AGSP32FM spark plugs FYI

[FAST4DR]

I went to get some new spark plugs for the 91 and was going to get Bosch platinums, but when I went to autozone they had the AGSP32FM in stock for $3.99 each so I got them. On their website they list the plugs as Motorcraft 6111.

I had the lady pull a Bosch Platinum 4301 and it is IDENTICAL in size so that would work fine also.

Will

Here is a picture comparing the AGSP32PP(discontinued) and FM

 

[Yamaha V6]

FYI, I have about 6 sets of the AGSP32PP left on the shelf for anyone who wanted them. They'd been located in for me, so my normal Ford discount didn't apply (meaning don't offer me $24 a set for them). If interested, email.

 

[sdpatt]

Thanks for the info. Do you have any pictures of the side-by-side, full length views of those plugs? I found them for $2.99 at O'Reilly. That's six bucks savings for the set. I hope they turn out to be a 60,000 mile replacement for the AGSP32PP plugs.

 

[FAST4DR]

Thanks for the info. Do you have any pictures of the side-by-side, full length views of those plugs? I found them for $2.99 at O'Reilly. That's six bucks savings for the set. I hope they turn out to be a 60,000 mile replacement for the AGSP32PP plugs.

Here ya go. I measured them with my digital calipers and from the base that the washer sets against to the top they measured...

AGSP32PP - 1.975"
AGSP32FM - 2.000"

So the FM plugs are .025 taller. I hardly noticed and I don't think it makes any difference since that much space will be easily taken up by the boots, etc.

Will

 

[FAST4DR]

Oh and I forgot to mention that it's funny that the AGSP32PP just says Motorcraft on the plug, but the FM plugs have Motorcraft Platinum printed on them. I know both are platinum but I wonder why they decided to print it?

 

[sdpatt]

That height difference shows me that the FM plugs are not designed for the SHO engine. They may make good spark for the required maintenance interval, but that additional height will prevent the plug boot from sealing as well as it should. Just don't go washing the engine with water.

 

[FAST4DR]

That height difference shows me that the FM plugs are not designed for the SHO engine. They may make good spark for the required maintenance interval, but that additional height will prevent the plug boot from sealing as well as it should. Just don't go washing the engine with water.

Are you serious? .025"?? You can hardly see it. There is waaaaaaaay more than .025" of play in the connector that is down inside the boots. It's not that critical. You could always grind the top a little to make them perfect!

The height difference is in the white insulator part.

Will

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I had the lady pull a Bosch Platinum 4301 and it is IDENTICAL in size so that would work fine also.

Just because the Bosch plug appeared to be the same size still doesn't make it a good choice for the SHO.

The Motorcraft plugs, both the AGSP32PP and the AGSP32FM are double-platinum, meaning both the center electrode and the ground electrode are platinum (actually, an alloy of platinum and nickel). With the Bosch plugs (all varieties) and most other aftermarket plugs (Autolite APP3924's are also double-platinum), only the center electrode is platinum, and the ground electrode is usually nickel or a nickel alloy.

Countless people have tried the Bosch plugs in their SHO's, the majority with poor results. I was a big fan of the Bosch platinum plugs in the early 90's, and found them to be excellent in certain applications. Unfortunately, they simply do not perform well in any flavored SHO motor.

That height difference shows me that the FM plugs are not designed for the SHO engine.

Scott, you are correct, however, the AGSP32PP plug has been officially discontinued and supplies are now becoming very limited. Ford no longer produces a plug specifically designed for any SHO motor. The AGSP32FM has been specified by Ford as the acceptable replacement. While it would be ideal if the PP's remained available perpetually, I don't think it's unreasonable for Ford to discontinue a plug designed for a motor which hasn't been in a car that has rolled off their assembly line in 10 years now.

I was as big a promoter as anyone of using the PP's, but the reality is that Ford no longer makes them, and they are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. We've been installing the FM plugs in V6 SHO motors for about a year now, and haven't had a single problem with them (probably about 30 cars). They fit fine, and there is absolutely no problem with the plug boots (on OEM wires) seating properly.

The FM plugs (AWSF32FM and AGSF32FM) were factory installed in the V8 SHO's, and we've installed over 450 sets without a single problem.

The FM plugs are of superior design to the older PP plugs for a number of reasons that I won't go into here. BUT, they are still only a 60K mile plug. Ford says they are 100K mile plugs, but in our experience beyond 60K miles the gap will expand significantly, negatively affecting performance.

In any case, $24 for a set of genuine Ford/Motorcraft plugs available over-the-counter at autoparts retailers nationwide, which fit and work perfectly in the V6 SHO, is a pretty good deal all around.

 

[gosho89]

That height difference shows me that the FM plugs are not designed for the SHO engine. They may make good spark for the required maintenance interval, but that additional height will prevent the plug boot from sealing as well as it should. Just don't go washing the engine with water.

I agree I won't use the FM plugs in any 60k jobs from here on out. In a recent 60k I used the FM plugs and the new Motorcraft plug wires didn't seal against the valve covers, much like the way Autolites or NGK's fit. Fortently I found 72 obsulete PP plugs in a local Motorcraft warehouse so I bought them up for future 60k's. The Ford dealers Parts system is set to supersede to the more popular FM plugs, but if you do some digging theres still PP's around the country. It helps to have a Ford Partsman that will go the extra mile to help.