What is the proper plug and setting for a 2004 Ford Taurus - Mercury Sable 3.0 Vulcan engine?

Answer 1

Easy one first - the sparkplug gap

• Vulcan 12v and Flex Fuel engines: .042-.046.
• Duratec 24 valve DOHC engine: .052-.056
  

Now to the plugs - the 2003 Owners Manual refers you to the dealer - what rubbish! (sorry for the editorial outburst)

The auto parts store will be able to tell you what plug is specified for that engine.

But...

You're going to have to pick from copper to platinum ("plat" for short and those who don't know how to spell platinum) to double platinum to finewire to the latest offering iridium.

And that doesn't even get into the discussion on brands.Motorcraft, Autolite, Bosch, Champion, NGK, just to name a few.

Even though you didn't ask, here's my opinion (worth every penny you're paying for it):

• Brand - Motorcraft, Autolite as a second preference - and many people discourage Bosch for a bad track record with the Taurus/Sable engines. Dunno about that and YMMV (pun intended)
  
  
• Plugs & precious metals - finewire double platinum.
  
  The iridium is a harder metal and provides for a longer life / service interval.
  

One last thing: if you're doing plugs, spring for the extra for wires while you're doing the work - especially on a Duratec DOHC engine. Not so much a consideration on the Vulcan due to the much easier access to the rear bank (#1) of the engine.

Tons of great information in the "Related Questions" below.

All plugs of Motorcraft brand. Factory installed: AWSF 32P for cyl # 4,5,6 AWSF 32PG for cyl 1.2.3 By manual, replace all six with AWSF 32PP None of these numbers exist in year 2007. All of the above are double platinum plugs. From Ford dealer: AGSF 32FM is the replacement for the above. SP432 is the 2ndary # on the plug and can be purchesed at an auto store selling Motorcraft. Autolite APP764 is also an orig. equip. replacement and is also a double platinum plug.