Spark Plugs: Recommendations?

Aug 08, 2004 25 Replies

Well, not a tough as a job as I thought it was going to be... although my first plug I put in, I felt something like a "click" as in using a torque wrench when it reached the proper torque. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but later found out I had cracked the porcelain/ceramic (what is it?) on the outside of the plug, 'cause it was misfiring as soon as I got on the highway to go somewhere.

Ford put those plugs in WAY too tight... had a heck of a time getting them out. In fact, I had to hand over removing the front one on the passenger side to my friend (who is a mechanic) as when I tried to remove it, the entire thing shattered to pieces. Luckily, it was just the outside and didn't require to do anything "surgical" as he called it.

All in all, everything is working just great. I can't wait to fill up again to see IF it makes any difference in my gas mileage. I am thinking about having my fuel injectors serviced at the dealership (anyone know at what mileage that is usually called for anyway?)

Thanks all,

Tim

You broke one coming out, and one going in? Were you using a spark plug socket?

Bill Funk Change "g" to "a"

On the topic of plugs, does anyone have any experience in how the 4.0 SOHC reacts to having its plugs indexed?

ROFL!

Indexing plugs in a stock, SUV....

ROFL some more..... *wiping the tear from my eye*

Yeah, make sure you use Splitfires though ;)

Why? Does the SOHC engine's intake actually require it? Remember, a spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture - that's what it does. Once it's ignited, the plug has done its job. It can't do it any better. It either does it or not. Indexing plugs which already do their job is pointless.

There are certain circumstances where fancy plugs are needed; a stock Explorer, running correctly, isn't one of those circumstances by any means.

Bill Funk Change "g" to "a"

Yes, we were using the proper tools for this.

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