Spark plug wires
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Spark plug wires
My '96 4.0 has 148K miles on the original spark plug wires, and MPG remains very good. Is there a magic number at which one should replace these wires? If so, as they are going to be bears to replace, what's the best brand? Stick with OEM, or what? (Plugs have about 50K on them). Secondly, I'd love to install a real oil pressure gauge, but where? Anyone tried one of those aftermarket A pillar mounts? Thanks, all.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I think the consensus is to stick with Motorcraft wires and plugs, with Autolite running a close second. I put a set of Borg/Warner wires on my '96 4wd and within 20,000 miles the #2 cyl. wire was cracked and misfiring. Motorcraft wires solved the problem.
A few weeks ago, there was some discussion on Ford's bogus oil pressure guage and how to convert them to a real guage. Do a forum search on "post pod", that should get you there.
A few weeks ago, there was some discussion on Ford's bogus oil pressure guage and how to convert them to a real guage. Do a forum search on "post pod", that should get you there.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
Usually you replace wires at around the 100K mark. Stick with Motorcraft/Autolite plugs. Others tend to cause issues with the DIS.
As for your oil pressure gauge, I would just convert your OEM gauge to be more accurate by following the steps on this page:
http://rogueperformance.com/oilsw.html
As for your oil pressure gauge, I would just convert your OEM gauge to be more accurate by following the steps on this page:
http://rogueperformance.com/oilsw.html
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey, New Jersey
I installed Bosch Platinums in my Aero and no problems.
Although I used generic wires (Double Silicones) I will be using Motorcraft wires and plugs while I'm at the dealer from now on since the drivers side rear wire didn't reach so I had to buy 2 boxes of plug wires to get all the wires replaced.
If your at the dealer getting Motorcraft wires just pickup the plugs while your at it unless the prices are ridiculous even if they seem reasonable go online to fordparts.com and compare the dealer price if you have the time they usually have good deals on OEM parts for example they sold me an oil pan gasket for my 3.0 $32.00 + 7.95 shipping for a total of $39.95 shipped to my door when my local dealer wanted to charge me $45.00 and I had to come back and pick it up.
Although I used generic wires (Double Silicones) I will be using Motorcraft wires and plugs while I'm at the dealer from now on since the drivers side rear wire didn't reach so I had to buy 2 boxes of plug wires to get all the wires replaced.
If your at the dealer getting Motorcraft wires just pickup the plugs while your at it unless the prices are ridiculous even if they seem reasonable go online to fordparts.com and compare the dealer price if you have the time they usually have good deals on OEM parts for example they sold me an oil pan gasket for my 3.0 $32.00 + 7.95 shipping for a total of $39.95 shipped to my door when my local dealer wanted to charge me $45.00 and I had to come back and pick it up.
Last edited by krankshaft; Mar 8, 2005 at 02:51 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: North Alabama
I learned my lesson there the hard way. Motorcraft factory parts for me. Went through 2 sets of the "premium brand" wires, finally gave up on them. Bad clips, bad crimps, and a pain to change.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
MO51, look at it this way. You have 148K on the original wires, and MPG is still acceptable. Hence, Motorcraft!!! I have used aftermarket before on my Aerostar, and regreted it, and went back to Motorcraft. Autolite Platinums are good plugs too, the same plug, basically, as a Motorcraft plug. Just take your time, and work on the engine when it is cold. Use a dab of antiseize on the plug threads, and a dab of dialetic clear grease on the plug and boot connector. Lastly, pick up some new plug seperators. High engine heat makes them brittle, and they break easy when removing. You'll be glad to have extras at this time. Ed
PS Changing plug wires, you probably don't need to disconnect the negative cable. However, anytime I do any type of plug work, I always disconnect the negative cable as a precaution.
PS Changing plug wires, you probably don't need to disconnect the negative cable. However, anytime I do any type of plug work, I always disconnect the negative cable as a precaution.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
HelenB
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
1
May 17, 2016 04:38 PM
longbowhunter
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Mar 29, 2008 12:44 PM
