Spark Plugs - Ford Forums

89F150 · 10-13-2003, 20:04

Going to do a spark plug change. it looks like its going to be a PITA to do with the exhaust manifold and all that in the way. I've never done it before on this vehicle. Reckon i should just take it to the mechanic or spend an afternoon swearing my head off.

89F150 · 10-13-2003, 20:05

Also should i stick with the motorcraft plugs

351w · 10-13-2003, 20:48

just spend the time and do it yourself !
it cant be any harder than installing plugs and wires on a 2000 explorer sport.
i had to pull the right front wheel and take part of the inner fender off to do that one.
go with an aftermarket plug !
i refuse to buy anything motorcraft their too expensive for the low quality you get.

'92BigBronco · 10-13-2003, 23:27

I personally would go with Champion's Truck Plug. I tend to stay away from the platinum type plugs for the simple fact that I had a Bosch fail after 2000 miles. The electrode basically fell out of the plug, rattled around in the cylinder, and bent the exhaust valve on its way out.

I've used the truck plug ever since and haven't had a single issue. Something else to consider.....platimum type plugs CANNOT be re-gapped once the vehicle has been run.

Regarding the difficulty of the job, the driver's side is a piece of cake but the passenger side can be a bit of a pain with the AC accumulator, smog pump lines, etc. in the way but it's not that bad. Catch number 3 and 4 through the wheel well with a few extensions and a universal joint and numbers 1 and 2 are easy to get to from up top.

89F150 · 10-14-2003, 20:48

I cant even get the spark plug socket thing iin over the plugs to even get them out. I need to go do some shopping for a not so wide socket.

351w · 10-14-2003, 21:16

sometimes if you have a regular spark plug socket it is easier to get on um if you pull the rubber insert out of your socket.
but keep it and dont throw it away cause one the other side of the motor you will appreciate the insert when you dont keep droppin your plugs under the truck.

89F150 · 10-14-2003, 21:18

I was thinking of taking that out but i gave up. I'll give it a go when this rain goes away.