Going to replace spark plugs and wires in 86 2.9

[jkufen]

LkWell the B2 has been running rough for the last few months and I think it could just be in need of a tune up. Some times while idling my B2 starts to studder and shake and the rpms drop below a 1000 and then bounces. I am going to start eliminating causes and i want to start with the cheapest. I haven't checked the plugs in it but i am sure by the previous owner they could very likely be the originals. Any advice on plugs and wires? The oem motorcraft plugs are $5 a plug at the local auto shop and if there is a product that works as well but cheaper thats right up my alley. I am going to replace the engine in 6-8 months so i dont want to put a tremendous amount of money into this 2.9 but i want it running well. If anyone has some other tips they are appreciated.

 

[509lifted]

i would just use motocraft plugs as that is what came in it, but when mine did that it was my timing so u might wanna get a cheap timing light and check ur timing

 

[jkufen]

I never thought about the timing. I might have to do that. Thanks for the tip!

 

[jkufen]

i would just use motocraft plugs as that is what came in it, but when mine did that it was my timing so u might wanna get a cheap timing light and check ur timing

If the timing is off would it do it randomly or would it constantly cause it to run rough? Mine is only occasional.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If the plugs are weak it will run rough under load, like going up a hill. It can't hurt to replace them if the truck is new to you.

Richard

 

[jkufen]

Ok my issue is idling it runs good when i give it gas but idling it sometimes has a hard time. I thought it might be related it it getting warm and the plugs misfiring but it does it when its cold too

 

[509lifted]

when u drive does it kinda bog down till u get to a certain speed

 

[4.0B2]

motorcraft plugs.. OEM style ONLY. no e3's no spitfires nothing fancy.

 

[adsm08]

If the engine is going to be replaced with something that won't take the same plug, get autolites.

 

[jkufen]

when u drive does it kinda bog down till u get to a certain speed

No it runs fine as long as my foot is on the gas it is just when it idles. If it starts sputtering and I rev it back up to 1000-1500 rpms it runs fine its just rough when it idles. I am not sure what the issue is but I have to start somewhere.

 

[jkufen]

At first I was trying to avoid the Motorcraft because they are $5 a plug. With me working for Advance Auto for 2 years I even know that $5 a plug is a little on the high end. Advance has a Motorcraft copper plug instead of the $5 platinum and its only $2.50 a plug so I might give them a whirl and see. It is not that I want to buy cheap things its just that since I began working on this truck I have found out the sometimes the cheaper priced stuff is just as good as the high priced stuff and right now being a full time student I don't have the green to throw away . With that being said if anyone knows a way of diagnosing my problem I would appreciate the advice before I start paying out money

 

[kimcrwbr1]

The cheapest is to clean the throttle body and and idle air control with carb cleaner good get a new throttle body gasket to put it back together. Put in a new PCV valve and clean the IAT intake air temp sensor in the plenum with rubbing alcohol. Disconnect the battery for 1/2 an hour to reset the computer. New low resistance plug wires never hurt. I have allways had good luck with autolite single platinum plugs!

 

[jkufen]

Anyone know if they is any write ups on cleaning the throttle body and other stuff? I have never done it and like to have an idea of what im doing before i start. Thanks!

 

[Tedybear]

.02cents. We've had excellent luck with NGK V-Power plugs. Cheap and works great.

Now back to your normal postings already in progress.

S-

 

[chrwilkins30]

Anyone know if they is any write ups on cleaning the throttle body and other stuff? I have never done it and like to have an idea of what im doing before i start. Thanks!

Heres just one I found real quick that seems pretty good.