I recently purchased a '98 Ford Ranger, Flareside, Regular cab, with a 2.5 liter engine. It is in great shape and I didn't really stick my nose under the hood until a few days ago. (Yes I did when I bought it, clean as a whistle). Much to my suprise, I found out the thing has 4 spark plugs on each side of the head, totaling eight! I know some of you are laughing about now, but this is my first Ford, and my first newer, descent vehicle. Can anyone out there explain to me the logic of having eight spark plugs in an inline 4-banger? Do both plugs fire on each ignition cycle? I'd appreciate any informaion you can give me!
I feel a bit out of my league here, I've owned Mopars all my life, my dad is a retired Chysler Mechanic, so I've always known what was under the hood of my vehicle! This one threw me for a loop. Thanks for any info you folk's can give me!

 

Yes they do. Better combustion characteristics.

 

If I remember correctly, they also fire one on the exhaust stroke to clean up the emissions....

 

You are correct, sir! They switched it back to a 4 plug I THINK in 2000, I may be wrong. But the '98 and '99 2.5's were 4 cylinder, 8 spark plug models.
CB

 

Thanks for the info on my engine. I've got a Hanyes Manual coming in the mail, so I'll get all studied up on this engine when that arrives. Nice Rig Mrwizard

Hey Rancha9, I was caught dead in a Dodge once. I went through the ice when I was out ice fishing and they didn't get me out of the truck for about an hour. Because of the cold water, basically shutting down my system, they were able to revive me.