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!