Ford F-150 Spark Plug Gap Chart by Year: 2026 Engines
The F-150 spark plug gap depends on the engine. Ford’s owner’s manual pages print .028–.031 in (0.7–0.8 mm) for the 2.7L EcoBoost, .030–.033 in (0.75–0.85 mm) for the 3.5L EcoBoost, .049–.053 in (1.25–1.35 mm) for both the 3.7L V6 and the 5.0L V8, and .041–.047 in (1.04–1.20 mm) for the 6.2L V8.
This page was reviewed in October 2026 against Ford’s own manual pages and Ford’s parts site. Older engines (4.2L, 4.6L and 5.4L) and some newer EcoBoost years have no Ford page we could read, so they are listed separately with the source named. Always confirm against the underhood emissions label for your exact truck.
Ford F-150 Spark Plug Gap Chart by Engine
Every value below is printed on an engine specifications page in a Ford owner’s manual (or, for one row, Ford’s workshop manual). Ford’s online manual pages do not always name the model year, so we describe each page by the engines it covers.
| Engine | Gap (in) | Gap (mm) | Where Ford prints it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L EcoBoost V6 | .028–.031 | 0.7–0.8 | Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications – 2.7L EcoBoost |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | .030–.033 | 0.75–0.85 | Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications (3.5L EcoBoost, 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L); 2016 Police Interceptor owner’s manual: 3.5L EcoBoost |
| 3.7L V6 | .049–.053 | 1.25–1.35 | Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications (3.5L EcoBoost, 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L); 2019 Police Interceptor owner’s manual: 3.7L |
| 5.0L Coyote V8 | .049–.053 | 1.25–1.35 | Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications – 5.0L; Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications (3.5L EcoBoost, 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L); also a copy of Ford’s 2014 Mustang workshop manual (section 303-07B) |
| 6.2L V8 | .041–.047 | 1.04–1.20 | Ford owner’s manual: Engine Specifications (3.5L EcoBoost, 3.7L, 5.0L, 6.2L) |
The 2.7L and 5.0L rows above come from a Ford manual page that lists the 2.7L EcoBoost, 3.0L diesel, 3.3L, 3.5L EcoBoost and 5.0L, which matches the 2018–2020 F-150 engine line-up. The 3.5L, 3.7L, 5.0L and 6.2L row set comes from a page that lists exactly those four engines, which matches the 2011–2014 line-up. That model-year match is our inference, because the pages themselves do not state a year.
Engines Without a Ford Source We Could Read
These engines have no Ford page we could open, so the numbers below are not confirmed Ford specs. Use them as a starting point and check your manual or label.
| Engine | Commonly quoted gap | What we found |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6L and 5.4L 2-valve V8 (1997–2004) | .052–.056 in (1.32–1.42 mm) | A poster in an Expedition Forum thread quotes a Ford service manual line for the 4.6L and 5.4L. We could not open the manual. |
| 5.4L 3-valve V8 (2004–2010) | Not confirmed | Ford’s Motorcraft SP546X page lists the SP546X at a .045 gap, replaces SP515 and is interchangeable with SP546. The page does not say which engine it fits. |
| 4.2L V6 (1997–2008) | Not confirmed | No Ford or other primary source found. |
| 3.3L V6 (2018 and later) | Not confirmed | The Ford manual page lists a 3.3L, but we found no gap value for it. |
| 3.5L EcoBoost, 2017 and later | Not confirmed | one F150Forum thread quotes an owner’s manual at .028–.031 in. We found no Ford page for these years. |
For the 4.6L, see our Ford 4.6 spark plug gap guide. For the F-250, see the F-250 spark plug gap chart.
A Wrong Number Often Quoted for the 2011 5.0L
A gap of .041–.047 in is sometimes given for the 2011 F-150 5.0L. In the Ford manual page we read, that range belongs to the 6.2L V8. The same page lists .049–.053 in for the 5.0L, and a second Ford manual page and Ford’s 2014 Mustang workshop manual give the same .049–.053 in for the Coyote. If the number on your emissions label differs, follow the label.
EcoBoost vs V8 Spark Plug Gap
The two EcoBoost engines run gaps roughly 40 percent smaller than the 3.7L and 5.0L. NGK’s gapping guidance explains why: with forced induction, the gap should be reduced. Ford does not publish a reason on its manual pages, so treat that as NGK’s general guidance.
If you have tuned your EcoBoost, ask your tuner what gap they want. As one data point, Ford Performance’s EcoBoost cold spark plug set (one step colder than stock, for higher cylinder pressure) is listed by Ford Performance pre-gapped at .031 in (0.8 mm), for 2011–2021 3.5L EcoBoost F-150s (built up to July 2021) and 2015–2024 2.7L EcoBoost F-150s.
