Hey all.

Been a while since I've had a need to post, and have a new vehicle as my reason.

Picked up a 2001 ranger that needs some maintenance (pads and rotors, fluids, etc.) and I figure plugs and wires are due.

Intending to use Motorcraft plugs (2.3 l) engine, and was curious what the right part number is. Assuming I need double platinum plugs, but does this engine need the fine wire ones?

Thanks in advance!

 

We have a "waste spark" ignition in which half the plugs get a reverse polarity spark & the plugs are fired on Every rotation of the crankshaft, so works it's components Twice as hard as the old distributor ignition system did.

SO, in my experience with the fine wire plugs now in All my vehicles, it's worth opting for the specified fine wire center electrode with platinum pad side wire design plug, over the older double platinum, single platinum, or nickel electrode plug, as the fine wire iridium enhanced center electrode, with platinum pad side wire design can go in any cylinder & makes it easier to fire & with a hotter spark kernel that's longer lasting. Because iridium has a higher melting point than other metals, it can take higher heat loading without wear/the spark gap stays in spec longer.

As the spark gap is always opening up, I chose to use a Wire gauge & ease up on/don't pull the gauge through too tight a gap & damage the center electrode, or side wire platinum pad & set the spark gap at Min spec, thus gap will stay in spec even longer, while making a Hotter spark kernel, that makes for quicker year round starts for me.

If you live in cold country, you'll likely really notice quicker starts in winter, when system battery voltage is at it's lowest.

Because of the Double work load, also opt for Motorcraft plug wires, which are designed to take the double work load & in my experience are of high quality.

To help with my sticker shock I looked for sales, rebates & used online discount codes here https://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

Some thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

This is the Duratec 2.3l with a single plug per cylinder. I didn't think this engine had the wasted spark like my old 2.5l had.

Hence why I wondered if the fine wire was still the recommended plug for this engine... But it doesn't sound like they are a bad thing to use...

 

I'm using the fine wire plugs in my 94 3.8L Taurus distributor ignition system because as you supposed, it's a good design for that engine too.
It's a 90deg sidewinder, so the rear bank of plugs aren't easy to get at. Thus my decision to use them as they'll last longer & the spark gap will stay in spec longer. They give quicker year round starts in that port fuel injected engine too. I also use the Motorcraft plug wires, distributor cap & rotor, as all were good quality & reasonably priced with on line discounts, or from my local Motorcraft Distributor.

Just be mindful to be careful when checking/adjusting the spark gap, not to force the wire check gauge through too narrow a gap & damage the side wire platinum pad, or fine wire center electrode.
Use a torque wrench to tighten them to spec.

I also butter on a little quality GE, DowCorning, or Permatex/Loctite dielectric grease inside both ends of the plug wire boots & onto the spark plug external ceramic insulator, so to prevent flashover on rainy, or damp humid morning starts. It'll also prevent the plug boots from baking on, so are easier to remove later without damage.

If you use a anti-seize compound on the plug threads, like high temp nickel loaded Permatex/Loctite, adjust the torque wrench to the Min torque value, to allow for the lube affect, so as not to over tighten.

 

Thanks again!

I usually use the copper based anti-seize on spark plugs and the gray stuff on my other bolts. Good point on the torque setting.