97' Ranger Spark Plugs
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Canada
97' Ranger Spark Plugs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-14-03 AT 06:14 PM (EST)]
What are the odds that changing the original spark plugs on a 97 ranger will cause head damage? There is about 130,000km on the engine. Service manual says to change at 160,000km
What should I do prior to attempting the change? Cool engine down?, get it hot? use wd 40 etc????
Thanks
What are the odds that changing the original spark plugs on a 97 ranger will cause head damage? There is about 130,000km on the engine. Service manual says to change at 160,000km
What should I do prior to attempting the change? Cool engine down?, get it hot? use wd 40 etc????
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 330
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From: W-S
97' Ranger Spark Plugs
I've never heard of changing the plugs causing the head to crack. Let the engine cool down so you don't burn your hands. You'll probably need a swivel attachment for your spark plug socket to get to em on that model. The only real thing you need to worry about is setting the gap on your new plugs before you screw em in.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 773
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From: VA/USA
97' Ranger Spark Plugs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-14-03 AT 10:55 PM (EST)] I could be wrong, but I don't believe any Ranger engines had aluminum heads in '97 - or any other year for that matter, though again, I could be wrong about that, but I do know that one can damage an aluminum head (found on many "modern" vehicles) by changing out plugs while the engine is hot - and as mathelm mentioned - unless one likes burned flesh - I'd advise against it anyway.
PS Most good plugs are "pre"-gapped - but it's good practice to "check" or verify that they are, in fact, set correctly. I don't think WD-40 is going to help, other than maybe to clean the area around the plug-hole, though there are better products for that - which is also good practice - to keep debris out of the engine - a short-handled brush w/stiff bristles really cleans the area thoroughly. And don't be like me and over-tourque the plug - they snap pretty easy - certainly use a special type spark-plug socket, w/ the rubber cushion inside.
Best of luck, Glenn ...
PS Most good plugs are "pre"-gapped - but it's good practice to "check" or verify that they are, in fact, set correctly. I don't think WD-40 is going to help, other than maybe to clean the area around the plug-hole, though there are better products for that - which is also good practice - to keep debris out of the engine - a short-handled brush w/stiff bristles really cleans the area thoroughly. And don't be like me and over-tourque the plug - they snap pretty easy - certainly use a special type spark-plug socket, w/ the rubber cushion inside.
Best of luck, Glenn ...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
97' Ranger Spark Plugs
> Cool engine down?
Warm, not stone cold.
Mark the plug wires (#1-#6).
Clean around all the plugs before taking them out.
Twist the wires (1/4 turn) before pulling them off and coat the boots with silicon grease before reinstalling them.
At 80k miles, I would change the wires too. If you put a meter on them you will probably find a lot of resistance. Which can nuke teh coil pack after a while.
Great time to check the coil pack.
Put them back in with your fingers. Easiest way is to put your finger in the hole and guide the plug to it with the other hand so you do not bump the plug and change the gap.
> use wd 40 etc????
No.
I would put anti-seize on the threads. Go back a week later and resnug the plugs if needed.
Warm, not stone cold.
Mark the plug wires (#1-#6).
Clean around all the plugs before taking them out.
Twist the wires (1/4 turn) before pulling them off and coat the boots with silicon grease before reinstalling them.
At 80k miles, I would change the wires too. If you put a meter on them you will probably find a lot of resistance. Which can nuke teh coil pack after a while.
Great time to check the coil pack.
Put them back in with your fingers. Easiest way is to put your finger in the hole and guide the plug to it with the other hand so you do not bump the plug and change the gap.
> use wd 40 etc????
No.
I would put anti-seize on the threads. Go back a week later and resnug the plugs if needed.
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