4.2 spark plug - any issues?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southern Indiana
4.2 spark plug - any issues?
I'm going to install new plugs in my 4.2.
Am I going to have the nightmare that I read about when removing the plugs? Or is this just a normal job on the 4.2?
Am I going to have the nightmare that I read about when removing the plugs? Or is this just a normal job on the 4.2?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 693
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From: Indiana
The 4.2 is quite normal compared to the triton 3 valve engines. Going To be doing mine soon as well at 118xxx. Not sure when they were last done. Going to take my time and soak them with deep creep or pub blaster before hand. A long ratchet and small easing pressure should do it
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Junior User
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From: Southern Indiana
Was a piece of cake.
Kinda tight quarters, and people with big hands might have problems. Long arms would be a plus.
Used a good socket and breaker bar to get 'em started out, then switched to a ratchet to turn them all the way out. I used three different extensions, depending on which plug I was working on and what was in the way.
Mine didn't need pre-soaking. I think pre-soaking would just make a mess. Getting the boots off was harder than getting the plugs out. The engine was cold.
Plugs looked OK, except the gap was kinda big. But I expected that, considering they fired for over 160,000 miles.
Kinda tight quarters, and people with big hands might have problems. Long arms would be a plus.
Used a good socket and breaker bar to get 'em started out, then switched to a ratchet to turn them all the way out. I used three different extensions, depending on which plug I was working on and what was in the way.
Mine didn't need pre-soaking. I think pre-soaking would just make a mess. Getting the boots off was harder than getting the plugs out. The engine was cold.
Plugs looked OK, except the gap was kinda big. But I expected that, considering they fired for over 160,000 miles.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Southern Indiana
The first full turn out was kind of sticky/sluggish, but after that the plugs turned out with my fingers on the socket.
Putting in the new plugs was a snap. They started easily, and turned in almost all the way without a ratchet.
The gaps were even on all six plugs. I didn't measure the gap, but it appeared to be .090 to .100. Plugs were all a nice brown color, and the engine ran well before and after the change. I couldn't tell a noticeable improvement with the new plugs. It was that close.
At the rate I'm driving now I won't have to change the plugs for another 7 years or so.
BTW: This truck has been a maintenance dream.
92,000-plus on the original Michelins. 72,000 so far on the second set.
3 burned-out tail light bulbs.
1 alternator replacement.
Oil and filter changes on an irregular basis.
2 air filter replacements.
Not bad at all for five and a half years and 164,000 miles. Gonna check the brakes soon. I drive lots of highways miles, and I cost rather than brake, so they don't get a lot of use.
Putting in the new plugs was a snap. They started easily, and turned in almost all the way without a ratchet.
The gaps were even on all six plugs. I didn't measure the gap, but it appeared to be .090 to .100. Plugs were all a nice brown color, and the engine ran well before and after the change. I couldn't tell a noticeable improvement with the new plugs. It was that close.
At the rate I'm driving now I won't have to change the plugs for another 7 years or so.
BTW: This truck has been a maintenance dream.
92,000-plus on the original Michelins. 72,000 so far on the second set.
3 burned-out tail light bulbs.
1 alternator replacement.
Oil and filter changes on an irregular basis.
2 air filter replacements.
Not bad at all for five and a half years and 164,000 miles. Gonna check the brakes soon. I drive lots of highways miles, and I cost rather than brake, so they don't get a lot of use.
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Junior User
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From: Southern Indiana
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Indiana
Finally got around to changing mine. I pulled off the front tire of the side I was working on and lowered the truck till the rotor almost touched the ground. Made it really easy on the back! Then on the back plugs near the cab they were very easy to get to sitting inside the wheel well. Engine idles a little better and has improved power when moving down the freeway. Hills are easier to maintain or speed over. Changing plugs on these 4.2 engines are not bad
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 693
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From: Indiana
Yeah. I had the front tires off and loaded the truck till the rotors nearly touched the ground. I sat inside the fender well as needed for the back plugs. Made it a breeze! Because the truck was lowered to the ground so I could reach down inside the hood as well. Glad you for yours done easy too. Mine came right out at 120,000. The porcelain was falling apart near the nut of the spark plug and were motor craft so I believe they were from the factory !!
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