Spark Plugs
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Pacheco, CA
Spark Plugs
I need to change my plugs...I need to change my plugs...oh boy I need to change my plugs. I have a '98 xlt 2.5L supercab. Nice truck, and has been through a lot, and will probably go through much more before it's ready to leave me. I'm looking for suggestions, know-how, help?, on how to change my plugs in an easy, straightforward manner. The 8 plug configuration on my ranger has left some hidden under and around the intake manifold... any suggestions before I start?
Oh, yeah another thing, what type of plug would you recommend for a hard driving ranger? I'm looking for a little boost in performance. Are those bosch platinum with the multi-tips any good?
Thanks for any help you can give...
Oh, yeah another thing, what type of plug would you recommend for a hard driving ranger? I'm looking for a little boost in performance. Are those bosch platinum with the multi-tips any good?
Thanks for any help you can give...
New User
Joined: May 2003
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Spark Plugs
I have only been a member here for less than a month. but I will tell yo to try the search I found so much valuble info on the subject of changing the spark plugs,and the spark plugs them selves. good luck and happy searching.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 161
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From: Spring Hill, KS
Spark Plugs
I have a '94 with a 2.3. When I change my plugs I only use Bosch Platnums. They work great, and gas milage is about 23-24...as far as getting to the things...that is a little more difficult. I usually take the throttle body and upper intake off, I have found that a really really long socket extension works (12-18 inches) and that cuts the time in half. But that is on a '94, and I don't know how the '98's under the hood looks?! Food for thought!
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 148
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From: Charlotte
Spark Plugs
I agree with Ken00 about the MotorCraft Double Platinums. Fortunately they last about 100,000 miles, so you don't have to buy them often.
I usually pull of the throttle body and upper intake manifold to get the driver's side on my '98 2.5L. The factory wires have handles on them and you may get lucky and not tear one loose, but then again, maybe not. The third one back is very tricky with the manifold in place.
There are severals vacuum lines to disconnect and the manifold is liquid cooled, so there are the coolant lines to deal with. You'll need an uppder intake manifold gasket kit. While you have it off, it's a good time to clean the throttle body and manifold. Also the PCV valve is located down low on the driver's side. Replace it, too. And don't forget the silicone boot grease.
Good Luck.
CB
I usually pull of the throttle body and upper intake manifold to get the driver's side on my '98 2.5L. The factory wires have handles on them and you may get lucky and not tear one loose, but then again, maybe not. The third one back is very tricky with the manifold in place.
There are severals vacuum lines to disconnect and the manifold is liquid cooled, so there are the coolant lines to deal with. You'll need an uppder intake manifold gasket kit. While you have it off, it's a good time to clean the throttle body and manifold. Also the PCV valve is located down low on the driver's side. Replace it, too. And don't forget the silicone boot grease.
Good Luck.
CB
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Pacheco, CA
Spark Plugs
If I'm going to take off my manifold, which I think I'll do...what do any of you guys think about throttle body spacers that I guess spin the air or whatever adding more performance? I guess I'm asking what is it that they really do and if they work? I might as well put one on if I have it exposed to do so...
Thanks...
Thanks...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
Spark Plugs
Don't forget about putting dielectric grease on the boots when you put hem back on.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Cuba, Missouri
Spark Plugs
If the 2.5L is like the 2.3L I have, I use an 18inch extension with a swivel spark plug socket. Wrap the swivel with a few wraps of masking tape. The tape will let it swivel, but hold it straight enough that you can fish it down on top of the plug. It also makes reinstalling them easier for the same reason. Get a long pair of needle nose pliers for the wires on the drivers side. After I quit scratching my head and just dove in, it was really straight forward and didn't take much time at all. If you do decide to remove the intake, make sure to use new gaskets on the reassembly. Hope it helps!!
CJ
CJ
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Spark Plugs
Originally posted by FyreLyter
dielectric grease? not just silicone boot grease?
dielectric grease? not just silicone boot grease?
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