Spark plug wires
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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.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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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.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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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
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Joined: Dec 2004
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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
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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.
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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.
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