For some unknown reason , I'd like to switch from platinium to standard-type sparkplugs. My information says this engine should have Motorcraft AWSF-32PP (platinum type) sparkplugs. My autoparts dude says I can swap them out for Autolite #103 plugs without any ill effects to the life or performance of the engine.

Secondly, the engine had 3-Motorcraft AGSF 32PM at cyl# 4,5,& 6 and 3-Motorcraft AGSF 32PGM platinum plugs at cyl. #1,2,& 3 now...I have no idea why there were different plugs between front 3 plugs and the back 3 plugs.

Question 1) Anyone switch from platinum to std plugs and have any problems?

Q2) The Autolite #103s come out-of-the-box at 0.045". The removed platinum plugs seem to be gapped at 0.060". If I make the switch, what should I gap the std #103 plugs at and how long will they last?

Q3) Are the Motorcraft AWSF-32PP, the AGSF 32PM and the AGSF 32PGM plugs really the same plug just with 'super-sceded' part numbers?

As far as the difference in the plugs currently in your car, more than likely, somebody MEANT to change all 6 at one time, did the front 3 since 4,5,6 are in the front, and lost interest when faced with doing the ones in the back, although on a 3.0 12V engine, those aren't really bad. Try doing them on a 24V 3.0!

The gap should be listed on the emissions sticker under the hood, which should say something like .052 - .056 . I gap them to .054.

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Sub Stanger/Oxford White 2003 Mach 1.
MustangsandMore Member #91
MCA Member #61863

Thanks for the reply and opinions!

I was thinking the same thing - that someone in the past only changed the front plugs and not the rear plugs. You're also correct in that the back 3 weren't very difficult to change.

I'm thinking the OEM Emissions Sticker that would of been under the hood went 'bye-bye' when the hood, radiator support & grill were replaced after the car had a 'close encounter' with a Whitetail deer! So, what I'm saying is there isn't a sticker on it now..... Am I understanding you correctly that regardless of which plug I use (the platinum or the non-platinum) they should be gapped at 0.052" - 0.056" ?

According to my newly-aquired Chilton's Repair Manual (#26702, for 1996-2005 Taurus/Sable) the "U" or standard OHV 3.0L V-6 engine takes a Motorcraft AWSF-32PP or equivalent sparkplug gapped @ 0.042" to 0.046".

Whereas, the "S" or OHC 3.0L V-6 engine from '96-'02 take a Motorcraft AGSF-32F or equivelant, gapped @ 0.052" to 0.056" and the 2003 and later "S" engines take a Motorcraft AGSF-32FM or eqivalent gapped @ 0.054".

Thanks for solving my mystery pertaining to the different plugs in my '02 Taurus!

TWO PLUGS FIRING AT THE SAME TIME? WOW - THAT SOUNDS KINDA WIERD & WILD TO ME.... But hey, even at 114K miles, the girl runs like a top!