Spark Plugs
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Spark Plugs
Okay guys here is the situation. I have a 1997 Ranger 2.3 liter and the manuals say that it needs Motorcraft AWSF32F spark plugs gapped to .042 to .046.
I went to get new plugs and the replacement for above plug is a Motorcraft AGSF32FM which is pre gapped to .050. I have read that you should never try to gap platinum plugs or you will damage them so I put them in as is. While I was at it I replaced the plug wires and fuel filter.
The truck did run better after I did all of this and I don't have any check engine codes. I have noticed that my mileage has dropped from about 22 mpg when I bought it to about 18mpg now. Although I'm not sure when, I think it has been gradual. It has about 80k miles on it. The only things I notice now are that it idles a little rough (I think it always did) and the decrease in mileage.
Should I remove the plugs and regap them or do you think they are o.k. at .050?
Also, I have heard that replacing the O2 sensors will help the mileage but the OBD-II diagnostics say that the O2 sensors are O.K.
I went to get new plugs and the replacement for above plug is a Motorcraft AGSF32FM which is pre gapped to .050. I have read that you should never try to gap platinum plugs or you will damage them so I put them in as is. While I was at it I replaced the plug wires and fuel filter.
The truck did run better after I did all of this and I don't have any check engine codes. I have noticed that my mileage has dropped from about 22 mpg when I bought it to about 18mpg now. Although I'm not sure when, I think it has been gradual. It has about 80k miles on it. The only things I notice now are that it idles a little rough (I think it always did) and the decrease in mileage.
Should I remove the plugs and regap them or do you think they are o.k. at .050?
Also, I have heard that replacing the O2 sensors will help the mileage but the OBD-II diagnostics say that the O2 sensors are O.K.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Spark Plugs
Hi Pete, welcome to Ford truck Enthusiasts!
I agree with Ken, gap them to Ford's specs, even Haynes says .042 to .046.
Also, be sure to torque the plugs properly, in your case, 7 to 15 lb/ft (84 to 180 lb/in).
Good luck!
I agree with Ken, gap them to Ford's specs, even Haynes says .042 to .046.
Also, be sure to torque the plugs properly, in your case, 7 to 15 lb/ft (84 to 180 lb/in).
Good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 385
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From: Flat Rock, Michigan
Spark Plugs
greenpus:
The link below explains your question.
http://motorcraft.com/standard.asp?T=2&M=15&PageID=34
-hooD
The link below explains your question.
http://motorcraft.com/standard.asp?T=2&M=15&PageID=34
-hooD
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,387
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this thread is two years old.
if you are looking for the best spark plugs, stick with motorcraft or autolite. stay away from bosch.
if you are looking for the best spark plugs, stick with motorcraft or autolite. stay away from bosch.
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by gtarbmx
what about other brands of sparks, whats the best?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Stone Mountain, GA
As a general rule, it's always a good idea to regap the plugs. That's the reason your mileage dropped.
I put the new motorcraft plugs in my 97, 2.3, and regapped them. Noticed that the truck seemed to run quieter and perform better at highway speeds.
I put the new motorcraft plugs in my 97, 2.3, and regapped them. Noticed that the truck seemed to run quieter and perform better at highway speeds.