Related: best spark plugs for the 3.5L EcoBoost, best spark plugs for the 2.7L EcoBoost and best spark plugs for the 5.0 F-150.
Motorcraft Plugs Ford Lists for the F-150
Ford’s F-150 spark plug listing shows 29 results, among them SP589, SP594, SP580X, SP548X, SP596, SP588, SP526X, SP546, SP509X, SP479X, SP432X, SP493X and SP520AX. The listing gives neither a gap nor the engine for each plug, so use Ford’s parts lookup with your VIN to find the right one. We did not confirm which plug goes with which engine, so we have not matched part numbers to engines here.
| Plug | Gap shown on Ford’s page | Other notes on the page |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcraft SP546X (platinum) | .045 | Replaces SP515; interchangeable with SP546; torque 22–28 lb-ft (listed for SP546 and SP547); Ford’s Motorcraft SP546X page |
| Motorcraft SP545X (iridium) | .050 | Interchangeable with SP545; Ford’s Motorcraft SP545X page |
Ford’s product pages give a typical service interval of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual schedule for your engine decides.
How to Check and Set the Gap
- Find your engine and the gap for it in the chart above, and compare with your owner’s manual and underhood emissions label.
- Measure the gap on every new plug with a feeler gauge, even a pre-gapped one. NGK’s gapping guidance says the factory setting may not be right for your engine, so check it against the manufacturer’s specification.
- Adjust only the ground electrode. NGK says to avoid any pressure or prying on the fine wire center electrode of platinum and iridium plugs.
- For a turbocharged or boosted engine, keep to the manufacturer’s gap, or the tighter figure your tuner specifies.
- Install the plugs to the torque in your manual. Ford’s SP546X page lists 22–28 lb-ft for SP546 and SP547; other plugs have their own figures.
If you have a misfire after a plug change, see our P0300 code guide for the F-150 and the ignition coil resistance specs.
F-150 Spark Plug Gap FAQ
What is the spark plug gap on a Ford F-150?
It depends on the engine. Ford owner’s manual pages list .028 to .031 in for the 2.7L EcoBoost, .030 to .033 in for the 3.5L EcoBoost, .049 to .053 in for the 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8, and .041 to .047 in for the 6.2L V8. Confirm with your underhood emissions label.
What is the spark plug gap on a 5.0L F-150?
Ford prints .049 to .053 in (1.25 to 1.35 mm) for the 5.0L in two different owner’s manual pages, and Ford’s 2014 Mustang workshop manual lists the same range for the Coyote. A .041 to .047 in figure sometimes quoted for the 2011 5.0L is the 6.2L V8 value on the same Ford page.
What is the spark plug gap on a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150?
Ford’s manual pages we could read give .030 to .033 in (0.75 to 0.85 mm), including an owner’s manual page and a 2016 Police Interceptor manual. We found no Ford page for 2017 and newer trucks, and one forum post quotes .028 to .031 in from a later manual, so check your label.
What is the spark plug gap on a 2.7L EcoBoost F-150?
Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost engine specifications page lists .028 to .031 in (0.7 to 0.8 mm).
What is the spark plug gap on a 3.7L F-150?
Ford lists .049 to .053 in (1.25 to 1.35 mm) for the 3.7L V6, on an owner’s manual page and on Police Interceptor manual pages.
Do new Motorcraft spark plugs come pre-gapped?
Ford’s product pages list a gap for some Motorcraft plugs, for example .045 for the SP546X. NGK advises checking any new plug against the manufacturer’s specification anyway, because the factory setting may not suit your engine.
What gap should I use on a tuned EcoBoost?
Ask your tuner. NGK says forced induction calls for a smaller gap, and Ford Performance sells a cold plug set for the 3.5L and 2.7L EcoBoost that is listed pre-gapped at .031 in (0.8 mm) and one step colder than stock.
How often should F-150 spark plugs be replaced?
Ford’s Motorcraft product pages give a typical service interval of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual maintenance schedule for your engine is the final word.
Related F-150 Engine Guides
- Best Spark Plugs for Ford F-150 — plug options
- Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Firing Order — cylinder numbers
- F-150 Engine Options by Year — which engine you have
- Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Problems — 2.7L issues
- Ford 3.5 EcoBoost Problems — 3.5L issues
- Spark Plug Gap on a Ford 4.6 — older V8
- Ford F-250 Spark Plug Gap Chart — Super Duty engines
- Coil Packs and Firing Order: 5.4 Triton — Triton V8
Full engine lineup: Ford F-150 Engine Options by Year Chart
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