Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review May 26, 2021, 08:12:17 pm 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=C1FFWppknTcand 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/uRCKbUDZtpUAmazing what you can get for $30.Rich 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #1 – May 26, 2021, 08:34:45 pm 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. 1 Likes
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #2 – May 26, 2021, 09:18:56 pm Quote from: Joan - May 26, 2021, 08:34:45 pmI'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
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #3 – May 26, 2021, 09:26:21 pm 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 CAmazon.com: Autolite APP103 Double Platinum Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #4 – May 26, 2021, 09:33:22 pm 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 1 Likes
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #5 – May 26, 2021, 09:44:10 pm 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?
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #6 – May 27, 2021, 01:56:30 am Quote from: Linda C - May 26, 2021, 09:44:10 pmOh, 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 2 Likes
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #7 – May 27, 2021, 09:16:12 am Thanks Steve! Looks like I will have to find out what plugs my LD has the hard way, lol.
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #8 – May 27, 2021, 09:24:42 am 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 picturesSteve 2 Likes
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #9 – May 27, 2021, 11:09:11 am 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!
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #10 – May 27, 2021, 02:31:26 pm 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.
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #11 – May 27, 2021, 07:06:26 pm For what it’s worth my 2002 MB chassis is dated 3/02 with designation IC2E. Plugs changed at 77K, current mileage 126K.Malcolm 1 Likes
Re: Counting threads (spark plug threads 4 vs 8) / cheap boroscope review Reply #12 – July 14, 2021, 09:22:33 pm Yay! I found the IC2E mark on my engine. Chassis date on door is 5/2003. Thank you for the guidance!