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Topic: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review (Read 471 times) previous topic - next topic
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Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review

I have a 2003 MB.  Chassis build date 6/03. Delivered as a coach in 12/03.  This puts me in the range where Ford was switching over from engines with 4 threads per spark plug (possible problems) to engines with 8 threads per spark plug.

At 87,000 miles, I finally decided that it was time to find out which version I had.  I pulled the plug from cylinder #5 (passenger side, furthest to the back) and couldn't see a dang thing.  The plug was well seated in the cylinder head, which gave me some hope. 

I watched this review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1FFWppknTc

and then ordered this: NIDAGE Wireless Endoscope for Automotive Inspection Semi-Rigid Flexible...

Attached is a picture from the standard camera.

Finally, a short video using the 90-degree mirror attachment:
https://youtu.be/uRCKbUDZtpU

Amazing what you can get for $30.

Rich

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 MB
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #1 –
Rich, if your 2003 engine/chassis had the build date of 6/03, it was manufactured shortly after my 2003, i.e., 5/27/03. Since my LD has 7/8 thread plugs, yours does, too, as shown in the well.

I've posted before that Dave Mahlmeister at BOSP told me that the May 27, 2003, date of my engine manufacture was the earliest he had seen, and he (and his brother in SoCal) has changed out a LOT of plugs. JMO, but if one's Ford E450 shows a manufacture date the same time or later than ours, I think it's a safe bet that the plugs are 7/8 thread.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
I've posted before that Dave Mahlmeister at BOSP told me that the May 27, 2003, date of my engine manufacture was the earliest he had seen, and he (and his brother in SoCal) has changed out a LOT of plugs. JMO, but if one's Ford E450 shows a manufacture date the same time or later than ours, I think it's a safe bet that the plugs are 7/8 thread.

That's good info from a reliable source.  If you poke around on the Ford truck forums, you get all sorts of not as reliable info.

I'm glad to have lucked into the improved version and it's always fun to play with a new toy. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #3 –

My chassis has a build date of 5/03, and LD coach date of 7/03 (they sure built them fast then!)  Previous owner kept all service records.  I found an invoice that shows one spark plug was replaced in 11/09, part number APP103.  When I look up APP103 online, I see a plug with 8 threads.  I assume that that means that I have the new and improved plugs (but you know what they say about assuming!)  Am I wrong in my assumption?  :-\   Thanks,  Linda C

Amazon.com: Autolite APP103 Double Platinum Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #4 –
The 8 vs 4 refers to the number of threads in the cylinder head, not the number on the spark plugs. 

The spark plugs are all the same. 

2003 was a big year for LD production.  It would be fun to know how many were produced that year.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #5 –
Oh, gotcha!!  Never should assume!  Ok, someone also told me that because I have a grill that looks like this in my 2003, that it means it has the newer cylinder head (or did he say newer engine  :-\ ). The older style grill has more of an oval shaped design.  Has anyone ever heard that or am I just totally out in left field?
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Linda C  - 
Oh, gotcha!!  Never should assume!  Ok, someone also told me that because I have a grill that looks like this in my 2003, that it means it has the newer cylinder head (or did he say newer engine  :-\ ). The older style grill has more of an oval shaped design.  Has anyone ever heard that or am I just totally out in left field?

You were misinformed. There was no grill design change corresponding change to the head design change.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #7 –
Thanks Steve!  Looks like I will have to find out what plugs my LD has the hard way, lol.  :D 
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #8 –
In my research on the issue of 4 thread and 8 thread heads I found that heads that have the mark of IC2E were the first heads to use 8 threads.

You can see this mark on the head by looking through the passenger side wheel well. Search IC2E on this forum for details and pictures

Steve



Steve
2003TK
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #9 –
Thanks Steve! Great tip, I will look for the IC2E marking.  I still had some Cachuma Lake earwigs hiding out in the wheel wells/covers last weekend, maybe I will wait a little while before going under the rig with my face so close!
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #10 –
You bet’cha. It was hard to see just eyeing it. I used my cell phone to snap a picture with flash and then zoomed in.
Steve
2003TK
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #11 –
For what it’s worth my 2002 MB chassis is dated 3/02 with designation IC2E.
Plugs changed at 77K, current mileage 126K.

Malcolm
2002 Mid Bath
 
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review
Reply #12 –
Yay! I found the IC2E mark on my engine.  Chassis date on door is 5/2003.  Thank you for the guidance!
2003 RB “Lulu Boo Berry” The Blue Ghost
2008 Jeep Liberty “Mr. Toad”