Looking to do a tune up on my truck, rotor, cap plugs, wires. I've seen different opinions on what and what not to buy. Is the 9mm wires a good option or stick with factory? Might need to replace the distributor also, mine looks cruddy like it's been in saltwater and is different from other ones ive seen.

 

different how? Got a pic we can see to check it out? Curious what might have been installed and is old enough to look that bad.
On plug wires you can stick with factory, or go with Ford Racing wires, or probably several other brands too. I've heard of the occasional bad plug wire, but never had one yet myself (knock on wood and plastic and maybe some carbon-fiber for effect!). With the sad state of parts these days though, if you get Motorcraft branded stuff you at least have a better fighting chance.

How's it running now? Badly, or good enough and it's just time for a tune-up?

Paul

 

Running rough, and burning alot of gas. I know it's not great on gas but I have 2 tanks and have almost gone through both with not alot of miles and lacking in power. If you stomp gas pedal it has that hesitation. Have to get pic of distributor. Just got truck back lastnight, guy repacked wheel bearings and replaced bushings in the I beam axle but still has roaring noise, I know that the tires make noise but this sounds different?

 

Pull the codes and check trans fluid while you're at it.

 

If you are able to determine that the distributor needs replacing, I recommend you buy a new one, not remanufactured. I went through three remanufactured Cardone units before buying a new Car Quest brand. All three Cardone ones were bad out of the box, each faulty in a different way.

 

stick with the original copper plugs, the plug # and gap for plug is on vacuum diagram sticker

 

 

Your cap and rotor look due for replacement, but I wouldn't replace distributor based on how it looks, and only if it proves defective.

On the cap and rotor, I would recommend the ones with brass terminals.
And yes, you should check for any diagnostic codes.

 

Those parts are long overdue to be replaced. Is it an optical illusion or is the piece of tape stuck to the inside of the cap covering up one of the terminals?

I’d use Motorcraft for the cap and rotor and either Ford Racing or Motorcraft for the wires.

 

That tape is off the wire loom right next to it.

 

Yes tape is on wire loom, guy I bought it from said he just did a tune up but obviously he didn't! What I dont understand is why I have a tfl module in Glove box and not the distributor it fits? I'm going to stay with motorcraft even though it is more expensive but worth it. Cant seem to find plug wires at auto parts stores here and pricey online. Still throws a code for egr not working properly, changed sensor on top but didn't help. Does have a new tp sensor ( not sure what brand? )

 

They won't be on the shelves you have to go talk to someone at the counter. Bigger the parts store better the chance of having them in stock. Thats for just a normal plug wire, if you want the flashy looks of a coloured wire you will most likely have to order it in.

 

That's the problem! I can look online, find the part, click on it and it says doesn't fir your vehicle. I go in the stores, explain what I have and 50% of the time I get the wrong part so now I try to take the part with me and match them. I don't care about the flashy look, I just want it to run properly.

 

Try going to Rockauto online, very easy to purchase there.

 

What are you basing your plug selection on? If you are trying to match what's already installed then it sounds like the wrong plug is in it currently. If you select the plug the correct way (online or in the store) by looking it up by year/make/model/engine size then it's impossible to get the "doesn't fit your vehicle" error.