changing plugs - remove manifold?
changing plugs - remove manifold?
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si, senior.
that is i suppose the easiest way...
took me a 10 light years to get those plugs out without removing the intake.
yes, removing the intake may take a little longer than you want to do, but its less frustrating. trust me, less frustrating.
hope this helps.
by the way, i have a 96 2.3l...maybe different on yours.. not sure though.
that is i suppose the easiest way...
took me a 10 light years to get those plugs out without removing the intake.
yes, removing the intake may take a little longer than you want to do, but its less frustrating. trust me, less frustrating.
hope this helps.
by the way, i have a 96 2.3l...maybe different on yours.. not sure though.
Last edited by Ken00; Oct 20, 2003 at 12:39 PM.
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Thanks
Thanks for the confirmation.
That is just an unbelievably idiotic, irresponsible, and poor design. I'd like to meet the responsible engineer to find out what the heck he was thinking.
The crazy connectors on the fuel filter are also annoying.
What ever happened to just using hose clamps?
And why do you have to unbolt the whole brake caliper assembly just to change the brake pads?
(as you can see, I've not been happy with the service design of this truck...)
Ok, rant off! - thanks again for the info.
- Chris
That is just an unbelievably idiotic, irresponsible, and poor design. I'd like to meet the responsible engineer to find out what the heck he was thinking.
The crazy connectors on the fuel filter are also annoying.
What ever happened to just using hose clamps?
And why do you have to unbolt the whole brake caliper assembly just to change the brake pads?
(as you can see, I've not been happy with the service design of this truck...)
Ok, rant off! - thanks again for the info.
- Chris
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
3000 km away from home,in the back laneway and no screw-ups allowed: it took me 2 1/2 hours to re&re all eight plugs. All gapped, no broken parts an no blood lost. The ONLY secret is to take your time to think about what you are doing. Other than that, I'd like to get my hands around the neck of the guy the thought that one up!!! Oh, P.S. Mine IS a '97 2.3 no air,no ps.
Last edited by Dealford; Oct 20, 2003 at 02:35 PM.
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From: Connecticut
changing plugs - remove manifold?
Welcome to FTE mrcdsmith,
Sounds like you have the same problem as I and gdoggy had just recently. We both used a socket wrench w/ varing extensions to extract the plugs from there locations going through the "spider like" manifold gaps.
IT IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT on the intake side but a breeze on the exhaust. It can be done but you need patients to perform this task.
______________________________________________
90 Ranger 2.3L EFI 2wd Mazda
Sounds like you have the same problem as I and gdoggy had just recently. We both used a socket wrench w/ varing extensions to extract the plugs from there locations going through the "spider like" manifold gaps.
IT IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT on the intake side but a breeze on the exhaust. It can be done but you need patients to perform this task.______________________________________________
90 Ranger 2.3L EFI 2wd Mazda
Last edited by wolfen; Oct 22, 2003 at 10:22 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
I haven't had the pleasure of doing any of these but, back when I used to visit the ToolMan regular-like, he said that they had a double universal that allowed you to get at these a alot easier.
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You can do it without removing the manifold. Just like was mentioned before you have to use a socket wrench with varying combinations of extensions and universals and patience. The first time I did mine it took about 2 hours. Now with over 200K and having done it several times now it seems routine and only takes about 1/2 hour to 45 mins.
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From: Greensboro, NC
I'm in the process of changing the timing belt and plugs on my '95 2.3L now. The first time I changed plugs (3 yrs ago) I took off the intake manifold - it seems to be the least frustrating way to go. I'll give it another look, but I still think removing the intake manifold is easier. I can't even get my hand to touch the #4 plug on intake side. Ford put extension handles on the plug boots on the intake side, so it appears they intended the plugs to be removed without removing the intake manifold, but I can't see how.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
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From: Belleville, Ontario
The only problems that I have with the std. steering is at the end of a long day at work I have to muster up the strength to get out of the parking lot. Even when I towed a 72 340 duster from Calgary to Toronto with my 4cyl. Ranger, the steering was easy enough to handle. Some day, I might even put a radio in it! The spark plug arrangement on these 2.3s is exactly the kind of job I thrive on. Check my signature, I'm not kidding!
Last edited by Dealford; Oct 23, 2003 at 02:23 PM.
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This weekend I finally got around to trying to tackle this job a second time and I can confirm that it is not necessary to remove the manifold to change the plugs - but yes, it is a pain in the butt! As suspected, the problem is really just the rearmost plug on the drivers side.
What you absolutely need is a universal joint spark plug socket and a long (12" or greater) ratchet extension. Make sure the rubber grip inside the socket is good and snug or you'll never be able to insert and retrieve the plugs. The hardest part is replacing the boot on the plug once you've put the new one in. Long needle nosed pliers and also a long screwdriver or stiff piece of wire are useful.
A 10-year old son or daughter would probably be useful too!
I think a kid's hands could be just small and nimble enough to reach underneath the manifold and position the boot on the plug. Next time I'm gonna call my nephew!
Thanks again everyone for the advice.
What you absolutely need is a universal joint spark plug socket and a long (12" or greater) ratchet extension. Make sure the rubber grip inside the socket is good and snug or you'll never be able to insert and retrieve the plugs. The hardest part is replacing the boot on the plug once you've put the new one in. Long needle nosed pliers and also a long screwdriver or stiff piece of wire are useful.
A 10-year old son or daughter would probably be useful too!
I think a kid's hands could be just small and nimble enough to reach underneath the manifold and position the boot on the plug. Next time I'm gonna call my nephew!
Thanks again everyone for the advice.
Last edited by Ken00; Nov 10, 2003 at 04:10 PM.
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Addendum
After 85k miles the plugs were worn down like shark's teeth.
I don't think the previous owner ever changed them.
The good news is that changing the plugs and fuel filter brought me from 17MPG up to the truck's rated 23MPG.
After 85k miles the plugs were worn down like shark's teeth.
I don't think the previous owner ever changed them.
The good news is that changing the plugs and fuel filter brought me from 17MPG up to the truck's rated 23MPG.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: MISSOURI
i was just reading thru the forums when i saw this thread. i have a 94,2wdrive,2.3,and i am going too replace the plugs today. iwas wondering how do you get your hand in ther too get the boot/plug out? after reading this i think i have a good ideal-no easy way! hope i can find some more patiance before i start(might need it)lol.any body recommend the best plug too use,and should i change anything else while i am under there and am using all that patience that i have found.thanks guys this fte site is great
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: NC
Just to add a bit more to the thread. If you are going to remove the intake it would be a good idea to buy the replacement gaskets for the reassembly. The intake gasket and the gasket on the throttle body cost me ~$3 and are worth replacing if you have it apart.