Distributor Cap?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
Distributor Cap?
Got a question to throw out there. I am not the best mechanic out there...and what I do know I learned from working on old cars and 18 wheelers with my dad...so my info is a little out of date.
I know the older cars needed to have their distributor caps changed for tune-up issues...
Is the 4.2 equipped with a cap or a coil pack?...and does the coil pack have to be changed to maintain optimal performance?
I know the older cars needed to have their distributor caps changed for tune-up issues...
Is the 4.2 equipped with a cap or a coil pack?...and does the coil pack have to be changed to maintain optimal performance?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
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From: Trussville, Alabama
MJ,
Our engines have high energy electronic ignition. We do NOT have COP (Coil On Plug) ignition systems. Our spark is high voltage when it leaves the ignition module mounted atop the intake. There is no distributor as was present on older style engines.
I believe not having COP ignition is one thing that makes the 4.2 exhibit problems related to the plug wires. It is easier for high voltage to find leaks than it is for low voltage (COP system) to find leaks.
Given the choice, I'd chose what we have. I like it simple (and less expensive). I can replace all plugs and wires for about $80. I am not sure, but I believe one coil pack for a COP system costs more than that - and they DO fail.
As far as maintenance; plugs and wires = yes. Ignition module = only if it fails.
Our engines have high energy electronic ignition. We do NOT have COP (Coil On Plug) ignition systems. Our spark is high voltage when it leaves the ignition module mounted atop the intake. There is no distributor as was present on older style engines.
I believe not having COP ignition is one thing that makes the 4.2 exhibit problems related to the plug wires. It is easier for high voltage to find leaks than it is for low voltage (COP system) to find leaks.
Given the choice, I'd chose what we have. I like it simple (and less expensive). I can replace all plugs and wires for about $80. I am not sure, but I believe one coil pack for a COP system costs more than that - and they DO fail.
As far as maintenance; plugs and wires = yes. Ignition module = only if it fails.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
Interesting...I am currently running Bosch Platinum 2 plugs...does anyone have any experience with these...lately my gas mileage has went to crap. It may be the cold weather...but I am looking for other solutions. Thought it may have been the Ignition Module, since all other tune up items are up to speed. guess I need to investigate some better injection cleaners now.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
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From: Durham, NC
Bosch plugs DO NOT do well in Fords!!! Go back to Motorcraft platinums.....But, with EDIS firing the plugs every revolution of the crank, and firing 2 plugs in series (2X the voltage), then the plug wires do break down sooner, than with a conventional ignition system...
Last edited by Bob Ayers; Jan 19, 2004 at 03:10 PM.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
If I remember correctly when I got these Bosch plugs I did it because the dealer wanted like 12 bucks a piece for the motorcraft platinums...is there any place to get them cheaper. I also used Gabriel Sorenson Xact wires. Are they any good...and should I replace them with the plugs since they only have 35,000 miles on them.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
BTW...I posted some pics of my truck (red 97), and an F250 that me and my dad restored a few years back. Its a 67 with the factory flatbet. Its got a sweet diamond plate custom made rear bumper but the file was to big to fit. I am gonna try to get it up...its the sweetest part of the truck. check em out I am pretty happy with both of em.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
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From: Cajun Country
MJ, you can get Motorcraft platinum plugs at Autozone and O'Reilleys. They sell them from $3.99 to $4.49 a plug. I got mine from my local Ford dealership for $2.98 a plug. Sometimes the Ford parts guys give you a break. Go back with this part #;
Motorcraft AGSF-42FM gapped @ .054"
I also use Motorcraft wires from Ford and paid $50.00 from the dealer. O'Reilleys also sells Motorcraft wires. If it were mine ide change both.
Motorcraft AGSF-42FM gapped @ .054"
I also use Motorcraft wires from Ford and paid $50.00 from the dealer. O'Reilleys also sells Motorcraft wires. If it were mine ide change both.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Boothbay USA
Apparently it depends what kind of mood your FORD parts guy is...the dealer i got my truck from wanted 12 bucks a plug and 98 bucks for wires....that's the old style with the coil in the center. Luckily I can have connections at a local chevy dealer who will order me the parts from his distributor and sell em to me for near cost....4 bucks a plug and 45 bucks for wires....
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
Anybody know the part numbers on the Motorcraft Plug Wire set for the 97, 4.2L....I think the ford dealership is trying to sell me some kinda performance plug...and I wanna have a buddy who works at a mazda dealership get them for me at cost. Thanks in advance.....