changing spark plugs in 89 ranger 2.3 with 8 plugs

[lil' mark]

I need to change my plugs,I have never did this,haven't needed to.I got the truck with 40,000 miles and it now has 107,000 after 5 years. I was told that I had to do something else,that I could not just change plugs and go on.Something like reset "timing" I do not know, my friend told me this.I have read other post on other pages/forums that people asking what to do because after changing plugs their number 3 cylinder was not firing correctly.This is one
instance I was reading. So is there something else that has to be done when changing plugs. I believe this will be the first time since it was new!It runs OK,just starting to feel like it needs new plugs. Thanks to who responds!

[rangerpimpn84]

ive never heard that bfor and if thats the case i wouldve noticed some kind of idle problem. but i hadnt yet. by the way have fun with the very last one in the back on the drivers side. its a total sob.

[Jonboy]

Get a 2ft. 3/8" drive extention, a 3/8" drive swivel, 5/8" plug socket for 3/8 drive and a 3/8" drive ratchet. Done this several times it only takes me 15 mins.

[CMLJESSE]

Are these sizes of extensions, drive swivels, sockets, & ratchets universal for Rangers? In other words, is that what I use to change plugs in a 2000 2.5L?

[lil' mark]

Get a 2ft. 3/8" drive extention, a 3/8" drive swivel, 5/8" plug socket for 3/8 drive and a 3/8" drive ratchet. Done this several times it only takes me 15 mins.

I have all those extensions and swivel, I already figured that in,thanks ! My main concern was that I did not have to mess with any chip or something inside of the 2 distributors or reset the timing. My friend told me to just take the pos battery cable off and put it back on and that would reset the timing.i never heard of such, have you?I did read on a sticker under the hood about re-setting timing.It said:
1 turn off eng
2 disconnect the in-line spout connector
3 re-start previously warmed eng
4 adjust ignition timing to 10 deg BTDC
5 turn off eng and restore electrical connection
This has nothing to do with changing plugs,this is if your out of time and need to re-set.
So you are saying that I can just put the plugs in and not have to do anything
else because I changed plugs,you have did this in a ranger,correct?

Thanks Lil' Mark

[Cherrybomb]

You dont have to touch ur timing. I have changed mine only thing that happen was that it ran better cause no one every changed the plugs. i was the first at 148,000. And for the positive battery cable re-setting timing thing. that wont re-set ur timing.

[RobbieD]

Just change the plugs. No need to disconnect the battery or dick with resetting anything. If the plug wires are original or look beat, wouldn't be a bad idea to put a new, good-brand set of stock wires on it, especially since you're likely going to stress the old ones getting them off. Just take your time, keep your cool when something doesn't go right, and don't cross-thread any putting them in. Good luck; you'll do fine.

[HAPPY_RANGER_GUY]

If the plug wires are original or look beat, wouldn't be a bad idea to put a new, good-brand set of stock wires on it...



Yeah...change the wires too. Very good idea!
And take er slow, enjoy a beer or two while ya do the whole process.

T.

[Army]

Don't forget to swap out the 4 afterburners too. The better the exhaust smells to the o2 sensors, the less CE lights come on.

Changing wires was one of the best things I did to my engine, after 240,000 rolled over. Better response, and mileage, with all the power now making it to the plugs. Bought the Accel set, couldn't be happier.

[Sevensecondsuv]

Don't forget to put anti-sieze on the new plugs. You'll thank yourself the next time you change them.

[radranger]

make sure u get ur spark plugs from ford they should be mototcraft,if u use a different brand after u have 70,000mi on your ranger will burn them out so quickly,why i am not sure but the people at the auto store told me as did my own personal mechanic..

[HAPPY_RANGER_GUY]

make sure u get ur spark plugs from ford they should be mototcraft,if u use a different brand after u have 70,000mi on your ranger will burn them out so quickly,why i am not sure but the people at the auto store told me as did my own personal mechanic..


Autolites work good also. Some people say the double platinum plugs are worth the extra cost, some say no. I use them for the longer wear.

[Army]

Despite the opposition here to them, I really have good luck and long distance with Bosch Platinums. While Autolites are OEM, they aren't the end-all or necessarily the best for your truck.

[debogus]

Agree with Army

topic starter >>>50 thousand miles on a set of plugs?

Plugs are so much cheaper than the cat ,that the worn out plugs WILL burn up. ( or the posible head rebuild)
Which leads to no power, high exaust back preasure , burned exaust valve ,not passing smog , guess how I know this one.:icon_idea:

Which in other parts of the country isnt that big of a deal , but here means no tags.

[jubangy]

With 107k on the clock wouldn't it be a good idea to change the timing belt also?

[RobbieD]

With 107k on the clock wouldn't it be a good idea to change the timing belt also?

Yes, it's definitely a good idea to change, or at least inspect the timing belt. But, I figure let's not throw too much at once at a guy that's just looking to do his first plug-changing on a DP 2.3L. Trying to tackle too much at once for somebody starting learn the ropes on doing his own maintenance and repair can easily turn into a bad experience, not a positive one. It's usually better to keep the beginning jobs simple, and then tackle increasingly more complex jobs as the experience and confidence builds.

[CMLJESSE]

Good call, Robbie! I LOVE working on the Ranger, but it does take some time and patience.