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Will 3.0L run with Autolite copper core plugs?


Rangstang

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I replaced my plug wires and plugs with copper core Autolites to correct a miss, but now it hardly runs at all. I've double checked wire positioning, so I know that's not the problem. I don't know if it's due to a bad plug wire or if the 3.0 has to run double platinums. Does anyone know if they're a must?
 


kunar

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as far as i know, theres no reason they wouldnt work. they will wear faster than the plats, but should still run just fine. i use autolite coppers in almost everything i buy plugs for.

any chance you knocked a vacuum line off or unplugged a sensor or something?
 

00ranger3.0

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Hello . i'm new to the forum and i just purchased my ranger, but am a mechanic and when i started working on my ranger i replaced the plugs and wires, and the plugs that were in my ranger were Autolites. On Cyl #2 the Plug electrode was completely gone. like the plug was almost FLAT when i pulled it. I couldn't believe i didn't have an engine light or the engine was running rough. It just could be a coincidence, but i personally wouldn't put autolites back in after seeing that. I replaced my plugs with the Motorcraft Platinum plugs but have also always been a fan of the NGK's. Again just a personal opinion but i wish you the best of luck.
 
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Rangstang

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mtnrgr said:
Did you check the gap on all 6 plugs to make sure they are correct?
Click to expand...
Gap was verified on all 6 plugs to .044" as per the sticker on the core support.
 
stmitch

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Typically, the 3.0 prefers cheap copper plugs compared to fancy platinum/double platinum ones. Basic Autolites or Motorcrafts have a very good reputation among the 3.0 crowd. You shouldn't have any issues running a copper Autolite in the appropriate heat range. Something else is going on.
 
Rangstang

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kunar said:
as far as i know, theres no reason they wouldnt work. they will wear faster than the plats, but should still run just fine. i use autolite coppers in almost everything i buy plugs for.

any chance you knocked a vacuum line off or unplugged a sensor or something?
Click to expand...
I only noticed one vacuum line even near me when I was changing them out. I disconnected it to get it out of the way so I wouldn't break it while working and reconnected once complete.

I've also seen two versions of wire positioning for the 3.0L V6 engines online. My Haynes manual shows this:



This is the other version I've found:

 
bizarro302

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I recently put some in my 94 and it runs better t
 
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